INDIANAPOLIS — The Corrections and Criminal Law Committee voted down Senate Bill 41 (SB41) last week. This bill pushes for harsher penalties for acts of animal cruelty.
SB 41 was proposed by Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis). The bill would change animal cruelty charges from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5.
A Level 6 felony is considered the least serious felony in the state of Indiana. Those facing a Level 6 felony receive a sentence that ranges from six months to two and a half years in prison, and an advisory sentence of one year. Other Level 6 felonies include shoplifting, drug paraphernalia possession and resisting arrest.
Judges can also choose to reduce Level 6 felonies into Class A misdemeanors. The penalty for a Class A misdemeanor is 0 to 365 days in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000.
Changing animal cruelty offenses to a Level 5 felony would mean those facing charges would receive a sentence that ranges between one and six years in prison, and an advisory sentence of three years.
The bill failed on a 3-4 vote.
Although SB 41 did not pass, Sen. Ford and others who serve on the committee passed House Bill 1306 (HB 1306), which raises the killing of police dogs to a Level 5 felony.
HB 1306 will go to the Senate in upcoming months.
-
Pedestrian struck, killed on northeast side of Indy
IMPD is investigating after a person was killed in a hit-and-run crash near 38th Street and Keystone Avenue.1984: Before Airbnb and VRBO, race fans relied on people like Mim Cork
Mim Cork welcomed race fans into her Speedway home for nearly two decades. Visitors could stay for just $15 per guest, per day.Organizations work to 'break the stigma' amid Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Shedding light on mental health in marginalized groups is the goal of the practice Connected in Community.Fatal carjacking victim’s family begs prosecutor for no plea deal for suspect
Shane Coffman, 51, died following a carjacking at a gas station on English Avenue. Police say he was rammed into a gas pump when a man stole his car.