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.
-
96th Street bridge connects Indianapolis and Fishers along Nickel Plate Trail
A new pedestrian bridge is connecting Indianapolis and Fishers along the Nickel Plate Trail, giving walkers, runners and cyclists a safer, more seamless route between the two cities.
Black, minority entrepreneurs find community, opportunity at The AMP at 16 Tech
Black and minority entrepreneurs are finding space to launch their dreams, grow their businesses and leave their mark on Indianapolis' thriving food scene at The AMP at 16 Tech.
Fernando Mendoza at NFL Combine: 'Whatever team drafts me, I'm grateful'
Fernando Mendoza spoke to reporters at the NFL Combine this week, addressing his draft prospects, areas of focus heading into his rookie season and what the next chapter of his career could look like.
How money dysmorphia may be affecting your spending habits
Sitting down to look at your finances can be overwhelming. You may discover you’re doing better than you thought or worse.
