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House passes animal cruelty bill

A bill to strengthen North Dakota’s animal cruelty laws has passed the House.

It creates a class “C” felony charge for the third offense of animal abuse. And supporters say it protects farmers and ranchers. That felony charge would carry a maximum 5 years in prison.

Rep. Craig Headland (R-Montpelier) says he thinks the bill might be a bit of an overreach – but he supported it.

"If it keeps out of state animal rights activists from coming to our state and putting through a ballot initiative, I believe it's probably proper and fitting," said Headland.

A ballot initiative on animal cruelty failed in the 2012 general election. Opponents of the initiated measure said they were working on an alternative to bring to the 2013 Legislature.

It passed 90-1. The bill now goes back to the Senate, to see if it agrees with House amendments. And it will likely end up in a conference committee.

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