Animal cruelty: New bill falls short
Mississippi lawmakers have approved a strengthened animal abuse law, but it still falls short of penalties needed to curb and punish acts of extreme cruelty.
The bill, awaiting Gov. Haley Barbour’s signature, creates a new charge of aggravated cruelty for anyone who intentionally tortures, burns, starves or disfigures a dog or cat. The first offense is a misdemeanor. If another act occurs within five years, the person could be charged with a felony.
The bill doesn’t mention the word kill in its list of abuses. At least, a court can order restitution and require a psychiatric evaluation.
Clarion Ledger
4/4/11
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Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordability
The bill passed on Thursday would reduce regulations, regulate corporate investors and expand how housing dollars can be used to build affordable homes and rentals.
