Supporters Fought the Good Fight, but Animals Lose Again
Last night at midnight time ran out for the 2006 Utah State Legislative session. HB 61, which would have made torture of an animal a third-degree felony offense, and also require the court to recommend psychological counseling for convicted, had been introduced by Rep Scott Wyatt (R-Logan) this year. The bill had passed the House of Representatives and should have been heard on the Senate floor, but it was held back in the Senate Rules Committee and didn’t even get a chance to be debated. It is more than likely that this happened because of pressure brought by powerful individuals who personally did not want to see this bill become law.
In spite of this setback, the Humane Society of Utah wishes to express its most sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to e-mail legislators urging support of HB 61; to the many legislators who did indeed support the bill; and most of all, our gratitude goes to Rep. Scott Wyatt for his valiant efforts in attempting for the second time to get a felony animal-cruelty law passed in Utah. At the beginning of this campaign, he stated that if the bill failed in the 2006 session (as it also did in 2005), he will try again next year. This is courage at its finest, and we are proud to have worked with him for this important cause.
While forty-one other states have felony animal-cruelty provisions in their laws, Utah has traditionally rejected attempts to come up to that standard. Nevertheless, we did have hopes that this year might be the year change could be effected. The bill was supported by eloquent editorials in both of the state’s major newspapers, the legislature was overwhelmed by messages of support for HB 61 from the public, and several Representatives, Senators, and other influential individuals responded to constituents with strongly favorable remarks.
For instance, Senator Scott McCoy (District 2) wrote, "I wholeheartedly support this bill [and] look forward to voting for it when it comes to the Utah State senate." Senate Minority Whip Gene Davis assured voters, "I am in favor of this bill and plan on voting for it. Animal cruelty is a problem that needs to be addresses and this will allow for action to be taken." Senator Ed Mayne wrote, "I have over 1400 e-mails in my system and am getting over 300 [more] a day. I have received over 200 e-mails on [HB 61] alone . . . probably 95% of it is in support of the bill. I am passionately supportive of HB 61 and will work to get it out of Rules and voted on by the full Senate." Perhaps one of the most articulate voices raised in favor of HB 61 was that of former Salt Lake County Commissioner and Deputy Sheriff Pete Kutulas, who told his Senator, "This is a matter I feel strongly about. I hope you will do some serious arm twisting - or breaking, if needed. You are quite correct in your assertion that youngsters who torture animals are frequently prone to commit serious crimes in later life. My lifelong experience in law enforcement tells me it’s true. We claim to be decent, civilized people . . . who then can look into the eyes of a horribly abused animal and not feel compassion? I wish you good luck [in getting this bill passed]."
Please continue to visit the Humane Society’s regular website for important information on issues affecting animals throughout the state. Again, thank you to each and every individual who spoke out for the voiceless. YOU MATTERED. YOU STOOD UP AND COUNTED FOR SOMETHING. YOU ARE, IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING, HELPING TO CHANGE THINGS.