INDIANAPOLIS— Today, the Senate Correction and Criminal Law Committee voted down SB 41 on a 3-4 vote. The bill would have enhanced the penalty for animal cruelty from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony. Senator J.D. Ford offered the following statement: 

“While I’m disappointed in today’s vote, I’d like to thank all of the advocates who came to testify on this very difficult issue. I do understand some of the concerns voiced by committee members and am committed to working with them to address those concerns in the second half of session when we consider bills passed by the House. I believe there is a path forward to holding animal abusers accountable and will continue working to do so.”