BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- An Idaho House panel has introduced legislation that would redefine animal cruelty and torture.
House Agricultural Affairs Chairman Ken Andrus of Blackfoot says his proposal would create a new definition for torture that only applies to acts that intentionally cause an animal to suffer or feel pain. However, it would not apply to accidents or neglected animals.
Furthermore, animal cruelty would no longer apply to animals killed or wounded by being overworked.
The panel approved sending the bill to a full legislative hearing on Thursday, with only Republican Rep. Gayle Batt of Wilder opposed.
Separately, the bill would also narrow the definition of companion animals to domesticated pets and not production animals, such as cattle, goats or guard dogs.
