Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Legislation passed by the Ohio House would stiffen penalties for abuse of pets and other companion animals.
The House overwhelmingly voted Thursday in favor of the measure. The Senate has yet to consider it.
The legislation would make it a fifth-degree felony to knowingly cause serious physical harm to a companion animal. Such an act could include partially incapacitating an animal, causing it long-term pain or depriving it of water, food and shelter.
The measure would apply to companion animals kept in homes and those in pet stores.
It is sponsored by Democratic Rep. Bill Patmon of Cleveland and Republican Rep. David Hall of Millersburg. They say research has shown links between mistreatment of animals and other types of offenses, including crimes that hurt people.