Cruelty to Animals 

Arkansas News reports that Senate Bill 77, an anti-animal cruelty bill that makes any torture imposed upon a dog, cat or horse a felony, has been signed into law. Maximum penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty will now include up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines, including an additional five years for anyone conducting the acts in the presence of a child.

The new law will become effective 90 days after the end of the current legislative session, as no emergency clause was included in the bill. Until that time, the Criminal Justice Center will implement a $250,000 training program for new and existing officers regarding enforcing the new law.

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