Proposed ND Ballot Measure Targets Animal Cruelty

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A proposed North Dakota ballot measure would make "extreme cruelty" to dogs, cats and horses a felony crime.

Backers of the idea turned in a proposed initiative petition to Secretary of State Al Jaeger on Tuesday. Jaeger has a week to review it and approve it for circulation.

After that, supporters have a year to get about 13,500 petition signatures. If they're successful, the proposal will get a statewide vote.

The measure provides a possible five-year prison term for extreme cruelty to cats, dogs and horses. It lists beating, poisoning, burning, suffocating and crushing as examples of extreme cruelty.

The measure says anyone convicted of felony animal cruelty could be barred from owning a cat, dog or horse for up to five years.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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