American Humane Association Urges Support for Ohio's House Bill 55

Bill would increase punishment for animal cruelty, require psychological evaluation of children who abuse pets, and urge courts to include pets in domestic-violence protection orders

DENVER, June 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association reiterated its strong support of Ohio House Bill 55, asking voters to urge their state senators to pass legislation strengthening the state's animal welfare and domestic violence laws before the legislature's summer recess.

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Ohio House Bill 55 would increase the penalties for animal cruelty and would encourage judges to include pets in domestic-abuse protective orders. It would also require full psychological evaluation and necessary counseling for any child under 18 years of age who commits cruelty to a companion animal.

The proposed legislation came to increased prominence last week after undercover video footage was released that allegedly shows workers at Conklin Dairy Farms in Plain City, Ohio, subjecting cows and young calves to sadistic acts of cruelty. American Humane expressed outrage at the incident, and believes that Ohio would greatly benefit from stronger animal cruelty laws and domestic-violence statutes as outlined by House Bill 55.

"This legislation elevates animal cruelty crimes and the link between domestic-violence-related animal abuse to the recognition it deserves," said Tracy Coppola, legislative analyst for American Humane. "We are encouraged that the State House overwhelmingly passed the bill, and we are eager for the Senate to take similar action that will provide a new foundation for protecting domestic-violence survivors and their pets, penalizing abuse and getting help for those who need it."

For more information about the bill, or to send your senator a message urging support of the bill, visit www.americanhumane.org/housebill55.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the Denver-based American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals from abuse and neglect through public policy, education and services reaching a wide network of organizations and advocates.  Programs include raising awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond.   The organization is also known for "No Animals Were Harmed,"® the end-credit disclaimer seen on film and TV productions.  American Humane® Certified is the nation's largest and most regarded independent standards and certification program for farm animal welfare.  American Humane earned the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval and is an American Institute of Philanthropy "Top-Rated Charity."   Learn more at www.americanhumane.org.

SOURCE American Humane Association

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