Bobbi Gunderson, Minot
The scare tactics about Measure 5 are just beyond absurd. People are actually claiming you could be a felon if you brand your horse or put down a sick animal? Please.
Measure 5 has a specific exemption for "marking of an animal for identification" which includes branding. Like the current cruelty code, the measure also has a broad exemption for such agricultural practices.
Measure 5 also does not prohibit euthanasia by gunshot, and does not affect the killing of an animal unless it includes malicious and intentional cruelty. Only specific acts of cruelty such as beating or dragging an animal to death are prohibited by Measure 5. Humanely putting a horse down with a gunshot to the head is considered an acceptable form of euthanasia by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Measure 5 protects animals from the worst forms of malicious and intentional cruelty. Unless you are being malicious and intentionally cruel to a dog, cat, or horse, you have nothing to worry about. It's the right thing for animals to vote Yes on Measure 5.