Legislature is next forum for animal cruelty discussion

Animal cruelty will continue to be a topic in North Dakota even though voters have laid to rest the controversial Measure 5.

The measure, which would have set felony penalties for malicious acts of animal cruelty, failed at the ballot box Tuesday with just 34.6 percent of the vote. The unofficial tally was 108,925 to 205,845. The measure failed in every county except Grand Forks.

North Dakota Animal Stewards, the group organized to oppose Measure 5, is supporting another group that has its own animal welfare proposal that it intends to submit to the 2013 Legislature. Jason Schmidt of Medina, chairman of Animal Stewards, said there has been considerable interest among legislators in sponsoring a bill.

A coalition known as North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care is working on the legislation. Many of its members also are members of Animal Stewards. A preliminary draft of its legislation can be viewed online at (www.ndanimalcare.com).

Schmidt said he anticipates little opposition once a proposal is completed.

"We continue to work on that so it's a solution for everyone. We are going to do it on North Dakota's terms and make sure that everyone is satisfied," he said. "It's not about who won or lost in this election cycle. It's about making sure we do things right."

Supporters of Measure 5 also are turning their attention to the 2013 legislative session.

"Measure 5 sparked a discussion about animal cruelty, and in the end, just about everyone agreed North Dakota needs a felony cruelty statute," said Karen Thunshelle of Minot, campaign manager for North Dakotans to Stop Animal Cruelty. She noted that even opponents of the measure and newspaper editorials against the measure still said the Legislature must enact a comprehensive law with felony penalties for malicious acts.

"The Legislature failed for years to strengthen North Dakota's weak animal cruelty law," Thunshelle said. "This issue is now on the agenda because of our campaign and the work of our dedicated volunteers to place Measure 5 on the ballot. Our opponents said they will enact a strong and comprehensive felony cruelty statute to protect all animals in 2013. We plan to hold them accountable on that pledge, and they will find our coalition ready to help. If they fail to pass a felony cruelty bill, however, we will be back with another ballot measure in 2014."