Debate on SB77: Animal cruelty bill

We're now in House Judiciary debating the bill that creates a first offense felony for aggravated animal cruelty, and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is explaining the bill.

Update (10:15): General McDaniel is now responding to questioning from Rep. Terry Rice (R-Waldron) on two issues: (1) whether this is the first in a series of legislation enhancing penalties for animal cruelty and (2) the number of misdemeanor charges filed in 2008.

Update (10:20): General McDaniel is now responding to questioning from Rep. Ann Clemmer (R-Bryant).

Update (10:25): We're now hearing testimony from Anna Slavin from Scott County, who is speaking against the bill.

Update (10:30): We're now hearing testimony from Desiree Bender with the Humane Society, who is speaking for the bill.

Update (10:35): We're now hearing testimony from Marvin Childers with the Poultry Federation, who is speaking for the bill.

Update (10:40): Rep. Lindsley Smith moves Do Pass, and the bill passes with one "no" vote -- Rep. Terry Rice of Waldron voted against the bill.

Post Script: Man, I am having the time of my life. The one thing that makes serving as a chairman in the legislature preferable to serving as a judge on the bench is the ability to be the referee and player on the field at the same time. Throw in the fact that I also get to sit in the press box and cover the game, and that makes this position one that I'm going to miss now that term limits is kicking in for me.