The Attorney General for Arkansas stated that he will be working with animal welfare activists and farm groups to develop an animal cruelty bill to be introduced in 2009 legislature.  Arkansas is one of only five states that don’t have a felony animal cruelty charge.  So a measure like this would be a great boon to the animal welfare community.    Previous measures have been shot down in the past, but the Attorney General, Dustin McDaniel stated that he was optimistic this new measure would pass.  If it does it will make torturing animals a felony.    These comments were made after he participated in a news conference in which the Humane Society of the United States announced offering rewards of up to $5,000 for people who report dog fighting or cockfighting in their area.    The Attorney General has been meeting with a large number of groups, including proponents and those against previous measure to develop an animal cruelty bill that will emphasize clear definitions and exemptions, help keep the agricultural and poultry industries from facing charges for their common business practices.   McDaniel is optimistic about this potential bill’s position.  He’s stated, ‘I feel like we are in the best position ever to have a comprehensive animal cruelty bill in the next legislative session.’   Senator Sue Madison who failed to push through similar legislature last year stated that she likes the Attorney General’s proposal.  Madison has stated, ‘The draft I've been through has some good points to it…I agree, I'm very optimistic we will get first-offense felony next year.’     Her bill would have allowed county animal services officials to arrest people for misdemeanour animal cruelty charges and would have required psychological evaluations for those charged with animal cruelty.   McDaniel’s bill is slightly different.  Animal Services officers wouldn’t be able to make arrests on animal cruelty charges.  While psychological evaluations would be required for those charged with felony animal cruelty it would be up to the judge’s discretion on animal cruelty misdemeanour charges.     Source: http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2008/10/03/News/348298.html