The South Dakota Pork Producers Council is one of those groups backing proposed legislation calling for making animal cruelty a felony. Incoming President Lester Moeller of Miller says South Dakota needs to get up to speed on the issue. He says good producers care about their animals.
Moeller says regular livestock production practices need to be protected and don’t need the unintended consequences of extremist legislation. He says the groups came together to find a good compromise that protects practices and punishes abusers.
The Pork Producers Council has been working with other ag groups, law enforcement and animal welfare organizations in coming up with the measure.