An Arizona Senate panel voted Thursday to expand state laws when it comes to animal abuse.
The bill would create a special Class 5 felony for subjecting pets to cruel mistreatment. That distinction means a judge can require those convicted to get help to deal with issues of anger and lack of empathy.
"In these types of cases, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people than non-abusers, and 70 percent of those charged with cruelty to animals were known by police for other violent behavior, including homicide," said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery.
The 6-1 vote sends the measure to the full Senate.