An Iowa Senate committee advanced a bill that would raise the penalties for abusing, neglecting or torturing animals. However, key lawmakers expect farm interests to seek major changes if the bill is debated in the full senate. Senator Tony Bisignano of Des Moines says he believes the bill, as written now, will not impact the agricultural community.
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Senator Rich Taylor, a Democrat from Mount Pleasant, voted against the bill in committee.
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An animal cruelty bill has never gotten to this point in the Iowa Legislature. It cleared the House by unanimous vote a week ago and was approved by a senate committee on a 12 to two vote.