BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Supporters of a bill in the Legislature to strengthen North Dakota’s animal cruelty laws say it’s a more balanced approach than a measure rejected by state voters last November.
 
     The ballot measure would have made cruelty to dogs, cats and horses a potential felony crime rather than a misdemeanor. Opponents objected to its backing by out-of-state groups and feared it could have affected routine practices by farmers and ranchers.
 
     Senate Bill 2211 would make animal cruelty a felony. In cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment, a first offense would be a misdemeanor and a second within five years a felony.
 
     North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care Chairman Jason Schmidt says the bill is the result of two years of work by veterinarians, agriculture and animal groups, and local humane societies.