SEATTLE — Washington State lawmakers are proposing a bill to crack down on those who abuse animals, which could mean more jail time for some felony animal cruelty cases.
"It's really awful. Some of the things you see, you can't unsee," said Kaylee Botting, marketing manager at Emerald City Pet Rescue.
Emerald City Pet Rescue has dozens of dogs looking for a home. That includes Morgan, who, just by his demeanor, you'd never know the abuse he endured. The only lasting signs are the scars from when he was found on the streets of Mexico with his mouth wired shut.
The rescue also has a litter of puppies in its care whose mom was found abandoned and pregnant.
A proposed law would elevate the punishment for first-degree animal cruelty.
"It's really important that the people who do these awful things to animals face up to the consequences," Botting said.
State Representative Sam Low, a Republican representing the 39th legislative district which covers east Snohomish and east Skagit counties, is sponsoring the bill.
He said it was brought to him by Pasado Safe Haven, an animal rescue he's been working with for years.
"I decided to tackle this with their help and push this forward," Low said.
The proposed legislation would enhance first-degree animal cruelty to a ranked felony.
"Elevating to a ranked crime would add it to the sentencing guidelines grid, creating consistency for the judges and prosecuting attorneys," Low said.
Currently, first-degree animal cruelty is already a felony.
"Whether it's abuse of one animal, or abuse of 10, or 20, animals, it's all treated exactly the same. With this particular one, each one would be ranked, and so they would be cumulative," Low said.
"In these extreme cases, pretty much in every case there's there's no jail time at all, but by being a ranked felony, now there's an option for jail time in the most severe cases of animal cruelty," Low said.
It's an issue not just seen at Emerald City Pet Rescue, but statewide.
Data from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's office showed that in 2023, there were 23 adult felony animal cruelty cases and one felony juvenile animal cruelty case.
"In the eyes of the law, animals are seen as property, and this, I feel like, gets them one step closer to being seen as more than that," Botting said.
This bill is a welcome sign for rescuers as they work to rehab and witness transformation.
"Love is their future and getting to watch that full circle moment is just, it's so rewarding. I honestly wouldn't trade it for anything," Botting said.
The bill is getting bipartisan support. It passed out of committee and will be heard on the house floor.