In the near future, I will introduce legislation to increase penalties for use of a deadly weapon in animal cruelty cases.
 
Earlier this month in York County, a family dog was beaten to death with a baseball bat by its owner. The individual was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and was sentenced to 2-4 years in prison. The York County District Attorney indicated his desire to see a change in our state law to add a sentencing enhancement for crimes such as these. 
 
This case shines light on the fact that there is currently no statutory sentencing enhancement for animal cruelty cases when a deadly weapon is used. Such an enhancement would give our criminal justice system the tools they need to adequately sentence such a heinous crime. A crime of this nature, animal cruelty with a deadly weapon, should have a higher level of sentencing due to its horrific nature. This legislation would aim to do just that. 
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.