A new campaign in Idaho aims to increase penalties against perpetrators of animal cruelty in the state. The grassroots campaign, dubbed “1 of 3″ hopes to get enough registered voters to sign a petition that will allow Idaho voters to pass more stringent animal rights laws that will make animal cruelty a felony. As per the campaign, Idaho is one of only three states, including North Dakota and South Dakota, that does not have felony cruelty charges. “Idaho 1 of 3 is a grass roots organization brought forth by a coalition of Idaho citizens and groups to protect Idaho animals from cruelty,” the group's Facebook page reads. “We must collect 60,000 signatures by April 30, 2012 to get this initiative on the November 2012 ballot.” The campaign comes as more and more Idahoans are becoming aware of animal rights-related issues, albeit in a negative fashion recently after a fireworks and fur company was attacked by an animal rights organization in Caldwell. The “1 of 3″ campaign is taking a grassroots approach and hopes to garner the signatures in order to add two provisions to the state's legal code, but they will need voters to pass the legislation. “Add a torture definition which will result in felony charges and penalties;” and also “add a felony penalty for the third and subsequent convictions of animal cruelty.” Many groups have jumped on board behind the campaign, including The Idaho Humane Society. Communication Outreach Coordinator for the Idaho Humane Society Hannah Parpart encouraged voters to step up. “We need (the voters') support,” Parpart said, in comments published by Arbiter Online. “We need them to take action. So whether that's getting out there and getting their name on a ballot or taking a ballot around with them and gathering signatures, it's something our legislatures that we voted in aren't willing to act on. So people, if you care about animals you really need to make sure that you're taking action to show your legislatures that it's something that is important to you.” BM
