INDIANAPOLIS -State Senator Jim Arnold (D-LaPorte) was recently recognized by a local animal rights organization for his work to protect animals from abuse and promote responsible animal ownership.

"I feel very deeply about preventing animal cruelty and I will continue my efforts to support animal welfare legislation at the Statehouse," said Arnold. "I sincerely appreciate this award."

The recognition was given specifically for Arnold's work on a new law he authored this year. The provision, nicknamed Ben's Law, was included in House Bill 1468 and makes killing a domestic animal a Class D felony if a person knowingly or intentionally kills the animal without the owner's consent. The law is named after a draft horse that was wrongfully killed in LaPorte County last November.

Previously, state law imposed punishment for the beating or torturing of an animal, but not for the killing of an animal.

Arnold was recognized by the Independent Cat Society, a no-kill cat shelter in Westville which works to reduce pet overpopulation, educate the public, prevent cruelties to animals, promote responsible pet ownership and promote more humane legislation.

For more information on Senator Arnold, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit http://www.senatedemocrats.in.gov/.

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VIEW photo of State Senator Jim Arnold with the award.

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