A Meridian man who abused and killed multiple cats was sentenced this week, and none of the charges was more serious than a misdemeanor. He pleaded guilty to three counts of animal cruelty. His sentence was partly suspended jail terms, credit for 83 days already served, six years of probation, and $1,157.50 in fines.

The Meridian Police Department and the Idaho Humane Society investigated the case together, and detectives reviewed video and physical evidence. The judge banned the man from any contact with animals and ordered a psychological evaluation, which shows how seriously the court viewed the harm. But because the charges were misdemeanors, a misdemeanor sentence was the most the court could give.

For many Idaho families, cats and dogs are part of the family. When someone deliberately tortures and kills animals, a penalty in the same class as minor offenses doesn’t match the cruelty. It also sends the wrong message to anyone who might harm an animal next.

The Idaho Legislature and Governor Brad Little have the power to change this. Lawmakers can make the intentional torture and killing of a companion animal a felony on a first offense. That would let prosecutors and judges match the punishment to the crime. Protecting animals isn’t a partisan issue. People across Idaho, in cities and on ranches alike, agree that cruelty like this deserves real consequences.

Sign the petition to call on Idaho leaders to make animal torture a felony before the next legislative session begins.