Steps need to be taken to make animal cruelty a serious crime.  Our current statute considers it a Class A Misdemeanor with multiple convictions required to make this crime a felony. This crime should be a felony and soon.  Additionally, individuals who surrender their animals to avoid prosecution should have to pay restitution to their future caretakers for the care of the animals surrendered.  If stronger punishments are not levied, this cruelty will continue unchecked.