Mississippi recently was ranked one of the "Five Best States to be an Animal Abuser" due in part to the state's lenient animal protection laws. Currently, abuse crimes are a misdemeanor in Mississippi. The penalties are limited to a short jail stint and small fines.

Though a tougher bill was passed through the state's Senate, it was defeated - for several years in a row - by the House.

Senator Bob Dearing is pushing for the House Agriculture Committee to debate a bill in 2011. House Agriculture chairman Greg Ward needs to allow the debate. Stricter laws are required to protect Mississippi's cats and dogs.

Image: henrycountyhumanesociety