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Bill to strenghten Iowa's animal cruelty laws takes step forward

House File 737 overwhelmingly passed the state senate Wednesday
Credit: WOI-TV
File photo

DES MOINES, Iowa — A major step forward for animal rights activists here in Iowa.

The Iowa Senate overwhelmingly approved House File 737 Wednesday evening. 

Supporters say HF 737 would improve Iowa's companion animal cruelty laws.

PETUNIA UPDATE: Bobby Gene Carothers, who brutally murdered a rabbit... named Petunia at the ARL in December, pleaded guilty to animal torture and has been sentenced to up to 2 years in prison (with credit for 66 days served) without the possibility of probation. He also received a $625 fine.

Right now, the state is ranked as one of the worst for the strength of its animal cruelty laws.

The bill goes back to the Iowa House for a vote.

Stay with Local 5 as we continue to follow this story.

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