Remember when?
Five years ago, a bill to increase penalties for cruelty to animals was being discussed.
Among other things, the measure created a new felony offense of harming a police animal, which would be punishable by a fine and up to 18 months in jail.
January 2002 quote of the day:
“We need Westy to become the new Democratic mascot. Everybody loves Westy. I’m going to take him on tour with me.”
Senate President Stan Matsunaka, D-Loveland – commenting on Westy the cat, who survived being set on fire by two teenagers and who was at the Capitol to help pass the anti-animal cruelty bill.
Law given stronger bite
Monday, House Bill 1235 was passed to again strengthen anti-animal cruelty laws, including allowing pet owners to be charged if their dog attacks or kills another person’s pet and expanding “domestic violence” to include crimes against animals when used as a method of coercion in a personal relationship.
Sources: Colorado General Assembly; Denver Post archives
Is anybody listening?
Rep. Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, was on a roll Monday as he presided over House debate.
“If no one is listening, are we really talking?” he said when it seemed no one was listening to Rep. Michael Garcia, D-Aurora, at the microphone.
“Will all those in favor please respond by saying ‘Woof-woof.’ The ‘woof-woof’ have it,” said Carroll, calling for a vote during debate on an animal-cruelty bill.
Later, he added: “Seeing no further legitimate discussion,” before smacking down the gavel.
Can we quote you on that?
“After I saw that movie that Al Gore did, I went out and bought a hybrid car the next day. I was feeling guilty.”
– Sen. Ken Gordon, D-Denver, speaking at a news conference where his bill requiring “green” state office buildings was signed into law
