TOPEKA, Kan. -- Under two new laws, Kansans would face legal trouble for intentional cruelty to animals or failing to keep exotic animals confined.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed bills on both topics Monday.
The cruelty bill makes it a felony to maliciously and intentionally kill, maim, torture or burn an animal. Previously, animal cruelty was only a misdemeanor offense.
Conviction would bring at least 30 days in jail, a fine and a mandatory course in anger management.
The bill on exotic animals resulted from last year's fatal mauling of a Labette County teenager by a tiger at a wild animal sanctuary.
Under the new law, owners of lions, tigers, bears and certain other animals will have to keep them away from the public. They also have to obtain a federal license and carry $250,000 of liability insurance.
If you would like to thank the Governor, please see site:
Office of the Governor
http://www.ksgovernor.org/