A proposal to make bestiality a felony finally cleared the state Senate.
Lawmakers didn’t vote on the bill early last year, after the Assembly passed it unanimously.
Republican Sen. Andre Jacque of De Pere brought the issue back again.
It’s in response to a northeast Wisconsin man, Sterling Rachwal. Rachwal has been convicted of molesting horses in several counties. Prosecutors could only charge him with a misdemeanor.
Jacque hopes it will prevent people from escalating their crimes from animals to children. He says police believe assaulting animals can be a precursor.
An Assembly committee will hold a hearing on the bill later this month. Jacque hopes the full Assembly will take it up before the end of the year.
