Virginia Beach Senator Bill DeSteph, a Republican, has introduced Senate Bill 1604 which would make it a felony for anyone who abuses a family pet.
According to the legislation, currently the law requires the dog or cat to die as a direct result of torture or inhumane injury or pain before anyone is charged with a felony.
The new law would increase the charge from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony for any unnecessary beating, maiming, mutilating, or killing a dog or cat. Anyone found guilty could get up to five years in prison.