Arkansas is one of only five states that do not make animal cruelty a first-offense felony. Currently, Arkansas law says cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor. Efforts to toughen the law have failed in previous legislative sessions amid concerns raised by hunters, farmers and others who deal with animals for a living.

Legislative committee members agreed Wednesday that abusive behavior toward animals has become a serious problem in the state and animal abuse can lead to violence toward people. A revised bill eliminates a provision to make it a felony to abuse an animal in front of a child but adds a requirement that animal cruelty investigators undergo training and certification.