BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ A recent case in which officials in Burleigh and Morton counties discovered 99 dead horses in a man's custody has brought new attention to North Dakota's animal welfare laws.
Authorities also seized 157 live, mistreated horses from Bill Kiefer, who has homes in New Salem and Fargo. While the case has sparked statewide outrage, it's also underscored that crimes against animals are considered at most Class A misdemeanors in North Dakota, punishable by up to one year in prison and $2,000 in fines.
Voters in November rejected a ballot initiative that would have given prosecutors the option of levying felony charges in the worst cases. The group North Dakota for Responsible Animal Care is working on a complete remodel of the state's animal laws.
