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Robert Crookshank of Washington Township was among approximately 10 people who testified in support of the legislation last week in front of the House Judiciary Committee.

Espinoza said the bills could be reported to the full House for a vote within two weeks.

The legislation, introduced in March, was prompted by a January incident where 70 animals were found dead or malnourished on a Buel Township farm. Owner Fred Jacklett Jr. and tenant Laurie McConnell were charged with several misdemeanor counts and sentenced to 93 days in jail.

The Sheriff's Department originally asked for approximately 200 felony and misdemeanor charges, but Prosecutor Jim Young said he could not charge the pair with felonies because the law required "willful and malicious" intent.

"Most people were upset that the individuals convicted may not have been charged with a serous enough crime," said Espinoza, who introduced the legislation after weeks of research with the Michigan Prosecuting Attorney's Association.

"The prosecutor had to prove willful intent. It made it very difficult. If you change that language to negligence then a prosecutor has more leeway."

Espinoza said he received letters from Prosecutor Young and the Sanilac County Humane Society in support of the legislation.

The revised legislation says criminal cases involving four to nine animals or a person with a prior animal cruelty conviction would be a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine. Cases involving 10 or more animals or a person with two or more prior convictions would be felonies punishable by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Crookshank, who cared for some of the animals from the Jacklett farm after the police raid, spoke in front of the panel for 10-15 minutes. He also submitted photos from the Jacklett farm.

"It is more than just this case we had in Sanilac County," Cookshank told the News after the hearing. "People that do these types of acts will go out and commit other types of violence.

"I think we have made a difference. It is unfortunate it took a case like this one to bring as much attention nationally, but I really think it is going to make a difference in the future."