A divided House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that makes aggravated animal cruelty and a second offense of animal cruelty felonies.

The measure was approved on a 35-25 vote and now moves to the Senate.

Opponents said the bill imposes harsher penalties on animal abusers than domestic violence offenders. Domestic violence does not become a felony until the third offense in Wyoming.

“I feel this is a slap in the face to those who have been subjected to domestic violence,” Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper, said.

Supporters of the legislation say the law seeks to dissuade people from putting on dog fights and cock fights.

Rep. Rosie Berger, R-Big Horn, said she supports tougher penalties for domestic violence, but said she’s heard from law enforcement that tougher animal abuse penalties also are necessary.

Shepperson said she could find no records to indicate that dog fighting and cock fighting were problems in the state, but Berger said her “understanding is that there are numerous situations around the state” where dog fighting and cock fighting take place.

Berger said it’s time for the state to be proactive for “our four-legged friends.”

Rep. Jack Landon Jr., R-Sheridan, said the bill simply augments what currently is considered animal cruelty or aggravated animal cruelty.

Under Wyoming law, animal cruelty includes riding an animal for too long or overloading an animal; beating, torturing, tormenting, injuring, mutilating or attempting to kill an animal; neglecting to give the animal proper food, drink or shelter; or abandoning the animal.