Animal 'hoarding' bill wins Senate's approval

Montana's Senate gave its final approval Thursday to bill a that would include "animal hoarding" under the state's current animal cruelty laws. The bill passed by a vote of 33-17.

Under Senate Bill 221, "companion animal hoarding" is defined as possessing 10 or more household pets, failing to provide the necessary care for those animals and confining those animals in a severely crowded environment.

The bill also would require those convicted to and undergo psychological examination and treatment

The measure will now move to the House for consideration.

- by CNS reporter Shanda Bradshaw