State Representative Evan Wynn, R-Whitewater, introduced a new bill Oct. 27 that would create harsher penalties for abuse to animals.

According to a press release from Wynn’s office, the bill, named “Casey’s Law” is named after a Milton family’s dog that was shot by an arrow and suffered severe internal injuries.

Under current law, because the dog only suffered injuries to internal organs, the press release said the offense could only be considered a misdemeanor.

The release said Wynn’s bill would add internal injuries to the list of felony animal abuse.

“Internal injuries can be just as harmful and long-lasting as external ones, such as losing a leg,” Wynn said. “The bill would add serious internal injuries to the list of felony animal abuse, and is a common-sense measure.”

According to the release, the man who shot the dog, was convicted and sentenced in June of misdemeanor mistreatment of animals and disorderly conduct while armed.

The release said though the man was sentenced to probation and a fine, under the new bill, the crime would be considered a felony, punishable with a fine of up to $10,000 and no more than three years and six months in jail.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39 percent of households in the U.S. own at least one dog and more than 78 million dogs are owned in the United States, the release said.

“Pets are a huge part of many people’s lives, and should be protected,” Wynn said.

Wynn said he believes the bill will gain bi-partisan support and is circulating the bill for co-sponsors until Nov. 9 in both the state Assembly and Senate.