Buzz: A civilized S. Dakota, sort of

SOUTH Dakota is the final state to make animal cruelty a felony. A measure that was written in collaboration with animal welfare and agricultural groups cleared both houses of the state Legislature and was signed by the governor. Previously, inhumane treatment of animals was a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. The new law, which ensures that accepted livestock farming practices are not considered cruelty, punishes severe animal abuse with up to two years imprisonment and a $4,000 fine. Neglect, abandonment and mistreatment remain misdemeanors.

* You've heard of a horse of a different color. Well, cats come in more than 50 different colors and patterns. Some of the more unusual and striking feline coats include: smoke - black or blue with white roots; "torbies" - tortoiseshell cats with tabby patterns - also known as patched tabbies; and smoke tuxedo - a blue smoke cat with white paws, chest and belly.