Wrap: An incident in which PEETA is suing Sea World for unlawfully detaining a whale is what Republican Representative Ward Franz says inspired his bill.

The bill would keep animals from having equal or more rights than humans, but wouldn't change animal welfare laws.

Fanz told a senate committee the bill is needed after discussion arose of a heated proposition from last year- the voter approvewd proposition-b imposing restrictions on dog breeders.

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation told the committee the language is so broad, though, that it could lead to problems in enforcing animal cruelty laws.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Joe Chiodo

Wrap: Republican Representative Ward Franz of West Plains says his bill keeping animals from having equal or more rights than humans is a pro-active measure sparked by outside groups around the country.

But In a Senate Committee hearing one seantor questioned Franz, asking if a case where animals have more rights than humans even exists.

Franz responded saying it does.

He says if such a lawsuit happened in Missouri this bill would keep it from getting to court.

But the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation told the committee the language is so broad it could lead to problems in enforcing animal cruelty laws.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Joe Chiodo.