On October 1, this kind of senseless violence won't be taken lightly. Cruelty to animals will be a felony in the State of Nevada.

Local organization, Noah's Animal House, associated with Shade Tree, championed the bill. They say animal abuse and domestic violence go hand in hand.

"A lot of times we do have animals that have come into our program that have been intentionally harmed by an abuser to get back at the victim," said Crystal McIntosh, Manager of Noah's Animal House. "And they do sometimes come in with severe medical problems and injuries that need to be addressed."