Northland delegates seek support for 'Windchill's Law'

A 9-month-old colt found starved and frozen to the ground was inspiration for a late revision in the Superior Days agenda.

Today, as delegates approach state legislators to discuss school and government funding, a study and plan to expand U.S. Highway 2 to four lanes, and mining legislation, the delegation will also ask for bipartisan support for a bill written by Rep. Nick Milroy, D-South Range.

Delegates will be asking for support for an animal neglect an abandonment bill.

The legislation seeks to protect animals by bringing clarity to Wisconsin statutes about what constitutes proper animal care.

Responsibility for providing food and water are spelled out and “abandonment” is defined.

The colt, known as Windchill, began to regain strength and weight after his rescue, but his organs were so damaged, he died.

While the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office pursued charges of animal abuse and neglect, the language of the law made prosecution difficult, prompting those involved in the rescue, part of the nonprofit Windchill Legacy, to make changes in state statutes to make the language more clear.

Milroy introduced legislation based of their research with the hope it can prevent such abuse and neglect.

Losing the privilege to own specific breeds of animals for increasing periods of time is a consequence of violations of the bill. Psychological assessments, treatment and anger management are suggested to break the cycle of abuse and neglect.

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