Disingenuous or ignorant: you make the call

State Senator Darin Peterson, R-Nephi, has an interesting perspective on why Utah does not have a felony animal cruelty law:

Peterson isn't sympathetic to those who would abuse animals. 'I raise livestock for a living,' he said. 'We've had animals shot with BBs, arrows.'
He said he is nervous that such legislation might be used by animal rights activists to victimize farmers. 'I shudder to think doors we open up when we make it a felony.' (deseretnews.com | Pet-cruelty law sought:)

The last time I checked private citizens (in this case the dreaded animal rights activists) did not conduct prosecution of criminals. That function is carried on by government through the district attorney. So is the Senator being disingenuous here or ignorant? What comment, as well, is he making about his farming practice that someone might characterize it as cruel?