There are three weak links in the justice
system that need to be strengthened. For someone who commits a violent
crime against an animal to be punished accordingly, three things are
needed. 1) The Investigation: Animal cruelty
investigations are usually not handled by the police. They are handled by
local SPCA's or animal control officers. The people who investigate these
cases are the people who round up stray animals (the "dog catchers") and
take them to shelters where they will be euthanized if not quickly claimed
or adopted. These people generally do not care about
animals and they usually do not take abuse cases
seriously. The cases are often closed and never reach the
prosecution stage. 2) The Prosecution: Too few
prosecutors care enough about the needless suffering of animals to
vigorously pursue a conviction. If there is no conviction, then there is
no sentencing. When there is a conviction,
some prosecutors act like
defense attorneys and recommend a slap on the wrist. 3) Sentencing: If -by miracle- the
chains don't break during the investigation and prosecution stages, there
is still a good chance that the perpetrator will walk
free or only pay a small fine. Cruel and intentional violent crimes
against animals only carry maximum sentences. This means
that the minimum sentence is no punishment at all. Also,
there is a ceiling on the severity of punishment no matter how sadistic
and horrible the crime. We are calling for minimum, mandatory
prison sentences for anyone who deliberately causes
pain and suffering to an animal. You can make a difference !
If you don't take the time to fight for animal justice then it will
continue to be practically legal to torture, maim, burn, beat, mutilate
and kill animals.
Please stand up and take
action! Barbara Woodcox, President Four Legged
Justice-NOW!!