Animal cruelty law needed
Some acts of cruelty against animals are so egregious that prosecutors need a law that fits the crime. Until that happens, these offenses must be handled as misdemeanors, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500. Why not give prosecutors more latitude for the worst of the worst? One recent example was the torture inflicted upon Henry, a Chihuahua mix, who was blinded with a leaf blower and on another occasion, placed in a heated oven for five minutes. The abuser, Marc Christopher Vincent, was convicted of a Class A misdemeanor but sentenced to six months and fined $500. He was released from jail about two months early and ordered to get counseling.
State lawmakers considered a change in the law but reportedly failed due to a lack of time and misunderstanding about the bill. Now, Henry's owner, Vincent's former spouse, is lobbying Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to place the bill on a special session call. Meanwhile, a new Dan Jones & Associates poll conducted for the Deseret Morning News and KSL-TV shows 73 percent of Utahns favor such a measure.
We agree. For the most extreme cases, prosecutors need more options than a Class A misdemeanor. These would be cases of egregious torture such as Henry's experiences or a recent case in Pittsburgh, in which a man mailed the severed head of kitten to an ex-girlfriend. The Pennsylvania man has been ordered to stand trial on stalking and animal cruelty charges.
Deliberate animal torture is far-flung from some of the tasks that ranchers or hunters undertake, so, seemingly, lawmakers could craft a bill that would protect ranchers' ability to make a living yet hold the worst animal abusers to account. Many supporters of the so-called Henry's law caution that torture of animals is linked to the abuse of human beings. It's best to stem this conduct as soon as possible.
While we support the legislation and understand the sentiments of its backers, placing it on a special session call wouldn't be the best use of state resources. Advocates should use this time to enlist the help of lawmakers and recruit a sponsor who can bridge the urban vs. rural concerns and lobby lawmakers anew in 2008.
Recent comments
I think that the animal cruelty law should be a felony. It is being...
Tiffany-15- | Oct. 17, 2007 at 5:58 p.m.
- Lost crab pots 2:56 p.m.
- Lightning delays shuttle launch 2:54 p.m.
- Sweating can be big stuff 2:53 p.m.
- Exhumation finds 1 body in grave 2:41 p.m.
- Body found at NY skyscraper 2:37 p.m.
- McNair mourned as a 'hero,' 2:31 p.m.
- Myths as persistent as mosquitoes 2:12 p.m.
- Hollywood glamour at Gaultier 1:58 p.m.
- Canal breaks, causes landslide in Logan 1:52 p.m.
- Reptile Lou won't eat 1:06 p.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- 10 years after the flood
- LDS seminary principal arrested
272 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
178 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
140 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
139 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
99 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
that the two parties were 'consensual'. Every story has two...
I'm stymied by the sanitized wording of this article, especially the...
How Christ-like of the LDS church. Makes me want to join right away. ...
Was this guy kin to Orson Pratt? By the way, Im glad they finally caught...
Not all provo residents are short-minded... just some of them lol. Take your...
If Brother Pratt had claimed his actions were commanded by God, his actions...
It looks like the utes got some good kids that are great athletes. speed and...
change fast or easily. Millsap fouls a lot. He is not particularly quick...
One day people will learn not to toss their money on "to good to be true"...
Portland overpaid for Millsap and they are trying to force the Jazz's hand to...


