AR-News: (UT) Letter: Take animal abuse seriously

[Animalara2003 at aol.com]

http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Nov/11272003/public_f/public_f.asp



 I am writing in response to the article of Nov. 7 about the mutilation and 
killing of the two horses in Kane County. I am one of the saddened and outraged 
residents of Kanab. Utah is one of the minority of remaining states where 
animal abuse is not a felony. Cruelty to animals is only a class A misdemeanor, 
the maximum penalty for which is a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. 
    The link between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence has been 
amply demonstrated. Studies have shown that murderers of humans often were 
first abusers of animals. The perpetrators of violence toward helpless creatures 
are sick. They derive pleasure from inflicting pain. Why are they on this 
power trip? Are they so weak in their personal lives that they feel compelled to 
harm those who cannot fight back? 
    I think that animal abuse should be regarded very seriously, and should 
be elevated to the status of a felony. The abusers of animals deserve much more 
severity than a slap on the wrist. 
    
   Rhoda A. Christopher 





"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way 
it's animals are treated." ...Mahatma Gandhi
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