AR-News: (AR - US) Reconsideration of stricter animal cruelty laws due

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http://www.bentoncourier.com/articles/2004/06/02/opinions/81uoped.txt


Reconsideration of stricter animal cruelty laws due

Saline County Sheriff's Department deputies were faced with a difficult task recently when they joined with the Pulaski County Humane Society to rescue four malnourished horses.

Officials said they found the two mares and two colts in "poor condition" with little water and grass and had poor-quality hay in the area where the horses were being kept.

"They were in very bad shape," Sheriff Phil Mask said.

We applaud the efforts of the local law enforcement officials involved in freeing these animals from their treacherous environment; however, we must wonder what kind of individual would house animals under such conditions.

Not only were the animals malnourished, they also had been neglected. The horses had not received the proper vaccinations and it is believed that two of the animals have worms.

The animal's feet were terribly overgrown. According to certified animal cruelty investigator Kay Jordan, if the Sheriff's Department and the Humane Society had not come to the aid of the animals, one of the mares would not have been able to stand and feed her colt.

Horse's hooves are like toenails, she said, and "you have to clip them." Since the mare's feet were not taken care of, they spread out like saucers, Jordan said, and it could become painful for them to walk. "They become lame - where they can't walk."

Jordan said in an emergency situation such as this one, the Humane Society has the authority to take animals into their custody and get them the help they need. She also noted the shelter receives about 100 calls per month regarding cruelty to animals.

The owner of the horses could face four charges of cruelty to animals. The maximum penalty is $1,000 and/or one year in jail.

Arkansans rejected stricter animal cruelty laws in 2002. Perhaps it is time to reconsider these laws in hopes of deterring incidents such as this in the future.