There is never a reason to cause intentional harm and/or death to a defenseless animal, yet such actions seem to be an all-too-often common occurrence. In some instances, accidents and actions for self-defense do occur and seriously need to be proven when it comes to repercussions for harming an animal. Virginia has varying laws when it comes to the welfare of animals and abuse or cruelty. You can read more on their laws and proposed charges and penalties at http://www.straypetadvocacy.org/PDF/AnimalCrueltyLaws.pdf & http://www.garrettlawgroup.com/2013/11/04/virginia-man-faces-animal-cruelty-charges/
All defenseless creatures statewide need and deserve humans to step in and ensure that abusers be held accountable for any and all forms of intentional animal cruelty. Yet Virginia has leniency when convicting animal abusers, dependent upon the actual offense. Issues of cruel, brutal or inhumane treatment of an animal often culminates with a minor misdemeanor which can escalate to more serious charges and penalties for a second offense. Torture and extreme cruelty to an animal that leads to its death is a Class 6 Felony with minimal fees. If charges and penalties with severe repercussions are not implemented, crimes against animals will never stop!
The effort in this petition is to urge Virginia State Legislators to implement and strictly enforce more stringent animal cruelty charges and penalties. All crimes against a defenseless animal needs to carry a strict felony charge with a long term jail term, high fines and the offender being placed on an animal cruelty registry. Being on such a database would prevent future mistreatment, ownership and encounters with any animals for a lifetime, guaranteed. Strict measurements need to be taken and fully enforced in order to put an end to such animal cruelty. You can help with these efforts by signing and sharing this petition, adding your own ideas and thoughts on the prevention of animal cruelty.
Virginia State Legislators – I strongly urge you to implement and strictly enforce more stringent animal cruelty charges and penalties. All crimes against a defenseless animal needs to carry a strict felony charge with a long term jail term, high fines and the offender being placed on an animal cruelty registry. Being on such a database would prevent future mistreatment, ownership and encounters with any animals for a lifetime, guaranteed. Strict measurements need to be taken and fully enforced in order to put an end to such animal cruelty.
