Reports by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) state that Rhode Island is taking great strides against animal cruelty with stronger laws than most other states, coming in at number 14 in the ranks. However, several locals in the state feel that the laws still do not leave much to be proud of. These laws are still very weak with minor repercussions of jail time and fines. Read more on laws, charges and penalties for crimes against animals at http://www.straypetadvocacy.org/PDF/AnimalCrueltyLaws.pdf, https://rispca.com/fight-cruelty/, http://www.golocalprov.com/news/animal-cruelty-laws/
It should be common knowledge in all our lives that abusing any animal in any manner is cruel and unjust. This is not a new issue and humans needs to be held accountable for any actions against these living creatures. The respect and care of animals should begin with our youth, teaching them that animals are not objects without feelings. The disrespect of animals comes in all forms, from minor issues involving neglect to serious injuries, dog fighting and death. Whatever the extent, any offense against a living, breathing defenseless animals warrants no less than a felony offense.
The proposal is that any and all crimes of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect or abandonment be classified as a felony with appropriate penalties. Penalties should include no less than longer jail sentences, higher fees, possible acts of community service hours and also being placed on an animal cruelty registry to be shared nationwide with anyone within the animal industry such as sales, care, breeding and treatment. Additionally, such abusers need to be banned for lifetime of working with, caring for or owning animals for the rest of their lives. There shouldn’t be any second chances because it must be common knowledge that abusing an animal, just like abusing a human is wrong and unjust. There is never a reason to intentionally harm an animal.
The effort in this petition is to ensure that Rhode Island State Legislators do more to escalate the charges and penalties for any and all crimes of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect or abandonment to a classification as a felony with appropriate penalties. You can help with this issue by signing and sharing this petition, adding your own ideas and comments.
Rhode Island State Legislators – It is highly commendable that you have taken great strides against animal cruelty with stronger laws than most other states, coming in at number 14 in the ranks. I strongly urge that any and all crimes of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect or abandonment be classified as a felony with appropriate penalties. Penalties should include no less than longer jail sentences, higher fees, possible acts of community service hours and also being placed on an animal cruelty registry to be shared nationwide with anyone within the animal industry such as sales, care, breeding and treatment. Additionally, such abusers need to be banned for lifetime of working with, caring for or owning animals for the rest of their lives. There shouldn’t be any second chances because it must be common knowledge that abusing an animal, just like abusing a human is wrong and unjust. There is never a reason to intentionally harm an animal.
