Move Forward in Michigan With Stiffer Animal Cruelty Charges & Penalties

Michigan has considered implementing stiffer criminal penalties for people guilty of animal cruelty and neglect but there has been some delay in moving forward to protect animals.  Some of the talks were varying in respect to appropriate accountability.  You can read more on the types of laws and penalties currently in Michigan and issues of animal welfare at  http://www.straypetadvocacy.org/PDF/AnimalCrueltyLaws.pdf & http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/02/10/michigan-senate-animal-cruelty/23161993/.

It appears that animal cruelty is not taken as seriously as one would expect and often times, abusers are given second and third chances to keep repeating their actions against these defenseless creatures.  Apparently current law is not having the impact it should to stop animal abuse.  There is never an excuse for harming an animal, even though sometimes accidents and actions for self-defense do occur. Such incidents seriously need to be proven when it comes to repercussions for harming an animal.  It should be common knowledge in present day 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. 

To make an impact on society and provide animals the protection they need, laws for harsher charges and penalties for those guilty of animal crimes be implemented and strictly enforced.  These abusers should not be allowed a second or third chance.  All crimes need to be a felony charge with penalties such as longer jail sentences, higher fees, possibly acts of community service hours and also being placed on an animal cruelty registry to be shared nationwide with anyone within the animal field such as sales, care, breeding and treatment.

The effort in this petition is to urge the Michigan State Legislators to move forward with their plans to stiffen their animal cruelty laws, charges and penalties. All crimes of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect need to be classified, on the first and every count as a felony charge with severe penalties and accountability. You can help with this issue by signing and sharing this petition, adding your own comments and thoughts on the welfare of animals.