Florida Cruelty to Animal Statute Must Be Toughened

In state of Florida, if someone torments an animal or deprives them of shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates or kills any animal, the crime is only a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000. A veternarian is held harmless from criminal or civil liability for any decisions made-even malpractice resulting in death of animal or unnecessary pain and suffering. The statute must be toughened so that those who commit cruelty to an animal are charged with a felony and sent to jail/prison for no less than one to ten years. Legislators should toughen this statute to deter people from committing acts of cruelty and neglect to animals.