Take action if affected by hanging

THE EDITOR: This is a statement on a recent conviction for animal cruelty. The case involved three men who killed a dog by hanging it from a tree. The dog, named Madison, was owned by one of the trio.

In keeping with the law when the crime was committed (April 11), the men were fined $400 each or three months in prison.

For those who are disheartened at the size of the fine, it may help to know that effective May 11, the penalty for animal cruelty was increased to $100,000 and one year in prison.

The defence attorney listed a number of reasons why the men killed the dog. We cannot determine what is true, what the men believed to be true, or whether they knew that what they were doing was wrong. The fact is the dog suffered a painful and cruel death. Video footage of the incident showed the men laughing while Madison struggled at the end of a rope. There is no reason or explanation that can lessen that reality.

Animal cruelty hurts us as individuals, as communities and as a nation.

The police are to be commended for the investigation and diligent prosecution that resulted in a conviction in this case.

Each conviction for animal cruelty is important. Each conviction emphasises that animal cruelty has consequences, which acts as a deterrent.

Going forward, the important questions are:

1. How can we improve enforcement of existing animal cruelty laws?

2. What changes to animal cruelty laws should we lobby for?

3. What support structures need to be put in place to facilitate enforcement?

Understandably, this tragic case raised, and is still raising, strong emotions including abhorrence, anger and the desire to punish. The Animal Welfare Network suggests that you channel your righteous anger into positive action.

Answer the question: What am I going to do?

Some possibilities are: teach your children to care for animals, speak up if you see animal cruelty, find out about animal cruelty laws, get involved in animal welfare NGOs, write letters to the newspapers about animal cruelty issues, write to your Member of Parliament to lobby for changes to animal cruelty laws.

If Madison’s death affected you as much as it did us, take action!

NATALIE BOODRAM

chairperson

Animal Welfare Network