General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSuccess! It’s Now a Felony to Abuse Companion Animals in Ohio!
Because of the states weak animal welfare laws, an abuser like Harley Paynter could brutally mutilate a pug yet face a maximum sentence of only 180 days in jail (Paynter was released after just 86 days). The judge called it the worst case of animal abuse hed ever seen in his 24 years on the bench, but under the state law, it could only be considered a misdemeanor.
If individuals know there is no possibility that there will be prison time if they commit egregious acts of cruelty against companion animals, they are going to continue to do those crimes, Corey Roscoe, Ohio state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said in 2015. They need to be separated from the rest of society that is adhering to the law.
Fortunately, thanks to Goddards Law (House Bill 60), which was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich in June and went into effect this month, anyone who knowingly causes pain or physical harm to a companion animal in Ohio including depriving the animal of food, water and shelter will no longer be charged with a mere first-degree misdemeanor. Instead, its now a fifth-degree felony.
http://www.care2.com/causes/success-its-now-a-felony-to-abuse-companion-animals-in-ohio.html
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)My congratulations to all of those who worked to make this happen. May the trend continue!
MoonRiver
(36,926 posts)Countries that trade in and/or relish animal torture and exploitation are not going to change, without massive economic consequences. There's NO chance of that happening under a Rump administration.
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)There is undisputed psychology as to the link between animal cruelty as a first step toward human murder, etc.
I want to live in a world where the killing stops. I am so sick of hearing horrid stories about cruelty, etc. And I'm so sick of seeing pictures of dogs and cats that are impounded and euthanized every day in my own, irresponsible city.
MoonRiver
(36,926 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)I don't like dogs, but those who abuse them, or any animal, are beneath contempt
MoonRiver
(36,926 posts)I had this conversation with my 8 y/o grandson yesterday. He thought about it for a minute, and had to agree. We are a very sick species.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)There are videos of lions breaking the backs of hyenas so they can starve to death, but we do it MUCH more often.
LeftyMom
(49,212 posts)If you've seen dolphins or ducks have sex- I don't say mate because both are notoriously not picky on that front- or leopard seals play with their penguin food you'll see that recreational cruelty is not an exclusively human phenomenon. It makes sense that it wouldn't be: we are animals, every thing we think separates us shows up in other animals when we start looking to find it.
We live in a world of dolphin rape gangs and necrophiliac ducks and monkeys using frogs as fleshlights. Puts the nightly news right in perspective, really.
leftyladyfrommo
(18,870 posts)Animals just do what they do.
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)Until like the last 10 years or so, when I have developed a real apprecation and love for them.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)because they are too labor intensive. Another thing is the trend for people to bring their dogs everywhere. Home Depot allows this. I don't want to be around other people's dogs- they smell, and there is a possibility of biting. I am not including service dogs in this.
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)I just think its interesting how my own attitude has changed over time. It's probably good, since i live in a very dog-intensive State.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)maybe, if I had more property, I might have a dog again. Shepherds need room to run. Maybe when I am older, and don't have so many other responsibilities (like raising my grandchildren because my stepdaughter still thinks she is 17)
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)We got a tiny rescue dog a couple years ago- half chihuahua, half JR terrier- i was not interested in getting a dog, but was outvoted. But she's very little trouble.
Shandris
(3,447 posts)And about time, too!
Erm...someone help me here. When did 'companion animals' become a thing? I mean, I've had 'animal companion' as the hallmark of being a multi-year roleplayer, but the inverse seems pretty new to me...?
LeftyMom
(49,212 posts)A lot of states and localities have updated their laws to use phrasing like companion rather than owner to emphasize that an animal is a feeling being rather than an object. So if an animal is harmed deliberately the perpetrator is on the hook for vet expenses beyond replacement value, for example.
Shandris
(3,447 posts)Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)People who abuse other animals often abuse human ones too.
Ruby the Liberal
(26,219 posts)Thank you for the sanity, Ohio!