Animal Advocate in Animal Abuse Cases

Hartford — State Representative Brenda Kupchick (R-132), Legislators For Animal Advocacy and members of “Desmond’s Army” following a recent rash of animal cruelty cases in Connecticut Thursday called for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the state’s animal cruelty laws. For more information on the bill, HB 6310, http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bi... “There seems to be a disconnect between the clear data from law enforcement and mental health professionals on seriousness of animal abuse and the sentences being handed out by the court,” said Rep. Kupchick. “The legislature has increased the penalty and sentences for animal abuse, but the data shows the courts simply aren’t using those tools. “I see no harm in having a volunteer advocate sharing the seriousness of the abuse in court. If this increases the rate of animal abusers receiving jail time and or mental health services then its valuable.” “When a man is accused of strangling his girlfriend and then ends up torturing and ultimately strangling their dog “Desmond” to death and the courts award accelerated rehabilitation it is clear it is time to review and re-evaluate our animal cruelty laws,” Rep. Urban said. “To paraphrase Margaret Mead, one of the most dangerous things that can happen is for a person to kill or torture and animal and get away with it. Rep. Urban was referring to a Branford case where a judge permitted a man to avoid jail time and was granted accelerated rehabilitation (A/R) after being accused of beating and strangling his dog “Desmond” to death. “Research has established that there are strong links between violent behaviors toward humans and violent behaviors toward animals,” Annie Hornish, Connecticut State Director, The Humane Society of the United States, said. “Ensuring that animals receive justice for crimes of violence against them will help build a more humane and better functioning civil society. We encourage severe penalties for people who are responsible for causing animals to suffer. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9DMBLeEh3ew You can Reach Rep. Kupchick at Brenda.Kupchick@cga.ct.gov