Maine – Escalate All Animal Abuse Crimes to Felonies with Stringent Penalties
- by: Sue Lee
- recipient: Maine State Legislators
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is pleased that the state of Maine has some of the strongest laws against animal cruelty; yet ALDF believes these stricter laws leave a lot of room for improvement. The felonies are for certain animal crimes but not others like dog fighting. You can read more on Maine’s animal cruelty issues and laws against defenseless animals at http://www.straypetadvocacy.org/PDF/AnimalCrueltyLaws.pdf & http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/Maine-recognized-for-laws-against-animal-abuse/17814990.
In many states, animal cruelty, abuse and neglect is not taken as seriously as warranted and dog fighting culminates with a literal slap on the hand, even though it is a critical horrific crime against an animal. All offenses against animals must ensure severe consequences if animals are to receive the protection they need and deserve. One of the first steps is to ensure the implementation and enforcement of a statewide animal cruelty registry database. In addition to the registry, all crimes against animals need to be classified as felonies with stringent penalties.
The effort in this petition is to speak out to state legislators in Maine and ask that they improve on their animal cruelty laws. We are asking that they ensure all crimes against animals be classified as a felony with more stringent penalties of extensive jail time, high fines and possible community service. Along with the felony offense and appropriate consequences, the offender would be listed as a registered animal abuser that would prevent future mistreatment, ownership and encounters with any animals for a lifetime, guaranteed. Strict measurements need to be taken and fully enforced in order to put an end to such animal cruelty. There is never an excuse for harming an animal and anyone who does needs to be held accountable for any actions against these living creatures. You can help to strengthen laws with strict felony charges and penalties for all crimes against animals by signing and sharing this petition, adding your own thoughts and comments in support of this issue.
Maine State Legislators – The respect and care of animals should begin with our youth, teaching them that animals are not objects without feelings. The disrespect of animals comes in all forms, from minor issues involving neglect to serious injuries, dog fighting and death. Whatever the extent, any offense against a living, breathing defenseless animals warrants no less than a felony offense with more stringent penalties of extensive jail time, high fines and possible community service. Along with the felony offense and appropriate consequences, the offender would be listed as a registered animal abuser that would prevent future mistreatment, ownership and encounters with any animals for a lifetime, guaranteed. Strict measurements need to be taken and fully enforced in order to put an end to such animal cruelty. There is never an excuse for harming an animal and anyone who does needs to be held accountable for any actions against these living creatures.
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