California: Toughen Penalties for Animal Cruelty
Following a disturbing incident of intentional cruelty at a marine mammal rescue center in California, lawmakers have stepped up with legislation that will impose tougher penalties for animal abusers.
Assembly Bill 1543 will impose additional fines up to $5,000 for each count of cruelty, on top of a $20,000 fine and possible jail time that can already be imposed by the state. It would require those added fines to be deposited into a Victims of Animal Abuse Fund, which would be established by the bill and administered by the Veterinary Medical Board.
The money collected will go to organizations that take in animals in abuse cases to help offset costs they would typically be responsible for covering. It would also require anyone who harms an animal at a facility where they're getting care from aquariums and shelters to sanctuaries to undergo counseling.
Please sign this petition urging lawmakers to pass this important piece of legislation to protect both wild and companion animals from cruelty.
As someone who is concerned with the welfare of both wild and companion animals, I am writing to express support for a recently introduced bill that would impose tougher penalties for animal abusers.
Assembly Bill 1543 will impose additional fines up to $5,000 for each count of cruelty, on top of a $20,000 fine and possible jail time that can already be imposed by the state. It would require those added fines to be deposited into a Victims of Animal Abuse Fund, which would be established by the bill and administered by the Veterinary Medical Board.
The money collected will go to organizations that take in animals in abuse cases to help cover costs they would typically be responsible for covering to provide care and treatment. It would also require anyone who harms an animal at a facility where they're getting care from aquariums and shelters to sanctuaries to undergo counseling.
I sincerely hope you will stand up for the welfare of all animals by supporting this important piece of legislation.
