MICHIGAN REPRESENTATIVE INTRODUCES IMPORTANT LEGISLATION TO HELP PREVENT ANIMAL CRUELTY, VIOLENCE AGAINST PEOPLE!
MICHIGAN REPRESENTATIVE INTRODUCES IMPORTANT LEGISLATION TO HELP PREVENT ANIMAL CRUELTY, VIOLENCE AGAINST PEOPLE!
April 24, 2008
Legislation intended to crack down on animal cruelty and prevent future violence against people was introduced today by state Rep. David Law.
Law's legislation doubles animal cruelty penalties from four years up to eight years in prison and increases the fine from $5,000 up to $10,000, as well as requires a psychological exam.
"This legislation goes further than just protecting animals; it is also a pre-emptive measure against human violence. By identifying sociopathic tendencies in these individuals through psychological assessments, we can make efforts to treat them before they become violent toward people," said Law, R-Commerce Township. "Statistics have shown that those who kill or maim animals are likely to commit violent crimes against humans in the future. Unfortunately, we have seen this exemplified in Jeffrey Dahmer, the Son of Sam and the BTK killer, who all started out abusing animals."
Cheryl Postma, Director of AuSable Valley Animal Shelter, is pleased.
"I think I speak for everyone at our shelter when I say I am THRILLED that Representative Law has submitted this very important piece of legislation. Michigan, and the animals we protect, deserve a law such as this. It's been widely known that those who torture and abuse animals have a high rate of violence against humans. We need to send a message loud and clear: in Michigan, animal abuse is a serious crime. I hope swift action is taken, and this law gets passed. It's long overdue."
The Michigan Humane Society, the state's oldest and largest animal welfare organization, also announced their support of the bill.
"Rep. Law's legislation is another big step toward preventing animal cruelty. Additionally, given the direct correlation between animal cruelty and violence toward people, it will also go a long way in protecting potential human victims," said Michigan Humane Society President and CEO Cal Morgan. "Rep. Law has been a leader in the Legislature protecting citizens from violent crime, and we applaud his efforts to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and abuse."
Law also said that convicted animal abusers' criminal records showed they were seven times more likely than the general population to abuse people.
Law's legislation was introduced today as House Bills 6007 and 6008.
Click here to visit Representative David Law's website
Snail mail address:
Representative David Law
S-888 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48933
Or phone: (517) 373-1799
Lastly: be sure to pass along this page to all of your Michigan contacts, and encourage them to do the same. Representative Law needs to hear from us! He needs to know we support his efforts!
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