NC House wants hard time for animal abusers

[ccharles000]

The state House unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that seeks to impose stiffer penalties for cruelty to animals.

The measure, known as "Susie's Law" for a pit bull-shepherd puppy found badly beaten and burned in a Greensboro park last summer, now heads back to the Senate for approval, where it previously passed by a unanimous vote.

The change is being sought by animal rights activists outraged after the man convicted of felony animal cruelty in the case was not sentenced to jail time on the charge. The state's structured sentencing laws call for probation on a first offense.

Under the bill approved by the House, any person found to have intentionally killed or neglected an animal would be guilty of a Class H felony, punishable by up to eight months in jail. The crime is presently a misdemeanor.

http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/house_wants_hard_time_for_animal_abusers

[Kalun D]

1. How Many Abused Animals Are In the Gulf of Mexico?

And will the scum bag CEO's at BP be held to account?

[jesus_of_suburbia]

2. That's not what this is about. There is a difference in intent.

I think the "scum bag CEO's at BP" should be punished WORSE....


but this scum should be punished as well.

[Jamastiene]

4. Exactly.

Both should face punishment for abusing and killing the animals.

[Jamastiene]

5. I hope they do hold them accountable and punish them there too.

I especially want to see them charged with harming endangered species in the Gulf as well. Maybe that will carry a stiffer penalty or at the very least name those responsible for threatening the last few of several species.

[Jamastiene]

3. It's about time.

North Carolina desperately needs this law. I hope Susie's Law passes and Gov. Perdue signs it.