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pg. 2--The Link Despite numerous studies, law enforcers typically ignore cruelty cases or treat them as secondary offenses. But the rise in adolescent crime sprees has spurred judges, prosecutors, police officers, social workers and cruelty investigators to parley reports on animal abuse, domestic violence and other crimes. Cross-disciplinary programs help authorities appraise a person's overall threat to society. Unfortunately, "animal law" remains a hodgepodge of antiquated statutes. Though 43 states amended laws within the last 10 years, 38 states still label animal cruelty a misdemeanor punishable by a small fine or minimal jail sentence. Many officials fail to connect accounts of slain or injured animals with offenses such as animal fighting, satanic practices, gang violence, or family violence. Missouri is among the growing number of states with felony animal cruelty laws. And while more litigators prosecute cases with felony penalties, sentencing often hinges upon the subjective view of judges. For example, a Minnesota man who dumped five puppies in a trash can in below-zero weather received a mere $1 fine, while a Detroit man who buried live puppies was ordered to pay $1,800 plus court expenses, $1,400 to the Michigan Humane Society, and $100 to a veterinarian. He also had to undergo counseling and perform 100 hours of community service. In 1998, New York's progressive Buster's Law-named for a cat who had been doused in kerosene and set ablaze-instituted cruelty fines as high as $5,000 and two-year prison terms. Psychologist Stephanie LaFarge, the nation's first expert in court-mandated animal abuse counseling, believes that early intervention not only prevents animal mistreatment, but also thwarts potential violence against humans. Lindy Garnette, director of child and family mental health services at the National Mental Health Association concurs. "Animal abuse should be universally recognized as a cry for help," she contends. "Punishing a child will not stop the activity or prevent future violent behavior." Ultimately, children learn compassion through their kinship with animals. While a kid's me-first world may not include adult-style nurturing, there is always space to love and care for an animal. As a girl, I knew the wonder and comfort of a brown-eyed dog called Ruff. When tornado warnings forced our family into the basement, I stood guard over my beloved guinea pig, Jamie. Animals taught me commitment, empathy and trust. They encouraged me to respect life in all forms. When LaFarge counsels animal offenders, she brings her dog Sophie for some hands-on therapy. "We need to consider the animal's point of view," she says. "And I hope that some day, all of us will." WHAT YOU CAN DO: 1.) Don't look away. If you witness animal abuse or neglect, call humane societies, societies for prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCAs), or animal control agencies to learn which officials enforce anti-cruelty laws. Visit a library to read about your state's cruelty statutes. In Missouri, ask to see Chapter 578 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. In most states "unnecessary suffering," beating, or food/water deprivation are illegal. Be prepared to educate law enforcers who may be unfamiliar with anti-cruelty laws. You can also contact the Law Enforcement Training Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia. This national program educates animal cruelty investigators on state statutes, interrogation methods, rules of evidence, courtroom testimony, etc. National Cruelty Investigations School, Law Enforcement Training Institute
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