COURAGE: The People of the State of California v. Kimberly Nizato

The People of the State of California v. Kimberly Nizato

Dear Deputy District Attorney Trujillo,

I have learned of the extremely disturbing and malicious case of animal cruelty allegedly committed by Ms. Kimberly Nizato, and I am writing to express my support of sentencing this defendant to the maximum penalty allowed under the law. Ms. Nizato is charged by Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) with one count of felony animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count of failure to provide care resulting in the severe starvation and neglect of the dog named Courage. I feel it is essential to recognize that if Ms. Nizato's decision to harm Courage is found to be premeditated or even to reflect an incidental yet blatant disregard for his well-being as demonstrated by the chronicle of events occurring over a lengthy period of time, her actions merit clear and firm punitive measures. Ms. Nizato's actions appear to have included slow starvation and immobilization; upon the rescue of Courage, it was determined that he had been denied both food and water (dirt and rocks were found in his colon during veterinarian examination), extreme anorexia, frailty, shock, and hypothermia. It has been asserted by his veterinarian, Dr. Grant that Courage would likely not have survived one additional day in the absence of intervention.

When I try to imagine what possible motive animal abusers entertain for subjecting their animal victims to such malicious, heinous acts of brutality, I fail. To voluntarily engage in such malicious behavior suggests sadistic tendencies. Ms. Nizato's alleged actions caused unmitigated pain and suffering, and demonstrate an incontrovertible lack of morality regarding other living beings and a gross disrespect for the law. In fact, a person who shows such a remarkable lack of compassion towards non-human animals has the ability to show such indifference towards human animals. This link between animal and human abuse has been well established, and if we excuse Ms. Nizato's alleged criminal behavior, or agree to a lesser punishment, we only harm ourselves by unjustly nullifying cruelty as acceptable behavior.

I am hoping that you will take an unyielding position against animal cruelty and should Kimberly Nizato be found guilty, that you hold her accountable by sentencing her in accordance with the maximum penalty allowed. If the justice system does not administer the harshest penalty available, it indeed excuses malicious behavior towards sentient beings, and to excuse this type of sadistic cruelty harms all by disregarding the basic moral tenet of respecting life and appreciating the value of it. Apathy permeates throughout society and damages all, and we therefore need to teach our children that the law does not excuse, allow, or enable cruelty against human or non-human animals. We need to demonstrate in both word and action that the human essence of empathy does not exist to excuse maliciousness, it exists to provide compassion and justice to the brutalized and punishment to those who willingly deviate from this capacity. If we do not do our duty to provide this, we harm animals and invite injustice into our society. Finally, if she is placed on probation, I urge you to stipulate that there be no animals living in any home in which she resides or place of employment where she works – not just that she not own an animal.

I know your time is limited and I want to thank you for your attention and consideration.

[Your name]