The dog in the photo, Xavier; was chained outside with no food or water during Missouri's first winter storm. He had little more than makeshift shelter to protect him from the blistering cold, he died an agonizing death. His owner, Carrie L. Statler, was charged with animal neglect. She was sentenced a $300.00 fine plus $108.00 court costs. http://www.examiner.com/article/carrie-statler-of-perryville-convicted-of-misdemeanor-animal-neglect#sthash.xvJm190g.dpuf ________________________________________________________ In New Jersey, this would be a disorderly persons offense. There needs to be harsher laws to protect our animals from abuse. New Jersey Statutes Annotated Official Classification Title 4 4:22-20. a. a person who shall abandon a maimed, sick, infirm or disabled animal or creature to die in a public place, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. b. A person who shall abandon a domesticated animal shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. The violator shall be subject to the maximum $1000 penalty.