Animal cruelty charges need to change so the Penalty matches the Crime!
This petition had 1,316 supporters
It's time to stand up, make some noise ,and ensure that the punishment fits the crime for these horrendous acts on innocent animals.
Victoria needs to lead the way and introduce severe penalties!
10,708 cases of Animal cruelty were investigated by RSPCA in 2013-2014. Only 54 Prosecutions were successful!
In Victoria the maximum jail term is two years and the maximum fine is 29,313.60 but rarely are any of these penalties ever given.
There was a case in 2013 where Noel Mitchell, 67,was sentenced in relation to lewd acts with horses for a second time ,he was banned for owning or caring for horses and ordered to undergo counselling as part of an 18 month community corrections order.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/judge-orders-counselling-for-man-found-guilty-of-horse-bestiality-20150519-gh4x6u.html
Is that punishment? An order for counselling! And that wasn't the first offence!
On 8 August a case was heard at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in relation to an injured Staffordshire Terrier-type dog. The accused was charged with failing to provide veterinary or appropriate treatment for the dog’s injured eye. The accused was convicted and placed on a 12-month Good Behaviour Bond. The Magistrate also imposed a banning order, prohibiting the accused from owning any dogs for a 12-month period.
Rosko a dog who suffered one of the worst cases of mange ever seen by RSPCA- The owner was charged with failing to provide vet treatment and was banned from owning a dog for ten years – the maximum penalty for this crime.
Another case in Victoria- Johnny’s owner was charged with failing to provide food and vet treatment. The owner was found guilty on all charges. In sentencing, the owner was placed on a good behaviour bond and banned from being in charge of any animal for two years.
Johnny is pictured above-Two year good behaviour for this!!
As you can see from just these few stories the fines are minimal, if any, and this is just for the ones that are prosecuted, what of the ones that never even get to court?
Jail sentences appear to be suspended majority of the time.
Perpetrators are occasionally banned from owning a pet but for a few years, so then of course they're free to do it again.
The Magistrates clearly need to stand up and take responsibility also and utilise the highest penalties!
Please sign and share share share.. We are the only voice they have..
" Evil can only prevail if good men do nothing"