Evidenced most clearly by the recent national media story of more than 100 horses found in deplorable condition in Copiah County, we feel that more proactive and punitive measures should be put into the legal framework to protect those companion animals such as dogs, cats and horses that cannot speak for themselves.

The state of Mississippi is ranked among the lowest in protection for companion animals and penalties for those who intentionally harm them.  Our shelters, municipal animal control facilities and rescues are overwhelmed with calls for help daily with situations that range from gross neglect to wanton malicious cruelty.  Often we see the same offenders repeat those crimes due to lax enforcement of existing laws and resistance from the legislature to involve themselves in animal-related legislation.  Such was the case with Jerry Earls of the Copiah County horses, who had previously been charged and found guilty of crimes against animals in 2012.

If you would like further documentation of the problem that our state faces in regard to animals, please see the following links to news stories from 2014 alone.  This is just a sampling of some of the stories that have been published.  There are many others.

We want to make it very clear that the people you represent, Mr. Governor, are in favor of fortifying our current laws with harsher penalties and the drafting of new bills to better protect the animals that are dependent upon our stewardship.

 

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/27512061/copiah-county-more-than-100-malnourished-wounded-and-dead-horses-found

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/10/ms-alcorn-puppy-mill-102914.html

http://www.wapt.com/news/mississippi/man-charged-after-10-dogs-seized-in-poor-condition/30350440

http://www.myfoxal.com/story/27663951/mercy-for-animals-calls-for-more-auction-oversight

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/10/13/couple-charged-counts-animal-cruelty-dogs-confiscated/17205415/

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/25102517/mississippi-co-woman-faces-animal-abuse-assault-charges

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2014/10/08/rankin-man-arrested-for-animal-cruelty/16951593/

http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=38284

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/10/around_mississippi_70_dogs_rec.html

http://www.wdam.com/story/24853322/man-arrested-for-felony-animal-cruelty-after-death-of-neglected-horse

http://www.wdam.com/story/27674069/joes-viewpoint-animal-cruelty