Domestic+Animal+Abuse+8-505

= Domestic Animal Abuse  = = - Robert, Jacqueline , and Gabrielle -  =



Task 1
=**What is animal abuse? "... the infliction of suffering or harm upon animals, other than humans, for purposes other than self-defense..." Over the past few years, New York State has taken part in just about 1,000 documented cases of animal abuse. Unfortunately, the list continues to grow as a case was recorded Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 in Brooklyn, NY where approximately 100 cats were involved. The location was littered with carcasses and urine was seeping through the floorboards. As serious as this issue is, it is not taken seriously by the government. We propose that a change has to be made. Not only for the community, but for the animals themselves. ** =  =** In New York, domestic animal abuse is not like any other issue. We see an exceedingly high amount of situations where animals are being harmed and no one is be ** **ing held accountable. In 2010, over 953 cases occurred. One case being a horrific one with 38 cats involved. In a house in Richmond County, New York a group of animal rescue agents found 38 cats starved and abandoned. They were stuffed in cupboards on all of them on the verge of dying. There was a horrible stench throughout the whole house. Not only does this problem occur frequently, but the efforts at putting a stop to it are below satisfactory. In addition to this, animal abuse is an issue that is widespread, but in New York, we find that most cases occur in the urban areas of the state including all 5 boroughs. Because it is as widespread as it is, witnesses of any case of animal abuse should take responsibility to stop it. With them, we can avoid putting more animals in danger. We feel that if the government handles this problem, it will be taken more seriously and considered more important than it currently is. ** = =** All over the state cases of animals being beaten, shot, stabbed, or even blown up are reported. In Albany, a horse was stabbed 20 times by a man who was later convicted of the crime. Another case occurred in Albany where 5 boys deliberately put a pipe bomb on the back of a snapping turtle's back and watched it explode. The video posted included dialogue of the boys saying, "Do you think he knows he's about to die?" Clearly, the attention animal abuse gets now doesn't keep the problem in check. If the local governments could actually take the issue into their own hands, a difference could be seen. ** = = = =**Domestic animal abuse should be dealt with on a case by case basis. Each case that occurs is an opportunity to make a step towards stopping the issue as a whole. Although the majority of communities within New York don't disagree, it seems that pet owners would be the most concerned about the issue. Organizations like the ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States, are trying to influence the government to adopt their view on this problem by raising money and enlarging their animal cop team. Animal cop teams are those who answer calls for animal abuse cases and are taking charge in changing this issue. Between going in an rescuing these animals, taking them to hospitals for treatment and then shelters, these teams are the ones taking action. If citizens would also take part in helping the cause, animal abuse would decrease and because animal abuse has relationships with domestic violence, it will reduce the amount of other crimes in the streets. According to the American Humane Association, most animal abuse cases start out in situations involving domestic violence. It just takes support and action to end the terror that is animal abuse. ** = = = =**All over New York State animals are being harmed and killed. The stories get more gruesome and more unbelievable each time they occur. Animals should not be hurt or abused in any way, they should be treated like the magnificent creatures they are. The longer we wait and the longer we about waiver doing something, the worse it will get. ** =

 =**<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"> Sources ** = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">Animal Abuse & Domestic Violence." American Humane Association Home. American Humane Association. Web. 21 Jan. 2011. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;">[] ** = = = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">Burke, By Kerry, and Oren Yaniv. "Cold Couple Busted for Rotting Cat Corpses, Tortured Tabbies in Brooklyn Loft: Prosecutors." New York News, Traffic, Sports, Weather, Photos, Entertainment, and Gossip NY Daily News. 22 Jan. 2011. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. ** = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;">[] 01-22_bust_for_rotting_cat_corpses.html. ** = = = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">"Pet-Abuse.Com -." Pet-Abuse.Com - Home. 1 Nov. 2010. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. ** = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;">[] >. ** = = = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">"Pet-Abuse.Com -." Pet-Abuse.Com - Home. 20 Sept. 09. Web. 20 Jan. 2011. ** = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"> <<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;">[] >. ** = = = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">"Pet-Abuse.Com -." Pet-Abuse.Com - Home. 31 Jan. 2008. Web. 18 Feb. 2011. ** = =﻿ **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"> <<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;">[] >. ** = = = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Cruelty Laws: Felony vs. Misdemeanor." Pet-Abuse.Com - Home. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. ** = = **<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px; text-decoration: none;">[] . ** =

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Task 2

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Animal abuse is a crime. In 1999, New York’s policy was created which states an offender can be sentence of a year to life in prison, or a fine up to $5,000 if a house pet was abused. There are laws pertaining to this and each has advantages and disadvantages.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In forty-six states animal abuse can be considered a felony. These 46 states passed this law between 1887- 2007. If a crime is considered a felony, the offender can be sentenced to life in prison.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The advantages of animal abuse being a felony are that offenders spend more time in jail. Another advantage is this shows that people care since a felony is a major crime. The disadvantages are that 4 states don’t have felony charges. One tenth of the nation can get away with animal abuse. It is hard to actually convict someone of animal abuse unless there is evidence that he or she committed abuse. Also, gathering evidence is difficult because entering the home of the offender is illegal unless given a warrant. Organizations who support this are the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and PETA.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In addition to this, in some states animal abuse is considered a felony only to certain animal. But New Jersey’s law, which wad created in 2001, states that abuse to any type of animal is considered to be a felony. Also, the offender can be charged to a maximum of $15,000 or 5 years in jail.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The advantage of New Jersey’s law is that it pertains to all animals. Unfortunately, some states. Now, if any animal is abused someone will be charged. This is better because it expands the law by having it pertain to all animals.The disadvantages of New Jersey’s law are the fact that it is hard to actually convict someone of animal abuse. Also it can create financial stress because the fine is a steep price. This can cause that person to abuse animals again. Organizations who support this are the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and PETA.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">A majority of the United States considers animal abuse as a felony, but there are certain states and individuals that don’t. Not all the policies are effective in preventing animal abuse. Animal abuse will become worse as time moves on. Animals are being tortured every day, and it’s not stopping.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sources

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“County Creates Nation’s First Animal Abuse Registry." New York County Creates Nation’s First Animal Abuse Registry. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><http://blogs.catster.com/kitty-news-network/2010/10/18/new-york-county-creates-nations-first-animal-abuse-registry/>.

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Cruelty Laws: Felony vs. Misdemeanor. “Pet Abuse.Com - Home.” Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> < [|__http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/cruelty_laws.php__] >.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"State Animal Cruelty Chart." The Humane Society of the United States : The Humane Society of the United States. Dec. 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. <http://www.humanesociety.org/>.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"State Cruelty Laws Nebraska-Wyoming." Stray Pet Advocacy. 2003. Web.25 Mar. 2011. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><http://straypetadvocacy.org/cruelty_law_ne-wy.html>.

<span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"Suffolk County, New York Launches Nation's First Animal Abuser Registry." //Horse Experts, Horse Training, Equestrian Resources//.15 Oct. 2010. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. <span style="font-family: 'American Typewriter'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-news/2010/10/15/animalabuser-registry.aspx>.

Task 3

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Animal Abuse has become a huge problem in New York State, and current policies aren’t helping enough. The current policies state that it is a felony to abuse animals, which is at least a year in jail. It also has a $50,000 fine. These punishments aren’t enough. Our proposed policy is anyone convicted of animal abuse should be sentenced to a minimum of 2 years in jail and a maximum of 10 years in jail. There will be no fine because some people can easily pay the fine. Also the amount of time in jail should be based on how bad the case was, how many animals were abused and how the abuse was committed. If the person is a first time offender, after they are released they will be allowed to own a pet. But, if they are convicted a second time, they will not be allowed to own a pet.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The advantage of this policy is that those convicted will spend more time in jail. This means they have a better chance of never doing it again because they suffered in jail. Another advantage is, there is no fine. Some people can easily pay the fine, move on, and abuse again. Without a fine, offenders won’t be able to abuse until they are released. Also, because after the second conviction an offender can’t own any pets after they are released, there will be less animals being abused.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The disadvantages of this policy are it is hard to actually convict someone of animal abuse. The ne way is to search their house, which violates rights. If there is a complaint or strong belief that someone is abusing animals, law enforcement should be able to search the house. Another disadvantage is that in some cases we may never know if someone is abusing animals because they can easily hide it in their house. Without evidence of abuse, police can’t get a warrant to search the offender’s house.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The level of government that should handle this policy is the state judicial branch. This is because they decide how long the person is in jail. Our policy is supported by organizations such as PETA, ASPCA, and the Humane Society of the United States. No one opposes our policy because it is helping animals without violating anyone’s rights. It helps poor animals from being hurt.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Our proposed policy does not violate any rights. Our policy states that the offender spends a minimum of two years and a maximum of ten years in jail. This still gives the offender freedom after they are released. It also does not take the property without authority. The only property being taken will be the pet, but it would be taken after trial and if they have been convicted. An officer is not allowed to enter the offender's home without a warrant, which does not invade privacy. The policy does not discriminate against anyone's race, religion, age, gender, or nationality as well. Those who are called to court will be those who have been reported for animal abuse.

Sources

Humane, Society. "State Animal Cruelty Chart." The Humane Society of theUnited States : The Humane Society of the United States. Dec. 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. <http://www.humanesociety.org/>.

"Statues/Laws-New York." Michigan State University College of Law. Animal Legal and Historical Center. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. <http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/statestatutes/stusnyset.htm>.

"U.S. Cruelty Laws Felony vs. Misdemeanor." Pet-Abuse.Com - Home. Web.18 Feb. 2011.

** Task 4 ** = = ==== Animal abuse is evidentially, a great issue in our community, in our efforts to fix this issue; we have constructed an action plan. In this we feel that one of the biggest activities bringing the issue to people who are willing to do something about it. We want to publicize the issue of animal abuse and make people see all of its aspects, bu revealing it to local councilmen, speakers, and representative for the community. Because many animal shelters have also seen the danger in animal abuse, representative of those will also be a part of our efforts. ====

=<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 23px;">In order to receive their support, we can turn to sending letter explaining how important changing the issue is. In addition to that, we can also talk to local people about it and show them that it is worth trying to fix. By doing that, we might be able to find people who do support us, but we also might find those who don't. Some of those people are in higher positions might feel that animal abuse isn't as important as other issues in the state or city. People like the Mayor or Governor could be among those, but regardless of who is in favor of our approach, we feel it is necessary to go through with. = = = = = =<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 23px;">In specific, people like Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. who represent the community as a whole, could be helpful in our plan because we find this more of a local issue. To gain his support, we could go to his local office and present him with research such as the connections between animal abuse and domestic violence allowing him to see the multiple benefits of helping the issue. Small points like that could definitely help us get people's attention and if we get the right peoples' attention, we just might be able to make a difference. = = = =<span style="color: black; font-family: 'American Typewriter'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 23px;">Animal abuse is a serious issue that comes up just too often here in New York, and in specific, New York City. It's something that can be changed with enough support from the community and those that speak for the community. =