The Need for Support and Enforcement

Like DUI, animal abuse is in need of more attention by the public and harsh sentences for first time offenders For many years drunk driving was laughed at and lightly punished if any punishment was applied at all Organizations like MADD and others started to monitor cases and to lobby for harsher punishment for repeat and first time offenses DUI offenses are now recognized as serious and punished as such by almost all courts The judges in most courts know their actions will be known if they aren’t severe enough on offenders This is what is needed when it comes to animal abuse and cruelty, especially for severe and intentional abuse.

We now know through study that serial killers start with animal abuse and torture graduating to killing humans and torturing their victims like the animals they started with as children or young adults We need to make animal abuse something children and young adults view as completely unacceptable like drunk driving; something they will report, even if it’s a friend or should they observe it or hear a fellow bragging about it We NEED to observe the trials of those accused of animal abuse crimes and make sure they receive as harsh a sentence as possible for this type of crime and are not let off easily for convenience sake Let the courts know they are being held accountable

There should be an informative file of those convicted available to animal rescue groups should there be future offences by these abusers.

There are situations when the abuser is “underage” and we are unable to observe court These are the people who start young and it becomes part of their lifestyle Often they are repeaters, and their records are not available This is something that needs a fix

Enforcement of animal cruelty and abuse laws starts with law enforcement, but the only way to discourage the intentional abuse of animals lies with the punish- ment and the judges who sentence perpetrators of the abuse

We are not big fans of simply writing or rewriting legislation Often the laws are already in place to punish crimes and to solve the problem Just writing more laws to replace old laws which have not been implemented or properly enforced is just a waste of time We should look closely at the existing laws to see if they are the problem or if it is simply a lack of will on the part of the courts or prosecutors or even the law enforcement

There are three chances for abusers to avoid major consequences for acts of abuse once caught. First is a potential for law enforcement to downplay the abuse or fail to refer for prosecution, second the prosecutor may not wish to spend time on prosecution or plea bargain down to something which will not be as embarrassing as cruelty or abuse of the animal The third is the court may not take the crime seriously as it should, handing down small penalties or suggesting lower charges than should be given and allowing a way out of the most serious charges.

Do we need more laws? Absolutely not. We have a plethora We NEED them enforced and punishment served quickly Catch them as early as possible in life, punish them, and then they may take it seriously

We must make sure our elected and public employees take seriously animal cruelty and abuse What can you do to help? Call, email or write to voice your feelings of support for enforcement of animal cruelty and abuse laws

Contact: Maricopa Co. Prosecutor Bill Montgomery

301 West Jefferson Street, Suite 800

Phoenix, AZ 85003

602-506-3411 www maricopacountyattorney org/ www facebook com/maricopacountyattorney twitter com/Veritas ad res montgomw@mcao maricopa gov

Marsha Hill is President and Scott Powelson, Treasurer/Board Member of Alliance for AZ Animal Protection (AAAP) www facebook com/AllianceforArizona AnimalProtection/?fref=ts

ALLIANCE FOR AZ ANIMAL PROTECTION (AAAP)

EIN 05-0575732/501c3 31072

15411 W Waddell Rd, 102/150, Surprise, AZ 85379

MISSION STATEMENT: The AAAP mission is to promote animal welfare in Maricopa County This will be achieved by working with multiple Phoenix area Animal Shelters to provide assistance, supplies and greater community education and involvement AAAP members provide essential manpower to combat animal cruelty in Maricopa County, providing resources and financial support for existing and start-up animal shelters http://allinaceazanimalpr.wixsite.com/aaap

“Like” us on Facebook https://www facebook com/Alliancefor ArizonaAnimalProtection/

Should you live in Maricopa Co. and would like to become involved in our efforts, please contact us. Thank you.

Donations are received with joy!