Stop animal abuse
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To the editor:
I would like to address the issue of increasing penalties for animal abuse which came up at the town hall meeting.
Neither Representative Dolecheck or Senator Costello believe that we should enact meaningful legislation to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. Senator Costello said we already have laws to addressing this issue, a misdemeanor offense not a felony. Shame on the Iowa state legislature for their cavalier approach to the suffering of our fellow creatures. Every week it seems there are horrific examples of animal torture such as the severely burned female cat or the woman who continued to beat her little white dog in front of ARL rescuers.
At the most, the abusers are charged with a misdemeanor. Puppy mills are a disgrace to our state. We should enact laws that will outlaw puppy mills where our companion animals are kept in filthy conditions in wire cages for years at a time. I can’t imagine that anyone would think that this is acceptable.
Iowa ranks number 49 in animal welfare laws.
Last Saturday, we all heard the oft repeated statement that any “statue most ensure protection for livestock producers.” I refuse to believe that legislation which would punish those whose treatment of animals is inhumane threatens responsible livestock producers who care for their animals. On the other hand, those who abandon their livestock to starve, yeah, they should be charged with a felony.
Mary Kathryn Gepner
Benton