|
|
|
Jewish Celebrities
|
Md. Gov. Asks For Review Of Animal Cruelty Laws
Required fields are marked with an asterisk(*)
|
|
|
The information you provide will be used only to send the requested e-mail and will not be used to send any other e-mail communications. Read more in our Privacy Policy
Click to enlarge
Suzanne Collins reports the governor has asked for a review of Maryland's animal abuse laws, to see if they should be toughened.
In May, a pit bull was set on fire in Baltimore City. In June, a cat was chained, tortured and blasted with fireworks. These stories along with a concern about dog fighting have led the governor to call for a review of Maryland's animal abuse laws.
A city animal control officer responds Friday to another call for a neglected pit bull. He says it's very common and they're often left in abandoned houses.
"A lot of times kids can't take them home to their parents, so they take them, take care of them in vacant houses," said Ricky Martin, animal officer.
The female dog rescued Friday doesn't have fighting scars, but appears to have been used for breeding. She was tied with an eight inch lead, to the fence of a vacant house.
"She's a little too old, and I guess they just got rid of her because they can't use her, no more for breeding," said Martin.
Eyewitness News met the same officer Thursday for a similar call. A thin and abandoned pit bull was found in the upper windows of a vacant house. Right before the officer arrived Eyewitness News noticed a man moving the dog to a different abandoned house.
The owner has not been found. The officer takes the animal to a city shelter. In recent weeks, the governor has received 400 e-mails from the public, concerned about animal abuse and neglect. They have also been getting calls about dog fighting.
"Generally, the state needs to focus more on this, education the public and you know take this issue seriously," said Rick Abbruzzese, Governor O'Malley spokesperson.
One state senator says making criminal penalties for animal abuse stiffer is not the answer. She feels young people should be taught to work with animals, so they learn a certain respect for them.
"When you have juveniles who are perpetrating these kinds of offenses, which I think are outrageous, we need to teach them perhaps they should spend a couple of hours cleaning up the city pound, maybe they aught to work for the SPCA," said Senator Lisa Gladden.
Two juveniles were arrested in setting fire to the pit bull. No one has been arrested in the cat's torture death.
The Animal Legal Defense Foundation says Maryland comes in 32nd in a review of state's and territories animal protection laws.
Under Maryland law, aggravated cruelty to animals through torture, beatings or dogfights is considered a felony punishable by up to three years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Abuse or neglect of an animal is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days and $1,000 in fines.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Whale Of A Tale Along Florida Beach
Wacky Photos Of Man's Best Friend!
Crazy About Crabs!
Zoo Babies: Cuteness Unleashed
2009 Ugliest Dog Contest
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
First Family Walks Bo In White House
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds In U.S.
This Could Be The Ugliest Cat Ever
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2009
Pets
Stumble It!
Reporting
