COULD WE CALL THIS THE PRESS FOR A MISSISSIPPI AR AGENDA?
 
 
 
Animal fighting often makes news

In the wake of Saturday's raid of a dogfighting ring in Hancock County, here is a list of other stories about fighting animals from the files of The Sun Herald:

• December 2003: Animal rights groups and other organizations encourage residents to call their local representatives and ask for support of stiffer animal cruelty laws in the state. Legislators will consider the new laws during the 2004 session. Cockfighting and dogfighting are felonies, but other abuses, such as neglect, injury or even the torturous killing of an animal, is punished by "not more than $500 or up to six months in jail," which often is suspended.

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Source  http://www.sunherald.com/mld/thesunherald/news/local/7688745.htm
 
Subject: TEXAS POULTRY REGISTRATION UPDATE BY WAYNE MAYFIELD

 I feel that it is imperative that game fowl breeders in Texas understand that "Registration will be required for distributors, transporters and dealers who sell at public sites, such as auction, flea markets and other such venues". Please understand that this program will not be applicable to our game fowl producers who have private poultry flocks and are engaged only in private treaty sales of their birds. Therefore, most all of our game fowl producers in Texas will not be required to register under the program.
 
Thanks to TGBA and especially Directors Bobby Jeffreys and Ray Harris, who worked closely with this program, Texas game fowl breeders will not be required to register. There will be a first-year estimated saving to our producers of some $300,000-$500,000. We must remember that this was a commercial poultry bill without initial imput from the game fowl industry. We must continue to be close observers of our flocks to keep them disease-free and should problems arise, immediately notify proper state and federal authorities.
 
Thanks,
Wayne Mayfield, President TGBA
 
 
Courtesy:   OGBA News
 
 Is Cruel And Unusual Punishment Becoming Not So Unusual?

McGreevey signs animal cruelty bill

Saturday, January 10, 2004

By SEAN C. McCULLEN
Staff Writer

BRIDGETON -- A bill that sought to increase penalties for individuals who abuse and injure animals in New Jersey was signed into law by Gov. James McGreevey Friday.

The measure, co-sponsored by Assemblymen Doug Fisher, John Burzichelli and Robert Smith, makes animal cruelty incidents that result in an animal's death a third-degree crime.

Repeat offenders of animal cruelty laws, including those whose abuse did not result in an animal's death, will now face third-degree penalties of up to five years in prison and $15,000 in fines.

"Previous state law did not go far enough in addressing crimes against animals," Fisher (D-3, Bridgeton) said. "The levels of punishment lacked the necessary teeth to discourage barbaric acts that harm defenseless animals."

Animal cruelty offenders under the prior state law were charged with fourth-degree crimes, which carry maximum penalties of $10,000 in fines or 18 months in prison.

The prior state law did not distinguish between cases of animal cruelty that resulted in an animal's death and those that did not. It also did not provide additional penalties for repeat animal abusers.

In addition to imposing tougher criminal penalties, the new law increases the civil penalties that may be collected by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) to between $500 and $5,000. Repeat offenders will be subject to additional civil penalties, according to the legislators.

"It's unsettling to know that people are abusing their animals for entertainment," said Burzichelli (D-3, Paulsboro). "Unfortunately, it seems to be occurring more frequently.

"State law now reflects the times and properly penalizes sadistic and vicious acts toward animals."

A number of horrific stories of animal abuse in the state the last year or two prompted the legislators to sponsor the bill.

"Anything that increases the penalties against individuals who abuse animals is great," said county SPCA director Linda Catalano. "Hopefully, this will serve as a deterrent for anyone who is thinking about abusing an animal."

In October, the story of a mixed-breed dog discovered with its nose and mouth taped shut in nearby Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County, drew national media attention.

The tape cut off the abandoned dog's circulation and resulted in maggot infestation and severe decay.

The dog, named "Rusty" by The Society to Protect in Carneys Point, was euthanized shortly after it was found.

The man accused of the abuse, Robert Lamano, 25, of Woodstown, has been charged with one indictable count of animal cruelty.

Last year, authorities discovered a Passaic County woman with six dead cats in her home. Another 30 cats were living without food or water in the home, and had resorted to eating the dead cats to survive.

The woman was charged with 35 counts of animal cruelty.

Source http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1073730047124780.xml
Courtesy Marc R.
 

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