Animal Cruelty Leads to Jail Sentence for California Man

It’s possible that the judicial system may finally be starting to recognize that crimes of animal abuse and animal cruelty are truly serious in nature, and as such that they deserve more than just a “slap on the wrist” as a consequence.

According to a news item posted on  Fox News on Friday, August 31, the Sacramento County's District Attorney's office announced that Sacramento, California resident Phillip “Mohammed” Jackson was sentenced to a year in prison following his conviction of the felony crime of cruelty to animals. Jackson was also sentenced to serve five years on probation after he is released. 

Prosecutors said that Jackson unwittingly dragged his pit bull dog named Lovely behind his pickup truck, thinking that she had been properly tied down in the back of his vehicle. Upon discovering that Lovely was seriously injured after she fell out and had been towed behind the truck, he refused to take her to the vet for treatment. Instead, Jackson took her to a friend’s house, abandoning her there.

After two days, aware that the dog was suffering and recognizing the severity of Lovely’s injuries, Jackson’s friend called Sacramento City Animal Care, but it was too late. When the officials from the City Animal Care arrived they discovered a horrifically wounded canine who was barely hanging onto life.

The officers immediately rushed the tormented dog to a local veterinary clinic. However the veterinarian determined that her wounds were infected so badly and were far too grave for her to survive treatment. Lovely was then humanely euthanized.

In a written statement concerning Jackson's refusal to care for his dog, Deputy District Attorney Hilary Bagley Franzoia said, “Under the law, owners are not allowed to ignore the suffering of their animals, even when euthanasia is the only option to end excruciating suffering and death.”

This writer feels strongly that a law must soon be passed which would prohibit the transportation of an animal in the back of a pickup truck, or even in a carrier strapped to the roof of an SUV.  All small companion animals should be conveyed safely in the interior of a motor vehicle, in a carrier or on a leash without free access to open windows placing them at risk of falling out of the car or injured by a passing object. While a dog may enjoy sticking their head out of the window while riding in a car, it’s only common sense to realize that allowing this behavior is far too dangerous.

When we adopt a pet we are responsible for their health and safety. We make an unspoken commitment to them that we will keep them away from harm.  What do you think? Share your opinion with a comment.