Susie's Law Helps Horses

In June 2010, Governor Bev Perdue of North Carolina signed "Susie's Law," a statute named for a dog discovered in Greensboro, N.C. who had been tortured and burned. It went into effect on December 1, 2010, amending the existing animal cruelty legislation, giving judges the ability to levy harsher penalties, including jail time and higher fines for first time animal abusers. Working closely with Roberta Wall, Susie's foster mother on a draft of the amendment is State Senator Don Vaughn. According to an online news item from WFMY News 2, Senator Vaughn said Animal Control did not have the authority to press charges against violators in the original law and this will be included in the amendment. Additionally loopholes will be amended with language that supports tough prosecutions for cases being prosecuted, with charges added for those not providing adequate shelter for animals. Senator Vaughn added that following conviction for crimes of animal cruelty, in sentencing they want to include psychological help will be required and that the perpetrator of the crimes will not be permitted to own another pet. Senator Vaughn will present these amendments presented soon after the North Carolina General Assembly reconvenes on January 26, 2011. Already last week, Susie's Law has been used by Animal Control officers, following the discovery of three neglected horses on the property belonging to Martha Montgomery of Sophia, N.C. Montgomery was charged with one count of felony cruelty to animals, and two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Last November, a horse in poor condition on Montgomery's property was reported to officials by one of Montgomery's neighbor. An investigation began which resulted in three extremely underweight horses being seized by officials. One of the horses, whose hoofs were so overgrown, twisted and curled, was not able to walk straight. After the horses were temporarily sent to a shelter and examined by a veterinarian, they were placed in foster care provided by the United States Equine Rescue League and the Horse Education and Rescue Organization. They will remain under the care of these rescue groups pending the outcome of the charges. It is indeed gratifying that throughout our country crimes of animal cruelty are finally beginning to be recognized as extreme acts of violence that must be taken seriously. North Carolina is just one of the states among many that are now strengthening their existing legislation, and in my opinion, demonstrate that these brutal crimes will no longer be tolerated. Do you think that our legal systems are gearing up to adequately prosecute crimes of animal cruelty? Please share your opinion in a comment. Image Source: Flickr user abocon