The Toronto Star reported this story today about a dog that was left in a van without food or water in freezing temperature for 19 days.
The 12-year-old miniature poodle, Michou, was left abandoned in his owner’s van at the Burlington International Airport in Vermont as his owner flew off to Quebec over the Christmas and the New Year’s holidays. The dog lost half of its body weight and was near death when he was rescued.
As heinous as the incident was, it was the punishment of the owner that sparked a public outrage. The owner was fined $100, as the police could not find evidence regarding the owner’s intent to harm the animal.
As it happens, Vermont has one of the most stringent anti-cruelty law in the U.S. Under Vermont law, a conviction of aggravated animal cruelty could lead to a fine of $7,500.00 or imprisonment up to 5 years.+
Coincidentally, March 1, 2009, marks a new era for anti-cruelty law in Ontario as the Provincial Animal Welfare Act (an act to amend the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, see my January 18, 2009 blog “Ontario’s Enhanced Anti-Cruelty Law” ) takes effect. Under this new legislation, a person causing an animal to be in distress may be fined up to $60,000, or be imprisoned for up to two years, or both.
Individuals convicted of causing an animal to be in distress could also face a lifetime ban from owning, having custody of, taking care of, or living with any animals.
I welcome the new and enhanced anti-cruelty law.
If you know an animal is being abused or treated with cruelty, please call the local humane society or the police. Your call may save a life.
+ Vermont Statutes, § 352a. Aggravated cruelty to animals.
