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Written by Michelle Rauch
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Friday, 18 April 2008 19:31 |
During the last few months I have followed the case of Romeo, the Pulaski county dog whose abuse was caught on tape. I have covered the efforts to pass legislation inspired by Romeo’s case closely, monitoring almost every step of the political process in Frankfort.
This week the passionate pleas from animal lovers were heard by our elected officials.
Senate Bill 58 was passed in a vote of 98 yeas and 8 not voting during the last hours of the session.
That said, my dedication as a reporter to cover this story in depth from beginning to end has made me the source of jokes. “Michelle the dog reporter” is something I hear a lot. Cracks are made when I cover other unrelated news. People ask me what I am doing on a story where there aren’t animals. It has become a mockery.
I love dogs. I admit that. But I’m also objective enough to separate my personal interests and beliefs from my job unless I see a topic that generates public interest.
Romeo’s story has. Both from people in favor of animal cruelty being a felony and those who are adamantly opposed. I enjoy hearing from both sides. Who can resist a lively debate when people feel strongly about any issue?
When it comes to animal cruelty, all jokes aside, it is not a laughing matter in my humble opinion. It is not an issue that only affects animal lovers. It is something everyone should be aware of and concerned about.
It is society’s problem.
FBI profilers have tracked a history of cruelty to animals among serial rapists and murderers.
There are reports that serial killer and rapist Ted Bundy witnessed his father’s violence toward animals. He in turn tortured animals as a child.
David Berkowitz a.k.a. “Son of Sam” reportedly shot a neighbors Labrador Retriever.
Serial killer and cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer was accused of impaling the heads of dogs and cats on sticks.
Researchers from Northeastern University and the Massachusetts SPCA determined people who abuse animals are five times more likely to hurt people.
If you do the research you can find a long list of high profile killers, including a handful of students involved in school shootings across the country, who tested their acts of violence on animals.
I for one applaud our lawmakers for taking this issue seriously. Perhaps a felony conviction for torturing an animal could be the red flag that gets a person the intervention they need early, before that type of violence escalates.
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Like you I have to put up with wise cracks about how much I love animals and am always ready to knock someone into next week when I see them abusing the little critters.
Being a jounralist and always in the public, I get get asked often, Kym who have you got smart with today over being offened by animal cruelty.