ANIMAL rights activists all agreed yesterday that Guam is heading in the right direction in proposing stricter fines and penalties for those caught abusing animals.
Dozens gathered at the Legislature in support of Bill 9-31, authored by Sen. Judi Guthertz, and brought their pets as well. Several expressed their support for the measure including local veterinarians, Guam Animals In Need representatives, attorneys, and local pet owners.
Bill 9, introduced last Monday, imposes heavier fines for those caught abusing animals and also classifies œanimal abuse in the first degree as a third degree felony.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karon Johnson said she is in full support of the bill but also suggested psychological counseling for convicted animal abusers.
œIts pretty well established that the people who abuse animals have, sometimes, mental health issues, rage control issues or drug and alcohol issues and theyre abusing their children and beating their spouses, said Johnson.
Dr. Kathy McCoy provided testimony in support of the bill but offered her opinion from an outsiders perspective as well.
McCoy said, although licensed to practice veterinary medicine on Guam, she had chosen not to practice and instead volunteer her time at GAIN during her small stay on island.
Having practiced as a veterinarian in several other states and countries, McCoy said she found that the people of Guam were the friendliest and warmest people shed ever met. But, she said the animal cruelty she has seen on Guam contradicts her beliefs. œI have never seen the level of abuse that Ive seen here. I talked to friends and I say I cannot know it how people here, such excellent people with families and such a devotion to family, can let what I feel is a member of their family reach this state, McCoy said.
Local resident David Crisostomo recommended that parts of the bill be amended to avoid possible altercations between property owners and non-uniformed civilians œauthorized to intervene when animal cruelty is suspected.
Crisostomo believes that because of the way locals protect their properties, non-uniformed, authorized personnel who believe an animal is being abused may be met with resistance when attempting to retrieve an animal from a pet owner. Dog fighting
During the public hearing, Guthertz questioned veterinarian Dr. Velma Harper and territorial veterinarian Dr. Thomas Poole if they were aware of dog fighting occurring on Guam.
Poole stated that as recently as six months ago an FBI agent by the name of œBowman had œquite a lot of details.
œThis wasnt something of particular FBI interest, it was of his interest and he was perhaps the most reliable witnesses Ive heard from. Ive heard from many witnesses, some who have attended fights and others who have heard people talk about fights they attended. Occasionally, in that back road to Andersen along Route 15 on Sunday mornings, there are occasionally a number of dog carcasses out there. I dont know if the dog fighting occurs near there or where its happening, but its my belief that dog fighting still exists, Poole told Guthertz.
Guthertz said she was concerned because of anonymous calls made to her office about dog fighting rings and that law enforcement officers themselves participate in dog fighting. Poole added that œAgent Bowman also believes that local law enforcement officers participate in dog fighting.
Guthertz said she will question the U.S. Attorneys Office to dig deeper into the alleged dog fighting occurring on island.
View the discussion thread.blog comments powered by Disqus
Article source: http://mvguam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16352:animal-cruelty-fines-supported&catid=1:guam-local-news&Itemid=61
No Tag
Halo Sobat, Nama Saya Sofyan Syah, Memulai Dunia Blogging Sejak Nov 2011, Meskipun Masih Baru terjun di Dunia Blogging, Saya tidak patah semangat Untuk menjadi Yang terbaik dari yang Terbaik, karena saya yakin, Tidak ada hal yang tidak Mungkin.Buat saya Blogging Is My Life.Senang rasanya jika sobat sudah Berkunjung di blog ini.
Komentar :
Post a Comment