Increase The Penalty For Animal Cruelty

By Sandra K. Ziebold

Indiana HB 1306 is a wonderful bill that should pass and could do so much more.  This bill would increase the penalty for killing a law enforcement animal to a Level 5 felony. It could also fix the previously missed opportunity to increase the penalty for animal cruelty if amended to include any acts of animal

cruelty committed with the intent to threaten, intimidate, coerce, harass, or terrorize. Earlier this year Indiana SB 41 would have increased the penalty for animal cruelty from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony if the act was committed with the intent to threaten, intimidate, coerce, harass, or terrorize. The bill did not get a passing vote by the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.

I disagree with the majority vote and with the proportionality reasoning basis given for the majority decision. I hope after further thought that the Senators with proportionality concerns reconsider their perspective.  Raising the punishment for animal cruelty acts committed with the above-outlined intent does not mean that the punishment for other offenses would then need to be raised in response. Raising the other punishments should only happen if those crimes deserve harsher punishment. There is case precedent after case precedent showing animal cruelty precipitates escalated horrific crimes.

Barely giving a consequence to someone that kills an intimate partner's pets to let them know they better not leave is not victim-centered and such a person deserves more than a felony 6. In my opinion, felony 5 isn't harsh enough as the intended victim was a human and will never feel safe from this abuser that was further empowered by minimal consequence. Additionally, in the particular situation that I am referencing two large animals died and that is three total victims. These horrific cases of harm to animals to exert power and control over victims happen all the time and we need to do more. Thank you, Senator Ford, for authoring this bill and for trying. I do hope there is another path forward to increase the penalty for animal cruelty.

If you or someone that you know is trying to break free from the grip of domestic violence and your pets need to be temporarily kept safe our Foster Pet Program can help. We will get them any necessary veterinary care and you will be kept informed while you and your pets are healing. Once advocacy services are received enabling you to get independent and self-sufficient you will be reunited with your pets.

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We are actively taking new pet victims that meet the program criteria.
We are always in need of pet foster family partners.