web1_122296099-fe4a03ca827e4675b98c5b8642e16950.jpg

Man pleads guilty in rape, murder of teen found in Luzerne County

web1_HOBAN_SINGLETON.jpg

New details in search for suspects in WB shooting of Scranton women

<p>According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, two young men from Dresden, Tenn., tortured a 4-month-old St. Bernard to death.</p><p>They spent hours kicking, choking and stabbing her until she died. And although they pleaded guilty to this horrifying act of violence, neither received any jail time. Instead, a judge sentenced them to probation and community service. It is outrageous that these criminals walk away with a slap on the wrist just because their victim was a dog or cat. Innocent animal victims of abuse deserve justice.</p><p>Strong animal cruelty laws and their enforcement do more than protect animals from animal abusers, they also protect people. Studies have shown that animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violence against people.</p><p>The Animal Legal Defense Fund is the only animal protection organization in the country dedicated exclusively to fighting animal abuse using the power of the law. Their legal experts assist and train prosecutors and law enforcement across the country to ensure that when it comes to animal abuse, the punishment fits the crime.</p><p>Even though the ALDF&#8217;s work has resulted in stronger laws, improvements are still sorely needed. We need to ensure that animal abusers get the sentences they deserve. Laws need to guarantee that animal abusers across the country pay for their crimes with a potent combination of prison time, fines, psychiatric treatment, supervised probation, and &#8211; most importantly &#8211; bans on possessing animals.</p><p>Work through your elected officials and make your concerns known. You can find your local representatives on line or at your local library. Please be an advocate and voice to the voiceless, and if you see something, say something.</p><p><strong>Patricia Marks </strong></p><p>Wilkes-Barre</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Letter-to-the-editor3-3.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_Letter-to-the-editor3-3.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>

Your view: Support strong laws against animal abuse