Editorial: Animal cruelty bill on right track

OPINION: Prime minister John Key is not the only one appalled by the recent spate of animal cruelty in the country.

It would be hard for anyone who heard about kittens being fed to a pitbull, kittens having their heads twisted off and the shooting of more than 30 dogs on a Wellsford farm last week not to feel a sense of disgust at the actions of some of our fellow human beings.

These actions – and others – have prompted Mr Key to say Government will look at the issue at tomorrow's caucus meeting.

It is likely that Government will adopt National MP Simon Bridges' private member's bill, which proposes increasing the maximum jail term for animal cruelty from three years to five.

If the government fails to act, Mr Bridges' bill could be debated in Parliament only if it is drawn, lottery-style, from a ballot.

Both Labour and the Green Party have said they will support the bill so there is one less hurdle to its implementation.

The link between animal abuse and a variety of anti-social behaviour, including violence against people, has been recognised for some time. Research studies have shown that there is a correlation between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence.

An American researcher says when animals are abused or neglected, it is a warning sign that others in the household may not be safe.

In addition, children who witness animal abuse are at a greater risk of becoming abusers themselves.

This should ring alarm bells about the offending here, with a need to be proactive in preventing further abuse or violence.

It is important that any cases of animal abuse are reported. In some states in the US, vets are required to report suspected animal abuse, and some require animal control officers to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

This sort of cross-reporting between agencies seems a good system of alerting to risks.

When problems are detected the appropriate agencies need to step in. Animal abusers should be prosecuted, but in some cases this does not happen because of the offender's age.

To stop the cruelty, education is needed.

Children need to learn how to care for animals, and adults need to understand the need for pet neutering to prevent the problem of unwanted kittens and puppies.

Convicted offenders also need psychological counseling to prevent reoffending.

Strong action is needed to break this cycle of violence, and to prevent further suffering to animals and people.

Public sentiment suggests that there is widespread support for tougher action against animal abusers.

Let's hope Mr Bridges' bill makes it into law so that those who continue to harm animals in any way can feel the full force of the law.

- The Marlborough Express