Andrea Rosebrock 
Again and again it’s been shown and proven that seldom is animal abuse a “stand alone” crime which is just one of the reasons that our judicial system needs to take animal abuse crimes more seriously and mete out harsher punishments. Often it’s coupled with interpersonal violence such as domestic violence and child abuse. Here is yet another example of that; Patrick McConnell, 42 of Jaffrey, NH, shot the family dog and beat his wife.
McConnell put a bullet into the family dog for some unknown reason. He did then take the dog to the vet for treatment and the dog survived and is now staying with family members.
Then a few days later he threatened his wife with a gun and beat her, leaving her bruised.
Police arrested McConnell and he was charged with reckless conduct, criminal threatening, animal cruelty and simple assault. Yesterday he was still being held in jail on $25K bail.
So for all the people out there with the “it’s just a dog mentality” what about when it’s a child or partner or spouse or some other innocent and defenseless individual? Can you blow that off just as easily? For myself, I care that it’s a dog as I care if a human being is abused. This is just one of the many reasons that animal abuse needs to be looked at as the serious crime it really is.
Great writing! Full of info. and wording to use in comments and responses to our elected officials, and anti-animal articles. All so true! Thanks so much!
Thanks Netanya! We can only hope that one day people will listen and actually pay attention!
D.
HEY scum bag you have to sleep some time and I’d be there to slit your thoat and make you feel what the poor litte dog felt… No man would dare touch one of my dogs in any bad way … let alone the only kind of man I’ll have around is of the dog kind… lol…
I hear you on that one.
What a low life slimy POS. Of course, we all know that the female will probably go back to him and forgive him. I was shocked to hear he took the dog to the vet. What kind of dog was it Deanna? How old and how is it doing? Justice for all our four legged friends…Justice! I hope and pray that someday, something will happen in this world, and we will all see the day that our four legged companions are treated with the respect and love each and every one of them deserves. In fact, treated like the God of all animals that God naming them dog in reverse of His name meant them to be. That the punishment for these cruel acts is so bad, that no one would dare harm a hair on any animal again. I can hope at least.
No more info on the dog than I posted unfortunately. Was just glad to hear that the dog was treated and will recover which is most important. Drives me a little crazy when stories are so short on details!
D.
BRING IN STRONG ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS
So who do we all talk to to get some Harsh punishment on the books and get rid of all this slap on the wriste crap, so the judges can’t use it. Oh how I wish I were a judge : )
This man is a waste of space on planet Earth.
We must work together and start with local legislators, congressman and senators, and these people, with enough statistics (we must take proof of what we need a change of laws for animal abuse), with all of us working together on this, they might consider taking it to the floor.
I have it on good authority the dog is doing great with the other family members and recovered perfectly from the leg wound it suffered, also the wife is leaving him and letting him sit in jail.
Deanna,
I just came about your site and I applaud your efforts! I really strongly agree with you that any abuse on any animal is not a stand alone crime. Most often this is an indicator for more serious crimes yet to take place against fellow human beings.
I also think that they should be punished more severely than a slap on the hand and a fine. I understand that sometimes human beings can enrage each other and cause feelings of ill will, but an innocent animal??? Especially a dog that only looks to its owner to please, for shelter, food and companionship.
I have seen it time and time again, a dog will be the recipient of abuse, and yet still find a way to be trusting of another person. They have an amazing and loving spirit with the right hand.
Keep up the great work!
NK