On Dec. 13, 2001, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled the state’s animal cruelty law unconstitutional. Every day animals are beaten, neglected, or forced to struggle for survival. We must fight for these abused animals and punish those who inflict cruelty and death. It is up to us to speak for theses animals that lack a voice of their own.

“According to a 1997 study by Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse.” A good felony anticruelty law should protect all animals, apply to first-time offenders, carry large fines and jail time, require convicted abusers to get counseling at their own expense, and prohibit abusers from owning or living among animals.

Many criminals in America, from young school-shooters to the most notorious serial killers, have had a history of cruelty to animals before turning their violence against people.

The Mississippi law that made it illegal to torture, beat, or mutilate animals was ruled unconstitutional nine years ago and the Legislature has never passed a new one. Maybe this year with the budget crisis and without extra money to spend on pet projects, the Legislature can focus on passing legislation for our pets.

Brenland McLeod

Brandon