We're moving forward in the anti-animal cruelty movement! This week, state legislature in Massachusetts agreed on the "Puppy Doe" bill, which would increase penalties for animal cruelty! Now, the bill needs to be voted on by both chambers before heading to the desk of Governor Deval Patrick.
"Puppy Doe" is named after the Pit Bull that was brutally abused — and had to be euthanized as a result of her terrible, terrible injuries. She's a true angel; hopefully other animals that would otherwise perish or feel pain at the hands of abuse will be saved as a result.
According to the Patriot Ledger, "In response to Puppy Doe’s story, which attracted worldwide attention, Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, filed the Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety Act, or the PAWS Act, which aimed to stiffen the state’s animal cruelty laws, considered by some to be among the weakest in the nation."
The new law would:
- Increase the maximum prison sentence for one count of animal cruelty from five years to seven years and the maximum fine from $2,500 to $5,000.
- For repeat offenders, the maximum prison sentence would rise to 10 years and the fine to $10,000.
- Require veterinarians to report any suspicions of abuse they see during their observations of animals, and it would create a task force that would look at ways to strengthen animal protection laws.
Also, this September, a Puppy Doe memorial bench will be dedicated at the Whitwell Street Playground near Quincy Medical Center.
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Rest in peace, sweet Puppy Doe.
