Lora Dunn, staff attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund in Portland, put it best: "To acknowledge that animals are victims of crime, that’s really common sense to us!"
We couldn't agree more. It's a groundbreaking moment in animal rights history, but to animal lovers, this distinction doesn't even seem necessary. Why wouldn't animals be seen as victims?
Unfortunately, the ruling was made on the case of a man who was convicted of starving 20 – yes, 20 – horses and goats on his property. The perpetrator alleged that he couldn't be charged with separate counts for each of the animals because they were property, not victims. The judge's decision put a stop to his idiotic argument once and for all.
On August 7th, 2014, the Oregon Supreme Court passed a ruling that ensures that animals can be seen as a legal “victim” in a case, just like HUMANS. This will give abused animals more basic rights – something that we ought to see in every state, not just Oregon!
The ruling may also allow for longer prison sentences for animal abusers in the state.
MY REACTION WHEN I HEARD ANIMAL ABUSERS WILL STAY IN JAIL FOR LONGER:
Please SHARE the groundbreaking decision in Oregon with your friends if you believe this needs to be a law in your home state!
via The Dodo
