Domesticated animals commonly referred to as family pets are a staple of American society. Since the beginning of time, man has been known to house animals for a variety of reasons. Companionship is the most notable of reasons for the adopting of such animals into our circle of family and friends.

Many of us have had family pets during adolescents and well into adulthood. They become part of the family as if they were a brother, sister or child. To some people, a pet is their most trusted and best friend in which they choose to share the range of emotions experienced in ones life. In return, a pet will impart a sense of love, commitment and loyalty to it’s’ owners. Most people realize that a domesticated animal is one of God’s creatures and treats them accordingly. Unfortunately far too many people do not engender that belief and abandon or abuse helpless animals. Some people fail to realize that animals feel pain and suffer in much the same way as a human being. Animals also experience the spectrum of emotions such as loneliness, anger, contentment and the need to be loved. Accordingly, our legislatures have long recognized that animals are worthy of legal protection as well.

By now, a majority of the country knows that animal cruelty is a criminal act punishable by imprisonment and severe fines. A well known professional athlete and a few of his associates have brought the issue of animal cruelty to the forefront of the criminal justice system. The egregious acts of these men have demonstrated a blatant disregard for the sanctity of life. Our country responded with a public outcry demanding justice for the helpless animals savagely beaten and killed by these intolerable criminals. The end result of this case is an extended stay at a federal penitentiary, hefty fine and the loss of income tabulating into the millions of dollars.

Florida Statute specifically forbids any person from abusing, neglecting, abandoning and/or intentionally injuring an animal. There are a number of different criminal charges that can be levied depending on the scope and extent of the act. Most importantly though,  it is a third degree felony punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of one year and up to a $10,000 fine upon conviction of a cruelty to animals charge. Florida Statute 828.12 (2) reads,

“A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done is guilty of a felony of the third degree...…”

Bear in mind that if you domesticate an animal, treat is as a family member. It depends on you for love, support, food, water, and shelter. You took on the responsibility now follow through or place it for adoption. But don’t abuse it!

Our county has a strong history in agriculture and animal husbandry. Those of you who still don’t get the picture take heed of this warning: Abuse an animal and go to jail!  By: Thomas Santarlas