Worrying escalation of cruelty in South Australia
Announcement posted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia 29 Aug 2018
Dear Editor,
It is very disturbing to see that the number of animal cruelty incidents reported in South Australia has escalated dramatically, with over 4,000 cases reported in a single year. The RSPCA report indicates a significant rise in the incidence of starving dogs, caused by either inadvertent or deliberate neglect, and leading to appalling suffering for the affected animals. The Chief Inspector has stated that "animals are suffering and dying in homes and backyards from a lack of basic care or nourishment. It's shocking and it's unnecessary." From July 2017 to June 2018, 1,324 animals were seized or surrendered, with inspectors finding a further 83 animals dead. They were forced to euthanise another 316.
Cruelty to animals in South Australia carries a penalty of up to $50,000 or four years' imprisonment under the Animal Welfare Act. It's time that we started to impose these maximum sentences and treat cases of cruelty to animals as the serious crimes that they are. If you suspect someone of abusing an animal, report it to authorities right away, for the safety of humans and non-humans alike.
Desmond Bellamy
Special Projects Coordinator
PETA Australia
PO Box 2352
Byron Bay NSW 2481
0411 577416
DesmondB@PETA.org.au
It is very disturbing to see that the number of animal cruelty incidents reported in South Australia has escalated dramatically, with over 4,000 cases reported in a single year. The RSPCA report indicates a significant rise in the incidence of starving dogs, caused by either inadvertent or deliberate neglect, and leading to appalling suffering for the affected animals. The Chief Inspector has stated that "animals are suffering and dying in homes and backyards from a lack of basic care or nourishment. It's shocking and it's unnecessary." From July 2017 to June 2018, 1,324 animals were seized or surrendered, with inspectors finding a further 83 animals dead. They were forced to euthanise another 316.
Cruelty to animals in South Australia carries a penalty of up to $50,000 or four years' imprisonment under the Animal Welfare Act. It's time that we started to impose these maximum sentences and treat cases of cruelty to animals as the serious crimes that they are. If you suspect someone of abusing an animal, report it to authorities right away, for the safety of humans and non-humans alike.
Desmond Bellamy
Special Projects Coordinator
PETA Australia
PO Box 2352
Byron Bay NSW 2481
0411 577416
DesmondB@PETA.org.au