CAMPAIGN FOR EQUINE JUSTICE

What we would like to see is those who commit attacks like these punished more severely, with sentences being tougher, and more in line with the sentences for those convicted of assault, in the minor cases, and for the major cases, when horses and ponies are put down because of the trauma they have suffered, the sentences should be in line with those for drinking and driving, or causing death by dangerous driving.

There has been a recent upturn in the number of attacks, and in those attacks, there is an upturn in the amount of violence used against the defenceless animals. Most of the attacks are committed in the middle of the night, and in the summer months.

In researching this topic, a number of cases have been brought to light where the attacks have been carried out by teenagers, usually after drinking heavily. Many of these horrific acts of violence are carried out with sharp knives, machetes, and airguns. In most cases, the horses and ponies involved are able to survive their wounds, but, as in Maggie's case, sometimes the attacks are so violent, that the horse or pony involved has to be put down.

One attack, in July 2007, left a pony bought for a 7yr old girl so badly injured, that he was unable to be ridden for several months. These wounds were caused by a machete. This pony was a trusting and used to humans, and his trust has been betrayed in the most brutal fashion we can imagine. Another horse was slashed under the chest.

These animals look to humans to look after them, nurture, and protect them, yet there are those out there who needlessly and wilfully betray that trust. The Animals Act 2007 laid down certain penalties if those who look after animals neglect or mistreat them, yet for those who wilfully go out and attack them, there is no provision.

To those of us who own horses, they are more than just an animal, they are part of the family, and for those of us who have suffered the tragedy of seeing an animal needlessly injured or for a horse to have lost its life through a act of unspeakable violence, these acts of violence against an animal that we have bred to trust humans are just too much to bear.

We would like to see an amendment to the Animals Act 2007 to bring in tougher sentencing for those convicted of these attacks. Horses and ponies have no voice, we would like to change that, and ensure their voice is heard.

Quote
"Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is--whether its victim is human or animal--we cannot expect things to be much better in this world... We cannot have peace among men whose hearts delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set back the progress of humanity."
-- Rachel Carson

Our responsibility to the defenceless
If you hear someone bragging about his malicious treatment of animals; if you know anyone who habitually engages in cruelty to animals, if you have information about Maggie's death or any other such deliberate act of destruction, do not be silent because it's "just an animal." You could be preventing much worse future crimes; you could be saving yourself or someone you love.

We have created a group for Maggie's Law in our community. 
To add your support, thoughts and views please go to Maggie's Law

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN FOR EQUINE JUSTICE BY SIGNING THE PETITION
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Maggies-Law/

For more information see Maggies Law Website
http://www.maggieslaw.co.uk/

Information and article supplied by Maggies Law
 
 

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