Felony Laws for Animal Cruelty Needed in Mississippi NOW

Did you know that Mississippi is one of only four states in the Union where cruelty toward a cat or a dog is not considered a felony? *

Appalling isn't it? That's right, in this state, people have starved and/or beaten pets to death, poured hot grease on feral cats and doused dogs with lighter fluid and burned them alive and gotten off with a fine of $1,000 (or less) and/or a six month jail term -- which was usually commuted to community service-- for a misdemeanor. That is, if they were punished at all.

Never mind that animal cruelty is a predictor and indicator of violent crime, domestic abuse and child abuse.

It's not that the citizens of Mississippi don't care about animal cruelty. Time and again, stories of horrific cat and dog abuse make the news, and there is always an outcry for a felony law. Petitions circulate. Legislation is introduced. And then it hits a wall.

Why? Mostly because of powerful Mississippi Farm Bureau lobbyists. Mississippi Farm Bureau opposes tougher laws against aggravated, intentional cruelty to dogs and cats. They claim that a felony cruelty law protecting dogs and cats could somehow impact farming, but livestock are already protected by a first offense felony cruelty law.

Just this week, a conference committee report was released that will weaken current laws in regards to acts of simple animal cruelty.

But never say die. Earlier this month in New Jersey, the case of a starved, left-for- dead pit bull made national headlines and spawned "Patrick's Law," a huge grassroots effort to provide stiffer penalties for animal abusers. Patrick's Law is also shedding additional light -- and putting pressure-- on states, including Mississippi, where no felony laws exist.

Seize the moment. Our cats and dogs have no choice but to be silent. We can speak for them. Learn more about Mississippi's laws for animal cruelty and what you can do to help here now.

* The others are Idaho, North Dakota and South Dakota.