News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A local animal advocacy group said a new state law can help residents further pursue animal cruelty cases.
The bill removes language that requires proof of “sadistic or depraved manner” in proving aggravated cruelty. Friends of White County Animals President Sharon Langford said when it comes to animals, she hopes the new legislation will inspire to treat them with more respect.
“I think we see the best and the worst of humanity in the way that animals are treated,” Langford said. “And some of it I think is lack of education.”
Langford said that removing such a rigid burden of proof could help alleviate the number of aggravated animal cruelty cases. The bill also makes clear that aggravated cruelty can be both serious physical harm to companion animals or failing to provide food and water to the point of serious injury.
Langford said that through her work with the Friends of White County Animals, she has seen several instances of animal cruelty in the community.
“Last week for example at our board meeting, one of the members said someone had called and complained about some cats kind of hanging around a restaurant near the river,” Langford said. “And suggested that they be caught, put in a bag, and thrown in the river.”
Langford said that if you suspect instances of animal cruelty and abuse, to call your local shelter or animal control. She said many times animal control falls under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff’s Department.
The bill went into effect Thursday, July 1st.
