Connecticut has introduced a new law, Desmond’s Law, which appoints court-appointed attorneys to represent animals in cases of abuse and neglect. Only 19% of animal cruelty cases in the state have resulted in convictions between 2006 and 2016, with studies showing links between animal abuse and violence against humans. The law is named after a shelter dog who was killed in 2012.
Animal abuse and neglect is too widespread, yet very few cases of animal cruelty actually lead to convictions. In Connecticut, however, a new law effectively gives animals a voice in such legal matters by providing court-appointed attorneys to represent the animals. Animal advocates can carry out investigative activities, argue, write briefs and make recommendations to the judge. Seven attorneys and a law professor in the state were approved as volunteer attorneys, and in June 2017, the first attorney testified in court in a dog fighting case.
The consequences for animal cruelty:
Between 2006 and 2016, only 19 percent of Connecticut’s 3,723 animal abuse or cruelty cases resulted in convictions. Eighty percent of the cases were dismissed or not prosecuted.
Studies have found connections between animal abuse and violence against humans. For example, the Chicago Police Department found that 65 percent of those arrested for crimes against animals were also arrested for beatings.
Desmond’s Law is named after a shelter dog who was starved, beaten and strangled to death in 2012, according to The Hartford Courant.
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