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Opinion

Speak Up: Readers respond to reporting on animal abuser

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Several readers recently offered their take on a story published in the Scottsdale Independent, “Animal abuser in Scottsdale case gets ‘harshest penalty possible,’” which can be read online at yourvalley.net/scottsdale-independent/stories/animal-abuser-in-scottsdale-case-gets-harshest-penalty-possible,536804.

Following are their submissions to Speak Up:

Patti Huff

I just read an article about a man in the Phoenix area (I think Scottsdale, but in the Valley somewhere) that was given the maximum sentence for killing his dog, taping its mouth shut and dumping it! Thank you! There is no excuse. God gave us dogs and cats for us to take care of, not abuse. A person that harms a defenseless animal is the dregs of humankind. Sometime that person will end up inside the gates of hell.

I live in a wonderful community where neighbors try to take care of neighbors and if your dog escapes there are posts all over the internet looking for the owner. They usually succeed. If not, Animal Control posts that they have the dog. I cannot imagine what would happen if someone was seen abusing an animal.

I feed feral cats and in my town it is not illegal. Through the years I have been able to get some fixed (TNR). I have also gotten several adopted. I have also fostered. I have neighbors that bring me food for them and some of the neighbors have taken up feeding.

It is easier to take care of the animals than kill them and dump them. Taking care of the animals is very rewarding. They give out so much love. So, it should definitely be a crime with severe consequences if you abuse. There is no excuse for abuse.

I wish more abusers were prosecuted. Then maybe people would think twice before doing it. If found, throw the book at them! Thanks for letting me vent.

Jose Acosta

I’m glad he got caught and prosecuted for his actions against a defenseless puppy. All pets want is love. They speak to let us know when they are being harmed. I'm glad the city police and prosecutors kept with it to locate the person.

Ashley Wright

We need harsher laws. The laws right now don’t deter people from abuse because it's a slap on the wrist. These animals go through horrific abuse and the humans get a year! When will we get it?

Animals are subject to abuse like humans, (so perpetrators) deserve the maximum as if it was a human beat to death. It's sickening that the people who are supposed to protect us can't protect them as well. How are we supposed to feel safe when you can't protect the innocent?

Brook Delgado

One year is not long enough.

Jesse Stigall

I am glad he got what he deserves. No animal should be abused.

Barry Friedman

He is now a convicted felon. His next job will be the lowest rung on the ladder. Too bad we can’t tape his mouth shut for a couple of days. Oh, wait, that’s cruel.