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QUEENSLANDERS are rightly appalled at the light sentence just handed out to the Edmonton man who was convicted of stabbing his ex-partner’s puppy to death after a drinking binge.

The three-month suspended sentence means the man will spend no time behind bars.

Penalties for cases of cruelty are quite inadequate, and even so are rarely imposed to the full extent of the law.

Under the Queensland Animal Care and Protection Act, animal cruelty can result in fines of $235,000 or imprisonment for up to seven years.

At the very least, cases of deliberate cruelty should lead to a lifetime

ban on the offender having animals.

Many studies show that people who harm animals often move on to harm fellow humans.

For instance, a US study found animal abusers were five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans.

A study in Australia revealed 100 per cent of sexual homicide offenders examined had a history of animal cruelty.

Cruelty to animals must be taken seriously. If you suspect someone of abusing an animal, report it to authorities immediately.