Animal abuse can be a gateway crime

Dorothy Brown’s legacy as Cook County Circuit Court clerk will be summed up in two words — gross neglect.

Like so many animal lovers, I was shocked and saddened to hear that a Cook County Animal Abuse Registry designed to prevent people who have been convicted of animal cruelty from buying pets has never been enforced by Brown’s office.

Unfortunately, Brown’s response was all too predictable. Her staff dusted off the same two-pronged response they use on every scandal involving the clerk — hide Brown and blame everyone else.

Not exactly the hallmark of a good leader. Per the ordinance, once an individual is convicted of an animal-abuse crime and their registration processed, it is the responsibility of the clerk of the court to notify the Cook County sheriff ’s office. That’s never been done.

As the official keeper of records on all judicial matters, Brown’s claim that she didn’t know the ordinance existed amounts to a dereliction of duty.

The Department of Justice believes that animal cruelty is a “gateway crime” that can serve as a window into the home. Data suggests that animal abuse and cruelty are serious and often precursors to other crimes such as homicide, assault, domestic violence, child abuse and elder neglect.

This is why it’s imperative that we hold criminals who abuse animals accountable for their actions. At a bare minimum, we should prevent them from owning animals again.

That’s what our county leaders had in mind when they passed this important ordinance.

I’m encouraged that an investigation of this completely avoidable tragedy is underway. The people of Cook County deserve better. The people of Cook County deserve an apology. Illinois state Sen. Iris Martinez (D-20th) Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.