Punishment must be a deterrent

This letter is regarding an update of the alleged felony animal abandonment of the already ill, neglected pet dog of Alvaro R. Torres and Heather Pica Torres on the evening of Dec. 5, 2018, in Willoughby, Ohio and left for days. The dog’s name is now Lucy, who had extensive medical treatment and is in a loving home.

In spite of preliminary hearings held in December and January for the accused, to make sure this case has not been ignored I had the pleasure of speaking with the appointed prosecutor to this case on Feb. 11, 2018. I learned that the case is alive and well and that the charges are currently in the process of being investigated until the prosecutor’s office is satisfied to the full extent before proceeding to the next level.

As the weather gets milder, we animal advocates in Lake County, Ohio, will be out on the streets again taking signatures on our petitions to support the Goddard’s Law of mandatory jail time if the accused are found guilty.

We are adamant that deliberate animal cruelty, torture, in the face of defiance of the laws of Ohio, shall not be tolerated.

The practice of using defenseless, loving animals as an outlet for a human’s depravity is a serious blight upon our “civilized” society.

The monetary fine of $2,500 is of no use and means nothing in the face of what is occurring and does nothing to alleviate the intentions of a potential perpetrator.

The maximum allowed jail time behind bars for one year is reasonable and must be instated.

There must be accountability in the face of these unspeakable acts to the animals.

Our law enforcers were elected by the people to keep order and we expect these laws and punishments on the books to be upheld to set presidents and be a deterrent for unacceptable behavior.

We are being vigilant regarding our law community’s enforcement actions.

Those found guilty must be forced to accept and reap what they have sown, regardless of what their domestic or financial circumstances happen to be. Perhaps a little contemplation before the fact might have opened their eyes and their hearts. Vonnie L. Hayden Painesville