Disturbing case highlights need for Florida to ban bestiality
June 3rd, 2008 by admin
Last week a judge in Palm Beach County ordered that a Palm Beach Gardens boy and his mother be permanently barred from owning or possessing animals. The judge also awarded custody of the woman’s two dogs and two cats to the county. The ruling closed a disturbing case of sexual abuse of animals.
Prosecuting the case was made more difficult by the fact that bestiality is not expressly illegal in Florida. Legislation that would have prohibited sexual contact with animals failed to pass during this year’s session in Tallahassee. Despite video evidence that the 17-year-old boy had sexually assaulted at least one of the dogs, the county’s chief veterinarian and other experts had to testify in court that the dog suffered during the attack.
You Can Help
Bestiality is explicitly forbidden in 80 countries and at least 28 U.S. states, but not in Florida. Legislation to outlaw the sexual abuse of animals will be reintroduced next year. It is not too early to contact your state representative and state senator and urge them to support legislation to strengthen Florida’s animal cruelty statute and give law enforcement the tools they need to combat this disturbing crime. Please let us know if you receive a positive response.
As both a new lawyer and a new assistant state attorney in the state of Florida, I would like to urge you to support legislation strengthening Florida’s animal cruelty statue and specifically outlawing bestiality. Crimes against animals should not be overlooked or cast aside. It is crucial to have precise legislation criminalizing such behavior in order to effectively prosecute these occurrences. Thank you in advance for your help in combating violence against animals.
Gina, I hope you have action we can take to turn this around, the care2 petition site has many dedicated people who will help make a difference. This is one of the biggest lies told to encourage a crime, that the animals enjoy the act of the rape. Just as we women have enjoyed it? We need many letters and phone calls, I realize that, but it is in our hands to force this change, and I know we are up for the challenge!
Please lobby harder for the protection of animals from this horrendious act. people who do these types of things are mentally deranged and should be put down like a dog with rabies! We want animals protected in EVERY state, not just a few!!