A crime that needs to (officially) become a crime
October 23rd, 2009 by admin
Bestiality is not expressly outlawed in Florida. This week there were two disturbing reminders of why it is necessary to update Florida law and prohibit the sexual abuse of animals.
On Thursday, a 21-year-old Orlando man was in court for a hearing related to his arrest earlier this year on charges of animal abuse. Laszlo Arsenio Horvath is accused of sexually assaulting his dog. The dog was later euthanized due to her injuries. In court, Horvath was ordered to have no contact with animals (Horvath will also receive a mental evaluation). He is due back in court October 29th for arraignment.
On Monday, Carla Rhea Maldonado, of Palm Coast, was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for lewd and lascivious battery of a teenage girl. In addition to assaulting the girl, Maldonado was accused of sexual contact with a dog. Because of Florida’s inadequate law, Maldonado was not charged with any crime in connection with the dog.
You Can Help
Florida State Senator Nan Rich has reintroduced a bill- Senate Bill 104- to prohibit sexual contact with animals. If passed Florida would join the 30+ other U.S. states who have taken a proactive approach to protecting animals from sexual predation.Please thank Sen. Rich for introducing this important legislation. E-mail: rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov
In addition, please contact your State Representative and State Senator and ask them to sign-on as cosponsors of Senate Bill 104. Click here to find your elected officials (requires 9-digit ZIP Code).