Here kitty kitty kitty...

[Devastatin Dave]

This story turned my stomach. Poor animals. I'm not a big fan of cats but there is no reason to treat these poor animals like this. Here's the article...
Nice house... (http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/sep03/171083.asp?format=print)

[katar]

can they proseute the son for cruelty or neglegence?
or is he out of the picture? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Dhepee]

Usually in these cases, in the states, the son can be prosecuted for animal neglect but not cruelty, sadly neither are felonies. He would have to have made an overt act of cruelty, beating, torturing, etc. His act appears to have been passive (he fed them but did not take care of them), therefore it would be neglect. Since it created such a foul stench, the house has to be condemned, he may be charge with creating a public hazard, and health code violations. He may also be civilly liable for the cost of the animal removal and house demolition.

[katar]

Quote[/b] ]His act appears to have been passive (he fed them but did not take care of them), therefore it would be neglect. Since it created such a foul stench, the house has to be condemned, he may be charge with creating a public hazard, and health code violations. He may also be civilly liable for the cost of the animal removal and house demolition.

so, basically they`ll drag him through the crap(metaphorically speaking) and land a fine on him.

[Devastatin Dave]

I hope they fine the hell out of him. I believe it is your responsibility if you are a pet owner to provide the best living conditions for your animal. The domesticated animal needds every bit of our compassion and care because there is a bond and a trust associated with the life of these poor creatures. I just don't see how anyone treating these animals this way could possibly not atleast try to fix these problems. It makes me angry. He should be forced to clean the house before it is condemned and be fined the highest possible amount because these poor animals will probably be destroyed. Sad, very sad... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/mecry.gif

[Dhepee]

Don't hold your breath Dave. The law is short on assigning responsibility to anyone these days, especially in cases of animal abuse.

But on the plus side Ashcroft is banning plea bargains and downward sentencing as on option for US Attorneys, except in cases where there is something of great value to be immediately gained.