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Q&A
Discussion on animal abuse laws and penalties
7:03:08
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78 sec
Council Member Ariola and the district attorneys discuss the need for stronger penalties for animal abuse crimes.
- Ariola emphasizes the link between animal abuse and violent crimes against humans
- DA Katz explains that animal abuse falls under agricultural law with a maximum penalty of two years
- DA Katz mentions working with council members on addressing these issues
- DA McMahon adds that the state DA's association advocates for increasing penalties for animal abuse crimes annually
Joann Ariola
7:03:08
I certainly appreciate that.
7:03:09
And honestly, on the animal abuse issue, we all know that we do have to expand the, you know, the consequences because oftentimes the link between animal abuse becomes violent crimes towards humans.
7:03:24
So we so thank you for that.
7:03:26
And District Attorney Katz, I just want you to know that your DV program will be funded again this year for $72,500 And your forensic lab, Bob, Vicki and myself will bring that to the delegation.
7:03:38
Thank you very much.
Melinda Katz
7:03:39
Thank you.
7:03:40
And just so everybody knows about the animals, so it's in the agricultural law.
7:03:45
And so the only, the highest form of accountability is really two years.
7:03:50
So you could torture animals.
7:03:52
You could, you know, torture your cat or dog and then have not the accountability that I think you really should have in our courts.
7:04:01
And so we've been working with the council members on those issues as well in the community.
7:04:06
So thank you.
Michael McMahon
7:04:06
And I can just add to that.
7:04:08
So as part of the state DA's association, I'm honored to be the president of now, but we advocate for increasing the penalties for those heinous crimes every year.
7:04:19
So when you're talking to your state legislators, please bring it up with them as well because that is controlled by state law.