Let's not support 'entertainment' that has ill effects on animals

To the editor,

People may ask WHY does animal abuse matter? As a member of Animal Legal Defense (www.aldf.org), to which I referenced recently in my circus letter, it is important to have stronger sentencing by the judges in this country. Animal Legal Defense is key in getting the laws changed so there can be better enforcement of those laws. Sadly, some states have better protection for animals than others but that is gradually changing for the better.

As I mentioned in my prior letter, our country now has "Animal Law" offered in its top ten universities. The reason ALDF seeks stronger sentencing is because statistically the people who are in the courts for domestic violence, shaken baby or even murder started out abusing animals. Perhaps this went on for a long time before they were in a court of law. Treatment of animals can be a learned behavior (similar to racism) and multigenerational or it can be an outlet for feelings or power. (Many websites show animal "trainers" loving that power over a defenseless animal). We all know the story of Michael Vick . . . sometimes they need to be educated to be able to learn a different way of thinking.

Some jail programs include animal contact in their rehabilitations which can have wonderful changes.

Judges are understanding this and seeing the importance to society as a whole and the laws are changing. Intervention can include strict sentencing from the first offense, anger management, community service and sometimes, to reiterate, this includes caring for animals to see their worth and feel the joy from mutual care, trust and respect that they can unconditionally give. Science shows more and more every day the things they think and can do. They can even do the same brain scans on them as humans and see their brain areas light up when they have joy, fear, loss, hunger etc. We do not understand their role in healing as yet or how some species detect illness. The future research looks bright. If only they could talk!

Currently, ALDF is seeking to have a national registry for animal abusers so they cannot have future pets. We understand the frustration of law enforcement, which has to work inside the guidelines of current state laws despite their own personal views.

With education, perhaps our own city can send the message that we do not support inviting "entertainment" that has ill effects on its animals. Again, we have an animal cruelty law — 644:8 — which our officers are to uphold but we also realize they are busy with other issues in the community. How many of those started out with the aformentioned?

Dianne Chandronnait

Laconia