The Cost of Animal Abuse

By BARBARA McLEAN


Inlandsocal.Com/Pets
It was bad enough that Michelle Lattin's Upland home was burglarized earlier this month, but the robbers also shoved a broomstick down the throat of her little Chihuahua, Shylo. The dog required multiple surgeries costing $10,000 and Lattin has had to resort to yard sales to help pay the bills.
State Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, has proposed SB1277, which would create a database of animal abusers that would be voluntarily used by shelters, pet shops and breeders to prevent abusers from owning pets as well as letting people know an animal abuser is living in their neighborhood. The bill calls for adding a $200 penalty for misdemeanor abuse offenses and $500 penalty for felony abuse offenses, allowing for the abusers to pay for the registry.

In Lattin's case the people who hurt Shylo, if apprehended, could be placed on that list and it would hopefully prevent them from owning an animal.

Often violence against animals turns to violence against humans. According to Melissa Donaldson, executive director of Temecula-based Safe Alternatives for Everyone, many of the domestic violence cases she has handled include violence toward the family pet.

"In one case, the husband killed the wife's pet Yorkshire terrier," Donaldson said.

Another way animal abuse can be prevented is through education. The NaturVet Foundation in Temecula recently sponsored an animal education assembly at Ridgemoor Elementary School in Menifee. One of the speakers was 12-year-old Lauren Burton, of Riverside, who adopted Gracie, a two-legged German shepherd, from Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Lauren is a regular at the NaturVet Foundation programs.

The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley and Animal Friends of the Valleys also provide education programs. Leslie Kegley of Animal Friends of the Valleys travels to schools and clubs to educate both adults and children about animals. The humane society recently held a Critter Camp for children.