Rep. Klarides-Ditria Submits Testimony in Support of Stronger Animal Cruelty Laws
Testimony in Support of Senate Bill 923
Co-Chairs Winfield and Stafstrom, Ranking Members Kissel and Fishbein, and Distinguished Members of the Judiciary Committee, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to submit testimony in support of Senate Bill 923: An Act Concerning Review of Animal Cruelty Laws by the Connecticut Sentencing Commission.
This proposal is a crucial step in the right direction for our state to call on us to reevaluate how we hold offenders accountable for instances of animal cruelty. Animals and people, both being living creatures deserving of respect and proper treatment have more in common than our current laws reflect in the protections that they extend. Our current animal cruelty laws which are outlined in CGS 53-247 fall short in this regard and impose only the bare minimum to prosecute people who harm animals. Our court records show that over the past 10 years only roughly 20% of offenders were prosecuted for crimes against defenseless animals, leaving the vast majority of these crimes to go unpunished.
The Animal Legal & Historical Center is just one of many groups to publish a report that thoroughly outlines the link between cruelty to animals and violence towards people. The link can no longer be dismissed. The report states that a direct correlation has now been established that recognizes the predisposition that exists in those who harm animals to also commit acts of family violence, and other forms of violence within the community. It is established fact that most violent criminals and people who abuse their spouse, children, or elder family members have harmed animals in the past, and the behavior does not just stop, rather it is likely to escalate, especially if it is left unchecked. Establishing stricter penalties, promoting increased education of our criminal justice system on these matters, and partnering with experts that are well versed in these issues will be essential to making this legislation work. I ask that the committee consider language to require the Sentencing Commission to provide a complete overview of our current animal cruelty laws while and making comparisons to states who have enhanced provisions and working with both our animal advocacy stakeholders and our state universities, many of which are conducting studies in this area, to ensure we accomplish this noble goal.
It is time for our state to make changes to our animal cruelty laws, and I urge the members of the committee to vote favorably on SB 923. Thank you for your consideration.