Please ensure that the 3 people whom set a wild animal (turtle) on fire repeatedly get the maximum sentencing if not more. The video in it self shows their lack of feeling for this poor defenseless animal, as they laugh gleefully each time they light it on fire. 1. Incarcerate the defendants for 90 days, the maximum period allowed by law. 2. Order them to undergo psychiatric evaluations and subsequent counseling. 3. Bar them from all future contact with animals in Minnesota, as is allowed by state law. 4. If the turtle is still alive make them pay for the medical care and all expenses incurred. A video of a turtle being burned alive that was posted on the Internet has led to a criminal investigation of three people from Hawley, Minn. The city attorney has charged an 18-year-old with misdemeanor animal cruelty and the Clay County attorney is considering charges against two juveniles. Clay County Attorney Ken Kohler says there was a major outcry when people saw the video of someone pouring gasoline on the turtle and igniting it. He says the incident came to prosecutors' attention because of the video, and he says the U.S. Humane Society played a part in the investigation. Kohler says it's not clear when the turtle was burned. Stopping the Cycle of Abuse Schools, parents, communities, and courts that shrug off cruelty to animals as a “minor” crime are ignoring a time bomb. Instead, courts should aggressively penalize animal abusers, examine families for other signs of violence, and order perpetrators to undergo psychological evaluations and counseling. Communities must recognize that abuse to any living individual is unacceptable and endangers everyone. In March 2006, Maine Governor John Baldacci signed a law—the first of its kind in the United States—that permits judges to include animal companions in court-issued protection orders against domestic abusers. Those who harm animals in violation of a court order can face fines and jail time.(20) Sign the petition…. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/635254072
I didn't see the video, but it sounds to me like these people really need testing for some serious psychological problems. Obviously, yeah, they should go to prison, they aren't minors and this is a heinous crime. But at the same time, this doesn't sound like something a stable person would do.
