Air Quality / Animal Rights
The air quality in the valley is so horrible that I am considering moving away. There is no plan in the near future to even address this. Point in fact you took the money we voted for away from mass transit and decided to build more roads. Subsidize UTA and Rail and allow for more routes and times available. If you build it we will use it. The models you have decided to use are outdated and incorrect.
Lastly how about passing a real protection against animal abuse bill . I am tired of seeing individuals who have tortured and killed innocent lives receive little or no punishment. Those who would do these thing have no respect for life and typically go on to abusing children.
John Tella
Pilot
Salt lake
Let me address the last part of your comment, John. In the last legislative session a bill making it a felony to torture an animal was introduced. I personally was opposed to the bill due to the very real possibilities of it being mis-applied and persons who simply made a stupid and/or thoughtless mistake might end up in prison as a felon. I hear from many people on both sides of the issue. Some pushing for stronger punishments and some who think that the animal rights people are crazies who overreact and should not be given any more power to carry on their crusade. I have now come to realize that there is a need for increased punishment for those who are hard-line repeat offenders and really deserve the same treatment they hand out to the animals.
In the next session, and maybe sooner in a special session, I will be introducing a bill essentially the same as last years but making the felony punishment apply only upon a second conviction. This will hopefully prevent the feared unintended consequence of making felons where it was not needed, while still catching those repeat offenders who are on the path of continual abuse of animals and people. Several states have this provision and are happy with its success. My hope is that this compromise will help make our great state an even better place to enjoy life.
Allen Christensen
Utah State Senate, District 19
Lastly how about passing a real protection against animal abuse bill . I am tired of seeing individuals who have tortured and killed innocent lives receive little or no punishment. Those who would do these thing have no respect for life and typically go on to abusing children.
John Tella
Pilot
Salt lake
Let me address the last part of your comment, John. In the last legislative session a bill making it a felony to torture an animal was introduced. I personally was opposed to the bill due to the very real possibilities of it being mis-applied and persons who simply made a stupid and/or thoughtless mistake might end up in prison as a felon. I hear from many people on both sides of the issue. Some pushing for stronger punishments and some who think that the animal rights people are crazies who overreact and should not be given any more power to carry on their crusade. I have now come to realize that there is a need for increased punishment for those who are hard-line repeat offenders and really deserve the same treatment they hand out to the animals.In the next session, and maybe sooner in a special session, I will be introducing a bill essentially the same as last years but making the felony punishment apply only upon a second conviction. This will hopefully prevent the feared unintended consequence of making felons where it was not needed, while still catching those repeat offenders who are on the path of continual abuse of animals and people. Several states have this provision and are happy with its success. My hope is that this compromise will help make our great state an even better place to enjoy life.
Allen Christensen
Utah State Senate, District 19
2 Comments:
I don't see why there should be a free bite at the apple, so to speak. I assume that the crime itself would require intent, so it wouldn't apply to someone who accidentally injured an animal. Why would our legislators coddle people who intentionally torture an animal? I'm truly mystified.
There is something seriously wrong with your thinking. Your position on why you opposed Henrys law is severely weak. It is beyond my comprehension, as to how anyone would allow such torture of these innocent, God created beings. Your twisted way of thinking regarding this law may satisfy your conscience, but is clear to many how weak your position is. If animal cruelty was not seen as such a big deal, then tell me why is it that Utah is one of only 7 remaining states to pass such a law. I have yet to hear of anyone who lives in the other 43 states to have been unjustly served prison time because they did not take their pet to a vet. Your comment regarding a "2nd offense", is not only ridiculous but patronizing as well. Wake up! No other state allows one free torture pass before prosecuting. Are you that thick headed that you don't realize that if Vic k committed his horrific crimes here, under your plan, he would get another chance. Can't you see that Utah has a welcome mat out for dog fighting rings? Again, there are only 7 states that do not have a felony animal cruelty law, so why not move to Utah? The money that is made from these heinous crimes far outweigh any penalty if caught. Maybe one of these sick people will move right next door to you.
D'marie Mayers
Realtor
Cottonwood Heights
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