Cat Serial Killer In London

​http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-41595585?intlink_from_url=http://www.bbc.com/news/topics/14745d1f-885d-4b9f-b28a-24540e7beb15/animals&link_location=live-reporting-story

I don't know what's more unbelievable, the title of this post or the fact that this actually happening. When I stumbled across this story I felt an immediate rush of anger and sorrow for anyone affected by this string of animal murders. I can't imagine the feeling of waking up to your pet being decapitated or dismembered and left for everyone to see. What a disturbing situation. Let me tell you guys about it.

The earliest killings began in 2014 and have continued well into 2017 occurring all across London. Once a connection was made, the killer was given the name the M25 Cat Killer prompting communities to take precautions when it comes to outdoor pets. There are several reports of people's cats going missing only to be found in various forms of dismemberment. Tails removed, cut open, and decapitated, just some of the horrific details of pets that have been at the hands of this killer. To date, it is reported that well over 300 animals have been slaughtered by this particular killer although police are also suggesting copycats could be involved as well. This is utterly disturbing to say the least but it also begs the question, what happens to someone busted for this sort of crime?

Well, to put things into perspective, of the 3,000 people convicted of animal cruelty across England and Wales between 2013 and 2015, only 7% of these cases resulted in jail time. England and Wales currently have the lowest punishments associated with animal cruelty across Europe. France and Germany for example have jail sentences between 2 and 3 years for comparable crimes. Isn't it frightening to think that 3,000 convictions of animal abuse resulted in only 7% jail sentences? Isn't it also frightening to think that the sentence is 6 months but will likely be reduced? This is the reality of animal abuse and cruelty, the public views it as a serious crime but our governments are not seeing the bigger picture.

This case in particular is going to be quite interesting when it heads to court. Will there be animal cruelty charges for EVERY confirmed case of cruelty? Will there be charges of abduction considering these were house pets in some cases? Will the severity and longevity of the spree be considered? 6 months in jail and pathetic fines will NOT be an acceptable punishment considering the scope of this crime spree.

My biggest concern here is the lack of value animals still hold in our government's eyes. Every day there are stories of farm animal abuse, dogs being tied up and left outside for days, cats being dismembered etc. so isn't it obvious that there isn't enough being done to prevent these crimes? Until our governments start accepting that animals are more than just commodities, there will be absolutely nothing stopping people from repeatedly abusing them.

I've spoken about this in the past but it still holds true, our laws NEED to change. What kind of a deterrence is a potential 6 month jail term that rarely gets applied? What kind of a deterrence is a fine that can be made and paid in a day? These lackluster punishments are exactly why people continue to do these things. There's absolutely no fear of punishment and clearly no concern over animal welfare. However, if you ask people on the streets what they think, I can almost guarantee that they would suggest harsher punishments as a deterrence. I can almost bet they would be mortified and feel strongly about increasing the jail time / fines to an acceptable level.

      The only thing stopping any of this is our government's lack of                                             concern over animals.

It isn't just England or Wales, it's everywhere. Other countries in Europe are certainly leading the pack when it comes to the value of animals but here we are in Canada or the United States where animal cruelty is laughable. For crying out loud you can have oral sex with an animal in Canada and it's not considered beastiality! That's where we are right now, disgustingly behind and completely unreflective of what the citizens want. 

We must continue to shed light on these problems within our government! We must continue to sign the petitions, email our governments, and continuously attract attention to animal cruelty. Being relentless WILL pay off! You can ignore one person, you can even ignore 100, but wait until the hundred of thousands of people are continuing to push for action! If we continue to fight for animals, I just know something positive will come of it. We are their voice. we are their defense against cruelty, we are their only hope, and we mustn't let up.

What are your thoughts on this case and animal cruelty? Are you in agreeance that penalties and punishments are laughable? I want to hear from you! Message me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or COMMENT BELOW. 

HAPPY VEG

Information also taken from: ​www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-39042626