Greek Parliament Votes in Favour of Stricter Punishments for Animal Abuse / Torture

​worldanimalnews.com/breaking-greek-parliament-votes-to-make-animal-abuse-torture-punishable-with-up-to-10-years-in-prison/

Greek parliament voted to make animal torture and serious animal abuse crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison with fines ranging from 25 - 50 thousand euros. This landmark ruling sends an incredibly clear message that animal abuse is not tolerated in the country and those who commit these atrocities against animals will undoubtedly find themselves in prison. In comparison, Canada barely manages to hand out sentences longer than 6 months - 2 years and fines rarely exceed $2, 000.

What I found to be especially great about these new penalties is that fines generated from animal abuse convictions will be used exclusively to fund shelters and veterinary clinics. I think it's exceptional that animals are at the forefront of these rulings and their well being across the country is what's motivating these penalties. I love the idea that veterinary clinics and animal shelters will benefit exclusively from fines generated from convictions. Although we certainly don't celebrate animal abuse / cruelty convictions, it's reassuring to know that animals will ultimately benefit from it.

I've spoken out about the necessity of severe punishments associated with animal cruelty / abuse convictions in the past. There must be serious and long term consequences for abuse towards animals to truly send the right message about animal cruelty. Insignificant fines, lackluster or nonexistent jail sentences, and bans on owning animals that are rarely followed up simply don't act as enough of a deterrent to animal abusers. If the punishments aren't severe, what's really stopping someone from committing these crimes?  If people aren't afraid of the consequences, they don't have any reason to think twice before committing atrocities against animals. That's why extremely strict and harsh penalties are necessary as a deterrent and to properly protect animals.

In my opinion, animal cruelty and animal abuse should be treated as severely as abuse against children. Animals are vulnerable and trusting leaving them incredibly susceptible to abuse at the hands of humans. Animals look to us for love, food and drink, exercise etc., they rely solely on us as pets / family to look out for their well being. They're the most innocent beings on our planet and anyone who could abuse that love and trust deserves the ultimate punishment. When you look at the various forms of cruelty against animals, it's clear that it takes someone especially vile and evil to physically abuse an innocent animal. Much like children, animals need us to care for them and abusing them should be punishable to the highest degree.

Greece has taken the necessary steps to hold animal abusers accountable and send out the message that animal cruelty is not tolerated and is viewed as a serious crime. Canada needs to step up and update their animal cruelty laws to reflect what the general public feels about animal cruelty. Our current system is flawed and doesn't truly hold animal abusers accountable for crimes that are as despicable as the abuse of an innocent, loving animal. We need to see penalties like Greece is imposing across the globe. Animal abuse is one of the most abhorrent and despicable crimes on our planet and it needs to be viewed & treated as such.

Congratulations Greece on taking a stand for animals!

HAPPY VEG