Friday, March 12, 2010


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SPCA backs Simon

The SPCA is backing Tauranga MP Simon Bridges’ Private Members Bill that is seeking to raise the maximum penalty for the wilful ill-treatment of animals from three years imprisonment to five.
“This recommendation is sending a strong signal to the community that animal abuse is simply not acceptable,” says Bob Kerridge, executive director of the society.


File Graphic.

“It is time to recognise that cruelty to animals is a social sickness that is as heinous as any act of violence inflicted on fellow humans, and the two are inextricably linked.”
Simon’s Private Members Bill is being entered into Parliament’s ballot for 2010 and is mainly focused on section 28 of the Animal Welfare Act which relates to the wilful and deliberate abuse of animals.
“Wilful ill-treatment epitomises the most reprehensible acts of animal cruelty we encounter, for which sentences are generally abysmally light given the nature of the crimes,” says Bob.  
“This SPCA is committed to ensuring that the judiciary and the public are made fully aware of the seriousness of animal abuse, and with the support of our remarkable panel of eminent pro-bono prosecutors this will undoubtedly intensify in the New Year.”


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Comment by Thistly - added on 28 Jan 2010 11:26PM
Awesome news, after seeing all the horrific stories of animal abuse from around NZ in the past few weeks alone, the kitten being gruesomely decapitated in front of the family and others being thrown to dogs, the birds in the Temuka public aviary being ripped apart, dogs burnt and dragged behind vehicles, the loved family cat being bashed to death by burglars, and more... all this culminating today with the group of 33 dogs being 'put down' in that vile way... all in new zealand, in recent news - it's enough to drive one to despair!
So this evening I was bemoaning the lack of push, politically, for harsher sentencing, and was overjoyed to see this action being taken! BRAVO Simon Bridges and PAW justice, you'll surely have the passionate backing of all compassionate, decent kiwis :)
Of course 5 years isn't enough in most NZers' eyes, but it's a realistic start and is much needed.
I'm taking a copy of the PAW justice petition into work tomorrow, hopefully this petition is being used to help Simon with his most excellent mission.

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