ER - Code addressing animal abuse requires low burden of proof

Code addressing animal abuse requires low burden of proof
10/16/2006

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you in reference to your inaction against Roberta Bugenig.

California Penal Code 597(b) requires a low burden of proof. All that would be needed to convince a jury would be that the conditions of the animals did not fall under “the ordinary standard of due care.” It does not require intent.

I cannot urge you enough to please charge this woman with the crime of committing animal cruelty and prosecute her to the fullest extent of the law.

Animals need our protection. They have a right to life just as we do.

Kelly Etheridge
Germantown, Md.

(This letter was originally written to District Attorney Paul Gallegos and reprinted here with the author’s permission.)
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