USVI now have felony animal abuse law

Joe Elmore, St. Thomas Humane Society Executive
Director

by Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News USVI Correspondent

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

ST THOMAS, USVI: A four year battle came to an end on May 5th, when the US Virgin Islands Senate voted unanimously to approve an override to Governor Turnbull's second veto of a much debated animal cruelty bill.

The new law defines first, and second degree offenses, and specific penalties for each crime. First degree offense(s) include; killing, maiming, torturing, disfiguring, and inflicting pain on an animal. An adult who forces a minor to carry out these acts could also be charged with a First degree offense. A conviction would be punishable by up to, two years in prison, and a $2,000 fine. 

Second degree, animal abuse, a misdemeanor; is defined as, intentionally inflicting pain on an animal, or transporting an animal in a way that causes unreasonable pain. The offense is punishable by up to one year in prison, and a fine of $500.00.

Impounding an animal for 24 hours with out food or water; or knowingly and recklessly, failing to provide adequate care for an animal could result in a charge of second degree animal neglect.

Individuals, other than the animal's owner, who provide care, after the 24 hour period will not be liable for doing so. Such individuals may seek reimbursement of money spent on the animal. Another offense, failure to provide adequate care could result in a fine of $500.00, and 100 hours of community service.

Any one convicted of the offenses will be prohibited from owning an animal for five years, with a probation violation occurring if the regulation is not adhered to.

An Animal Abuse Fund will be established to cover the expenses for carrying out the laws, and necessary procedures, including cruelty prevention programs . Humane Society, Executive Director, Joe Elmore told Caribbean Net News, "After six, long years, we finally have a felony, animal cruelty bill! I am elated that the Senate and Governor came together to give the community a good, solid animal cruelty law. Now, we need education and enforcement to really make a difference in breaking the cycle of abuse before it reaches human victims."

Mr. Elmore also indicated that, "While the Humane Society advocated strongly for the bill's passage, it was a bill for the entire, VI community, not just the Humane Society." 

The law will apply to entrapment of all animals, with the exception of fowls, for fighting. Animal humanitarians and advocates have repeatedly gone on record as, being against the practice of "cock fighting". However, it is presently legal in the USVI, and the groups did not want to jeopardize passage of this bill, by including it, at this time. 

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