Some Massachusetts residents may have rolled their eyes when Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law new stipulations that allow judges to issue a restraining order protecting a dog, cat or other pet.
They shouldn’t have.
In fact, the new law — used the first time in November to protect a black Labrador retriever caught in the middle of domestic abuse case in Marshfield — already seems essential, given that alleged domestic abusers had clearly been able to previously target their spouse’s, partner’s or even sibling’s or parent’s pet with little response other than charges of harming the victim’s “property.”
And two stunning pet abuse cases in Gloucester should indeed give lawmakers and judges incentive to stiffen statutes regarding gross animal abuse or ensure those accused of such abuse receive appropriate penalties.
As reported by our sister paper, The Gloucester Daily Times, John “Jack” Dugan allegedly gutted his pet pit bull, Xena, after the dog ingested both a sealed bag of heroin and an unsealed bag. Police believe Dugan gutted the dog to retrieve the sealed bag from the dog’s stomach. He also has a record of breaking the legs of his ex-girlfriend’s dog in the past.
In the other case, Marc Appleton, 30, is charged with animal abuse for allegedly kicking his roommate’s beagle mix and fracturing the dog’s leg in three places.
If found guilty, both men could face up to five years in a state prison or up to 21/2 years in Middleton jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A prison term if Dugan is found guilty would seem appropriate. The fact that each is facing the same charge raises questions as to whether the state needs a mandated minimum penalty with more police and DA filing options regarding the severity of these cases.
Pets aren’t people, but they are generally defenseless members of many families, and targeting them for any kind of abuse is a violent crime. Here’s hoping officials recognize these cases — and those who carry out such acts — as the public safety threats they are.
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