Oct 30, 2008

QLD Puppy Cruelty Case

G'day Dog Lovers,

You've probably heard on the news over the past week or so about the horrible torture and mutilation of a Fox Terrier at Moranbah. Two men allegedly stole Peanut from a residence in Railway Parade in Moranbah and took him to a lookout in the town.

Police have obtained video footage from a mobile phone that shows graphic images of the puppy howling in pain as he is tortured. The full details of what Peanut was forced to endure really are deeply disturbing, so I've decided not to post them here. Follow this link to read about what the two men allegedly did to this poor dog, but be warned it doesn't make for light reading - http://www.dailymercury.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3788430

Animal rights experts have described the case as one of the most horrific in Australian history, and experienced Police officers were distressed by the video.

"Senior police officers were visibly shaken after viewing the footage. Police and the RSPCA say that if the allegations are true this could well be the worst case of animal cruelty ever brought before the courts in Australia," RSPCA's Queensland Chief Inspector Michael Pecic said.

"This is very, very disturbing. For legal reasons this is really all I can say at the moment. But when you talk to senior police officers who have seen a lot of carnage in their time and they say it shocked even them, then you begin to get the picture."

The maximum penalty under the Animal Care and Protection Act for such an offence is a $75,000 fine or two years in jail. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that two years in jail for what those two men allegedly did to Peanut is nowhere near enough. The sick and twisted individuals who methodically tortured and mutilated a defenceless puppy should be locked up for a very long time.

Well that's what I think. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this...please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with you. Had the puppy been a baby there would be much public outcry and they would have been sentenced to a serious long term 25-life type deal. What the law hasn't caught up with is that for many of us, myself included, is that our animals are our children. If someone did that to my dog I would be as distressed as any mother. Getting two years, which means they will be out in about 3 months for "good behaviour" (and how ridiculous is that) is not just nor justice. They should be put away for premeditated murder. Perhaps if they knew they were going to get a severe punishment they *may* not do things like this, but I doubt it. This is why I like animals more than the majority of people.

Rescued With Love Inc said...

"The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men."
Leonardo Da Vinci, Italian Painter, Sculptor, Architect, Musician, Engineer, and Scientist

We indeed have a long way to go.

Why do people think an animal will feel less than a human when tortured?

That is the reflection in our legal system.

The maximum sentence is two years for such a heinous crime against an animal, yet life in prison if the victim is human.

Justice? No.

We need to address this imbalance immediately, otherwise what does it say to about our society as a whole?

Kae Norman
Rescued With Love Inc.
www.rescuedwithlove.org

Anonymous said...

The time has come for the Courts to make a statement.
Not only has an innocent puppy been cruelly stolen from the sanctity of a loving home and family but subjected to unspeakable torture and mutilation before being killed.
It is difficult to conceive such a heinous crime would be a first offence.
It must be demonstrated to offenders in terms they can comprehend.
Offend in this manner and you will pay. DEARLY.
Not only has an innocent life been wasted but the family has also been subjected to unfathomable torment, horror and sorrow.

Anonymous said...

"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated."

M. Gandhi

I was physically sickened to read of this appalling crime. It is beyond my comprehension how anyone can do such a thing. This type of abuse happens every day and so little can be done to punish those responsible.

If further reading is required to substantiate my claim that these things happen everyday please take the time to read a book written by a RSPCA inspector in Tasmania called " A promise to Catbury" by Frank Bingham. It is a disturbing read but a story that should be read by us all!

We as a society must make a stand and challenge attitudes towards these appalling crimes!

Anonymous said...

The maximum sentence for crimes such as this are completely inadequate but knowing that this is not likely to be changed before this case is heard then nothing but the maximum sentence will suffice.

This is a remorsless crime...These criminals showed no compassion, no pitty, no remorse for 'Peanut' as they tortured him and put him through unspeakable cruelty before ending his life. Anyone capable of such a heinous crime IS a danger to society

Thankyou Dogs Life for not shying away from such a disturbing situation but giving it more exposure to help bring about change. This shows the courage and ethics of Dogs Life magazine that you will stand up and be counted just as we all need to do.

Anonymous said...

No-one has the right to harm animals especially someone elses!
My dog is like my child and couldlnt imagine someone doing something like that to my girl. Anyone who tortures animals should get charged as if it was a person.

But hopefully one day soon the court system will relise how loyal animals are and deserve justice!!

Anonymous said...

It makes me ashamed 2 b australian. Cruelty to all animals is totally wrong. Animals r just as important as people it isn't fair.

Anonymous said...

I am appalled,with what these so called men did too that little pup.
I am a dog lover and have been since I was a young boy,to hear this rips at my heart,to know that,that little puppy was being tortured for no reason than to gratify some low down piece of #$%^ mentally unfit for this world.
I am so angry with them,how dare they do that to a little pup,you would have to think where would they go next,people?.
I had tears welling up reading the article,I have never, ever wanted to pulverise anyone as much as these two so called "Humans".
Please throw the book at them,make them an example,for our K9 friends deserve it.
I have always said"Dogs are better than most humans"
Amen!

Chip

Anonymous said...

I think that "people" such as these morons should be de-sexed. We do it for our animals to prevent unwanted puppies and kitties so why not do it to low-lifes to stop their genetic material from reproducing. It would surely benefit the human gene pool and society. And if it only costs $250 for my Great Dane, it is a fairly inexpensive way of dealing with these people. Just a thought!

Anonymous said...

bring them to me and my father. id love to see how they feel about a pair of garden sheers after we've finished with them.

Anonymous said...

wow i cant get over this eveywhere i turn there are supporters, my name is danielle neilsen i am the owner of peanut and i just got a link to this page, thank u all so much for the support, i dont know what happen to my little boi and i never want to know but thanks to u all supporting him he is now imortilised and i know he would have wanted it like that, he was such a high spirited puppy and i miss him more everyday, so thank u all for caring,
regagrds
Danielle Neilsen and Family
holden_gal_86@hotmail.com

Laura - Editor said...

Thanks everyone for making your voices heard. Let's hope those two blokes get what's coming to them and that no dog ever again has to suffer like Peanut did.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you all a more serious pentality needs to be put in place this was a member of Danielle family and now they have taken that special part of her away. If someone put a finger on my boy apart of me would also die. These men should go through the pain this dog had to not hidden behind the courts and police system that will protect them. They need to be put through pain. People shouldn't buy that mental crap they are put on either they knew what they were doing they are grown men and should be ashamed of themselves.

Anonymous said...

I am of the opinion that this should be treated like for like, but even that would be too quick for these sick individuals. What if it was their child that this happened to? Or for that matter, the child of the senseless lawmakers who deem that 2 years in jail is sufficient. Surely it's a small step from doing that to a small trusting puppy to doing the same to a child? I say hang these men or lock them away and throw away the key. They don't deserve to live.