This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Our In Defense of Animals staff has intervened in seemingly countless cases of cruelty, abuse and neglect of animal companions in Mississippi. Sadly, justice isn’t always served for these victims as it should be, and abusers get away with no more than mere slaps on the wrists. Now, however, legislation has passed the Mississippi House and Senate and is about to reach the Governor’s desk. It will increase penalties for animal abusers and we’re calling on Gov. Tate Reeves to sign it.

The bill, SB 2658, which was introduced by Senator Angela Hill, will update the Mississippi Dog and Cat Protection Law of 2011 to increase penalties for those convicted of cruelty to dogs and cats.

If it’s passed, animal abusers would be facing felony charges on a first offense if convicted of aggravated animal cruelty, which comes with a fine of up to $5,000 and up to three years in prison. A second offense could result in a fine of up to $10,000 and five years in prison.

Right now, some of the most horrendous and unspeakable acts of cruelty inflicted on animals are merely considered misdemeanor offenses. Only those who have been charged with aggravated cruelty within the past five years will get a felony charge for their second offense.

The bill also allows for charging offenders with more than one count per incident. As the law currently stands, someone could be found guilty of harming dozens of animals, but they would only face one single count of cruelty.

Our Justice for Animals Campaign has seen firsthand how devastating the result of weak laws can be for dogs and cats who are neglected, tortured and abused in Mississippi is. Anyone who is neglecting or harming animals needs to be held accountable for their actions.

This legislation will bring a long overdue change that’s immediately needed to get justice for victims and send a message that cruelty to animals won’t be tolerated.

What YOU Can Do

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.