Animal rights terrorist attacks rising in the USA

The occurrence of terrorist attacks upon scientists and their families are increasing at an alarming rate. The scientists being targeted are those conducting research on animals. The groups conducting the violent attacks are animal rights activist groups such as the Animal Liberation Front. Click here to read the article published on www.foxnews.com.

I am a supporter of animal rights and the need to further strengthen laws protecting animals from torture and abuse. However, I condemn groups the resort to violence to get their message across. Over the past year and six months, there have been 39 violent attacks. Luckily, no one has been killed but it is just a matter of time before someone's father, mother, son, or daughter dies. Groups that are committing these crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Though I support their message, no one has the right to resort to violence even if the message is worthy.

Convicted Animal Abuser Michael Vick To Be Released Early

Disgraced NFL quarterback Michael Vick will be released from prison early and serve the last two months of his sentence in house arrest. Originally, he was scheduled to be released this week and placed in a half-way house. But do to lack of vacancies, he will be released around May 21st and must wear a monitoring device. His activities will also be limited and closely monitored by his parole officer.

Vick was convicted last year for his role in a dog fighting sting and for killing several dogs that were not performing to his liking. I am glad that Vick was convicted and has been serving time. Animal abuse can no longer be tolerated and must be enforced, no matter who the offender is. I can only hope that Vick has learned from his mistake. I also hope that his fans, peers, and the media will never let him forget.

Joseph Petcka Trial: Injustice for Animals

Yet again, justice for animals has been blocked by a person unwilling to accept the seriousness of animal abuse as one would domestic violence. The trail of Joseph Petcka ended in a mistrial. Mr. Petcka was accused of intentional animal abuse in the death of his ex-girl friend's cat. The Prosecution believed the defendant intentionally killed the cat because he was upset his girl friend broke up with him. The Defense maintained that Mr. Petcka acted in self-defense and was in fear of his life. If the cat in question was a 200 pound tiger I would understand his fear. However, the cat in question was a 7 pound orange tabby. The basics behind self-defense is using an act of defense equal to the attacking action. In other words, if a person takes a swing at you, you can use an equal action to defend yourself. The cat's lethal injuries included broken bones and facial bones. It was concluded that this poor animal was stomped to death. It is appalling that one lone juror would not accept the truth of intentional abuse in this case. I wonder if he would think the same if the cat was replaced by the ex-girl friend. This is just another example of people not willing to treat all life as we do human life. What a shame!

Canine Justice

This whole situation with Michael Vick and the illegal dog fighting activities he pleaded guilty to is getting way off track from the actual problem at hand. Many debates have surfaced attributing the horrendous treatment of those animals on socio-economic upbringing. Though I agree this is a legitimate argument, the focus should be on the rising problem of dog fighting activities, the abuse and torture of the animals involved, and the need for more strict law enforcement.

In one article I read, an estimated 400,000 people participate in some way with dog fighting. Many children are helpers or spectators which only helps raise insensitive adults. Some news outlets have hit upon these issues and showed footage of the dog fights themselves - probably for dramatic effect. But most of the main stream that I've heard are more concerned with Vick's NFL career. This is a serious problem for this country that needs continued coverage and debate. The one good thing that came out of this case is that people are talking about a problem that normally wouldn't get any air time in prime time.

Here is an informative article from the ASPCA that further explains dog fighting in this country

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_dogfighting_faq