Sunday, September 6, 2009

Greater emphasis urged in preventing, prosecuting animal abuse cases


By JOHN ASBURY

Doug Smith has been shocked by the conditions of some of the animals he's come across.

As a San Bernardino County animal health investigator specializing in animal cruelty, Smith said his office responds to about 200 calls per year of animal abuse and neglect. About 20 percent of those cases, or 20 to 25 cases per year, are then submitted for criminal prosecution.

"I've seen animals that have been skeletons with skin stretched over them and they were still alive," Smith said. "The animals are put in a situation that's not of their own doing and they have no way to correct that. It's up to their owners."..." More