Turning the Tide in Maryland

Kudos to two state senators in Maryland who are pushing for stronger animal cruelty laws. The two legislators are pushing to toughen the punishments in the state for anyone guilty of committing misdemeanor animal abuse. These senators want to increase the fine from $1,000 to $2,500, and the jail time from 90 days to one year.

Making the punishments more severe would "enforce the values" of Maryland's residents, says State Senator Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery County), "which are opposed to gratuitous cruelty and violence against animals." (Source)

The Animal Defense Fund ranks Maryland number 40 of all states and the District of Columbia in enforcing its animal cruelty laws. The increasingly responsive attitude of Maryland's politicians is due largely to the hard work of - you guessed it - animal rights advocates. As Carolyn Kilborn, chairwoman of the group Maryland Votes for Animals, put it: "We're sick and tired of the cruelty that's being unaddressed by our legislature." (Source)

Amen!