Animal cruelty offenders now face a felony charge in Virginia

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Felony for animal cruelty in Virginia
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People who abuse animals in Virginia now face tougher penalties for their crime. As reported by multiple sources, Governor Ralph Northam has signed a bill, dubbed Tommie’s Law, into effect – the bill means that animal cruelty offenders will now face a felony charge, with harsher sentences, if they abuse (beating, maiming, mutilating or killing) a cat or dog.

Individuals found guilty of animal cruelty could now find themselves behind bars for five years – previously, animal cruelty offenders faced a mere misdemeanor charge unless their victim died. Tommie’s law was created in honor of a young pit bull named Tommie who captured the hearts and tears of animal lovers across the United States. Tommie was tied to a pole and set on fire in Richmond; days later he died from the horrific injuries sustained in the cruel incident.

The new law goes into effect on July 1. Tommie’s killer has not yet been found.

Tommie’s story here.


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2 COMMENTS

  1. I’m glad they are making the punishments harsher, but will they actually carry them out? Will someone actually spend 5 years in prison for animal abuse? Only time will tell, I have my doubts, judges don’t take animal abuse seriously enough for the most part.

  2. Should be a felony in all 50 states! Thank you deeply, Governor Northam!
    I hope and pray other states will follow your lead!

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