Dogs Deserve Better is an internet site which has stories about dog rescues, as well as poems, like the one I wanted to include but was unable. It is called Dear God....(a dog's prayer). If interested - go to "Dogs Deserve Better." However, that poem made me recall what I saw on TV last night as well as an account of unbelievable torture to animals which happened in 1998.
On the news was the sad story of a Wisconsin Border Collie who was left outside in the bitter cold. Luckily, someone noticed him and found out that he was actually frozen to the ground while his uncaring owner sat in a warm, cozy house (my supposition). Yes, I said house, because whoever was suppose to be his guardian lived in a house- not a HOME.
Humane authorities were notified and the Border Collie was extricated from that frozen spot with warm water which melted the ice which entrapped him. Clumps of hair came out on the examining table and this probably saved him from serious injury. Thankfully, he will not be returned to his owner who is facing neglect charges.
I hope Wisconsin today has stronger animal cruelty laws though sadly many states still don't. Some years ago a man from Janesville, Wisconsin was brought on animal cruelty charges. Many of us were told about an unbelievable happening re how the courts treated the cruelty he perpetrated on a young 8 month-old Shepherd mix and 4 innocent cats. I am using his initials BH in deference to his family, but his horrible story of animal torture can be found on the internet by typing in "Janesville, WI animal cruelty case."
Nikko- obtained from a "free to a good home" offer was duct-taped by BH and sealed in a plastic container. His 10-year old daughter listened to the dog cry and whine for a week, until mericfully, Nikko finally died.
Brought on charges and despite his confession and the police finding Nikko's body in this "home" from hell, the Rocky County District Attorney said he did not have enough evidence to convict because the decomposed remains of Nikko were not saved. Unbelievably, the judge agreed with the District Attorney and the case was dismissed. Big Mistake.
There was a big uproar locally and even from other outraged animal rights people out of state. They clamored to the courts to have the case reopened. It was. Not only Nikko's terrible cruelty was revealed but four cats also were his victims of torture. BH broke Nellie's two back legs, broke her neck, and sodomized her. Nellie's rectum was stretched to 10 times its normal size. A used condom was found near her body.
Three other cats were also found in BH's house. Their skulls were crushed and their jaws broken. They were strangled with ropes. I believe this is one of the most cruel accounts of animal torture I have ever read about, but sadly, you can find all too many accounts of animal torture in each state of our nation by clicking "Petabuse.com". No one should get away with animal torture and sadly, probably many do.
In July of 1998, BH of Janesville, WI did go to trial and this time the animal torturer was found guilty on five counts of animal cruelty and one count of weapons possessions. Each count carried a 2-year penalty. Applause broke out as the sentence was handed down. Nikko, Nellie, Butterball, Monkey, and Morris --there was justice for you at last.
