KTRV Fox 12 Rally to Change Animal Cruelty Laws
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Boise, Idaho -- The image of a 9-month-old German Shepherd-mix puppy, bound and beaten nearly to death earlier this month, sparked outrage among Treasure Valley residents, many of whom believe the punishment in cases like these doesn't fit the crime.
Idaho is one of only six states where being cruel to animals carries just a misdemeanor charge.
Local radio DJ Dan Tooker from Magic 93.1's morning show, wants to change that.
"We're not gonna let this puppy die in vain," says Tooker. "Dogfighting now is a felony, and we've made great strides with dogfighting, but animal cruelty is a misdemeanor."
Tooker and Magic 93 hosted a pet rally at Boise's Military Reserve Dog Park Saturday and encouraged people to sign a petition that could help change animal cruelty legislation.
"Today we have started a petition as well as an online petition at dantooker.com. We've had over 3,000 people sign up and people are just here, showing their support," said Tooker.
"I think it's really important and, since animals can't fight for their rights, we have to," said animal lover Samantha Finch.
Idaho Humane Society dog trainer John McLaughlin agrees.
"I just love animals, and think that it should be a felony to injure animals. They're very trusting and all they want from us is our love and they unconditionally give theirs to us and their trust," said McLaughlin.
Tooker hopes to collect thousands of signatures and present them to Idaho lawmakers. He says earlier efforts to change the cruelty laws have failed, but is sure his plan will work.
"What we're going to do is try and get everybody in the same room, lock the doors, and say OK, nobody's eating, nobody's leaving until we get this thing taken care of," said Tooker.
No matter what the outcome of the petition drive, pet lovers agree that whoever is responsible for the puppy cruelty earlier this month needs to be brought to justice.
"The person that did this, we know you're out there and I hope that you are shaking in your boots," says Tooker.
Finch agrees.
"I think that was terrible. It shouldn't have happened," she said.
