Mistreating either humans or animals is always a despicable act - but doubly so when the victim is young, small, and helpless.
On FORCECHANGE.COM this title caught my eye: "Punish Man Accused of Dragging and Beating Puppy." People of sensitivity would naturally cringe after reading this title.
A man in Syracuse, NY who had been accused of abusing a puppy seemed likely to get off with nothing more than probation. This was unacceptable to animal advocates. This was unacceptable to any person of compassion.
Steven Bryant was charged with two counts of animal cruelty by Syracuse police after being tipped off from a witness. He or she called authorities after seeing Bryant drag a puppy down the street with a leash. As the puppy couldn't keep up with the man's large strides, this cruel insensitive man dragged him down the pavement on his stomach. He also hit the poor puppy with a board.
And indeed afterwards- the police found the puppy suffering from "roadnrash." Police also found a grainy surveillance footage where the puppy was seen struggling to keep up with the man's pace. He also fell numerous times.
Bryant pleaded guilty to animal abuse in exchange for three years probation.
Animal rights advocates said this was not enough punishment and was merely a slap on the wrist. I agree.
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