Animal Cruelty a Problem In NWA

The cost for committing animal cruelty in Arkansas is a one-thousand dollar fine and up to a year in jail. Bella Vista Animal Shelter Director Donna Miles says she sees heinous acts of animal abuse on a regular basis. Miles says they still have some of the beagles that were involved in a serious animal neglect case over a year ago. There were 68 beagles that Miles say the owner didnt feed and were dying. Miles blames a snag in the legal process for allowing the owner to get back 30 of them. Miles said, "You dont have to be an animal lover to see Arkansas is in the dark. We are one of only eight states that doesnt consider animal abuse a felony." Miles says many people dont realize animal abuse is only the beginning. "People that abuse animals dont stop there. There are statistics that show serial killers started out abusing animals." Miles says she doesnt understand why it wasnt considered a serious crime when a Gentry man was charged with dragging a horse behind his truck and leaving it in a ditch in critical condition. "For people saying, its just an animal, that doesnt make sense. You shouldnt want a person like that living next to you." Miles said. With the legislative session beginning on Monday, Miles urges folks to contact their local state rep to try and stiffen animal cruelty laws in Arkansas. "They are a part of our community. They cant speak for themselves, thats why we`re here." You can contact your local state representative by going to www.arkansas.gov/house/reps.php.