Regarding a Proposed Change of Language in Current Ohio Animal Abuse Law

Regarding a proposed change of language in current Ohio animal abuse law, Goddards Law, ORC 959.131. It is Senate Bill 205 sponsored by Sen. Jay Hottinger and Sen. Sean J. O'Brien.

We already have companion animal abuse/murder laws known as Goddards Law, ORC 959.131 in Ohio. It states those quilty of 1st through 5th degree misdemeanor are eligible for 6 months incarceration and those guilty of 1st through 5th degree felony are eligible up to 1 year incarceration. Senate Bill 205 would only raise the certain degrees of classification for torturing or killing companion animals in each category: misdemeanor and felony.

The problem is not the written law as it stands. The problem is lenient judges and advising prosecutors who refuse to uphold the present laws of punishment for animal abuse, torture and slaughter. The reasons are many but are unknown.

Consider outcomes of cases in this area in the last 10 months:

1. Alvaro and Heather Torres dumped sick and abused dog in winter, in cage ejected from vehicle. Alvaro Torres pleaded guilty and got 4 days actual jail time from Willoughby Judge Marisa Cornachio.

2. Alfred Schlick stabbed his dog to death at home with 8" cylindrical instrument in Euclid in March. Schlick, a known alcoholic and addict, whose charge was manipulated from felony to a misdemeanor by Euclid Prosecutor Mary Casa. Schlick pleaded guilty and got 30 days actual jail by Judge Patrick Gallagher.

3. Arnold Teeter abused an iguana by swinging her by the tail and throwing her across a Painesville restaurant, breaking her leg in April. Teeter leaded guilty under Judge Cicconetti and got no actual jail time in spite of record of 64 prior offenses.

Out of a total of 18 months combined eligible jail time for the above named criminals, the combined time served was only 34 days. That is outrageous and to rewrite the law will not change anything.

Re: Melissa Thornton after 8 pretrials in Cuyahoga Court plead guilty to felony abuse for throwing her cat off 17th floor on Aug. 11 in Euclid. "Blackie" lived after impact and an officer euthanized it with mercy.

The probation dept. is now receiving comment letters from the public on what Thornton's sentence should be and why. Deadline for letters is Nov. 12. Please, we need your support. I can give you contact on where to send it. Thornton will be sentenced at the Justice Center, Weds. Nov. 20, 9 A.M. Call me, 440-228-5769.

May empathy and wisdom guide Judge Kelly Gallagher to enforce the maximum felony incarceration of one year. No excuses. No deals.