The first thing that comes to mind when I see a news report on animal abuse is, “There’s a special place in Hell for that person.” However, that sentence is a long time out for some.
Animals don’t get a sliver of the justice they deserve when they are exploited, abused, neglected or mistreated, despite the grim findings of these horrendous acts. But why?
Source: ABC News/YouTube
Why aren’t animals regarded as highly as humans? They should be considered as precious as children. They are innocent, helpless, and rely solely on the care of their caretakers.
Anyone who knowingly abuses an animal should be considered a danger to society. One Ohio judge started asking the same question. And given his authority to hand down sentencing to animals abusers, he’s making it right.
Source: ABC News/YouTube
Judge Michael Cicconetti started getting creative with the way he handles animal abusers. While not putting anyone in danger, he’s making animal abusers go through what they put their pets through.
The theme to these sentencings is discomfort and embarrassment. In this video, Judge Cicconetti sentences a woman by the name of Alyssa Morrow to spend an entire day surrounded by filth after her dog was found living the same way.
Source: ABC News/YouTube
“I want you to go down to the county dump, to the landfill, and I want them to find the stinkiest, smelliest, God-awful odor place they can find in that dump and I want you to sit there for eight hours tomorrow, to think about what you did to that dog while you smell the odor. If you puke, you puke.” –Judge Michael Cicconetti/YouTube
Source: ABC News/YouTube
In another animal abuse case, a heartless woman was found to have abandoned 35 kittens in the woods. Judge Cicconetti sentenced her to spend a night the in woods all by herself along with a heaping fine and jail time.
“How would you like to be dumped off at a metro park late at night, spend the night listening to the coyotes … listening to the raccoons around you in the dark night, and sit out there in the cold not knowing where you’re going to get your next meal, not knowing when you are going to be rescued?” –Judge Michael Cicconetti/YouTube
Source: ABC News/YouTube
But Judge Mike is not just handing down creative sentences to animal abusers, he’s sending a message to all criminals like one 18-year old girl who skipped off on her taxi fare. She was offered 30 days in jail or to walk 30 miles. Spoiler alert, she took the long walk of shame.
Another man that was arrested for soliciting a prostitute chose public humiliation over jail time.
I wish Judge Cicconetti could do more, but he has to stay within the legal limits of punishment. Making his animal abusers as uncomfortable as possible without crossing the line, along with jail time and a fine is about as close as anyone is going to get to justice.
Animals don’t get to testify and tell their story so, it’s up to humans to make things right when lesser humans violate them. I’m glad he’s sending this message and I wish more judges would follow his lead.
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