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PO Box 44571 <br /> 59-217 Hokulele Drive <br /> l i.,i, ~ I~f~~! l n Kamuela, HI 96743 <br /> March 21, 2005 <br /> County Council Members r, ' , <br /> 25 Aupuni Street ~ ' ' <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Dear Council Members,: <br /> Re: Bill No. 4, Draft 5. Ordinance Amending Chapter 4 of the Hawaii County Code <br /> 1983, Animals. <br /> I am writing to urge you to support this ordinance. I am especially interested in seeing <br /> the fines for cruelty to animals increased, as per the proposed amendment. Until such <br /> time as the State Legislature sees fit to make animal cruelty a felony (as is the case in <br /> at least 34 of the 50 states), hopefully higher fines will make individuals think twice <br /> before abusing animals. If you have doubts about the seriousness of animal abuse, be <br /> aware that studies indicate a link between animal abuse and child or spousal abuse. <br /> For more information oin the latter, please refer to "Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and <br /> Animal Abuse" by Frank Ascione and Phil Ackow, "Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal <br /> Violence Readings in Research and Application" by Randall Lockwood, or "Animal <br /> Cruelty: Pathway to Violence Against People" by Linda Merz-Perez. <br /> I am pleased to see than allowing dogs to stray will result in the same fine as cruelty. <br /> Owners who do not confine their dogs (in a humane way -not tied, for example, to a <br /> dog house or tree) are (basically abusing the animal as it may be hit by a car or <br /> otherwise injured or killed. <br /> I also support the increase in licensing fees for dogs. The argument put forth by some <br /> dog owners that they are unable to afford the increased fees is ridiculous in light of the <br /> total cost of rp <br /> operly maintaining a dog. These costs include food, shelter, veterinary <br /> check ups, leashes and collars, etc. If owners can afford these items, they can afford <br /> an additional $8 or $19 for licenses bienially. Furthermore, owners should be reminded <br /> that the cost of having their dogs neutered will be offset by the considerably lower <br /> licensing fee for neutered dogs. <br /> Finally, I am delighted to see that both the dog licensing fees and the impoundment and <br /> kennel fees will be deposited into the spay-neuter special fund. I am hopeful that all <br /> fines will be so deposited -this needs to be clarified in the ordinance. <br /> As the American Bouvier Rescue League (ABRL) Coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands, <br /> I commend you for your efforts on behalf of all domestic animals. Mahalo! <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Comm. No. Z Z. S <br /> <br /> Barbara C. Sterne Ref. 70: irarre~ <br /> ~ <br /> Ref. Uate M~ ~ ~nn~ <br /> <br />