HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0022.057 2004-2006 PO Box 44571
59-217 Hokulele Drive
l i.,i, ~ I~f~~! l n Kamuela, HI 96743
March 21, 2005
County Council Members r, ' ,
25 Aupuni Street ~ ' '
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Council Members,:
Re: Bill No. 4, Draft 5. Ordinance Amending Chapter 4 of the Hawaii County Code
1983, Animals.
I am writing to urge you to support this ordinance. I am especially interested in seeing
the fines for cruelty to animals increased, as per the proposed amendment. Until such
time as the State Legislature sees fit to make animal cruelty a felony (as is the case in
at least 34 of the 50 states), hopefully higher fines will make individuals think twice
before abusing animals. If you have doubts about the seriousness of animal abuse, be
aware that studies indicate a link between animal abuse and child or spousal abuse.
For more information oin the latter, please refer to "Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and
Animal Abuse" by Frank Ascione and Phil Ackow, "Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal
Violence Readings in Research and Application" by Randall Lockwood, or "Animal
Cruelty: Pathway to Violence Against People" by Linda Merz-Perez.
I am pleased to see than allowing dogs to stray will result in the same fine as cruelty.
Owners who do not confine their dogs (in a humane way -not tied, for example, to a
dog house or tree) are (basically abusing the animal as it may be hit by a car or
otherwise injured or killed.
I also support the increase in licensing fees for dogs. The argument put forth by some
dog owners that they are unable to afford the increased fees is ridiculous in light of the
total cost of rp
operly maintaining a dog. These costs include food, shelter, veterinary
check ups, leashes and collars, etc. If owners can afford these items, they can afford
an additional $8 or $19 for licenses bienially. Furthermore, owners should be reminded
that the cost of having their dogs neutered will be offset by the considerably lower
licensing fee for neutered dogs.
Finally, I am delighted to see that both the dog licensing fees and the impoundment and
kennel fees will be deposited into the spay-neuter special fund. I am hopeful that all
fines will be so deposited -this needs to be clarified in the ordinance.
As the American Bouvier Rescue League (ABRL) Coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands,
I commend you for your efforts on behalf of all domestic animals. Mahalo!
Sincerely,
Comm. No. Z Z. S
Barbara C. Sterne Ref. 70: irarre~
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