There are a variety of means to combat animal abuse. One method is to be familiar with the law that protects the animals and stops/punishes the offenders.
I read over Title 14, entitled, “Malicious Mischief”, in the California State Penal Code (criminal law). The section concerning the inhumane treatment of animals is 597. Subdivision (a) reads: “Except as provided in subdivision (c) of this section or Section 599c, every person who maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures, or wounds a living animal, or maliciously and intentionally kills an animal is guilty of a crime.”
If the violation in question pertains to cruelty to protected or endangered animals, then 597(c) should be charged. If any acts, written in 599c, are present, then any Title 14 law is inapplicable.
Generally speaking, section 599c states that Title 14 laws cannot interfere with “game laws” such as the killing of game, “pests”, certain birds, dangerous animals, animals-for-food and animals used for scientific experiments. Unfortunately, 599c doesn’t require that the killings be done humanely nor does it require that these animals be housed and handled humanely.
If 597(c) and 599c are not present, then you can go after a violator with the aforementioned 597(a). Bear in mind that the whole 597 statute contains a multitude of laws pertaining to a wide variety of animal abuse.
If there is no law to cover a certain type of cruelty, a state bill can be passed by the legislative body and approved by the governor to become a law. Some animal rights organizations actively facilitate or enable the passing of these bills (not to mention fighting national and worldwide acts of cruelty). Joining, donating or voting supports their efforts. Their web sites can contain educational material covering the many types of abuse occurring state, nation and worldwide. (Some organizations are listed on my web page.)
Certain politicians are active in regards to animal rights. They may require public support. In addition, civil remedies could be pursed against the abuser, big or small.
It is important to know that the law does provide care for animals, in many types of situations, and can be used
to prosecute those who mistreat them. However there are many cases that the law does not address. That is why it is so important to join the effort in combating inhumane treatment of animals at all levels.
Please see my non-profit site for more articles: www.stevesanimalwelfare.info
