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Animal creulty sentence of 12 years in prison stirring debate in Puerto Rico

By Douglas A. Berman

As detailed in this AP article, in Puerto Rico a "12-year prison sentence for a man who dragged a horse behind his truck has touched off a debate over whether a new animal cruelty law goes too far, when even homicide can result in lighter penalties." Here is more about the case and the controversy: Georgenan Lopez, who is in his early 20s, is the first person convicted by a jury under the law implemented in August 2008 in response to complaints that the island is indifferent to cruel treatment of animals. The criticism gained traction - and publicity - in 2007 when authorities seized dozens of dogs from public housing projects and threw them to their deaths from a bridge. Lopez's attorney said Wednesday that he will appeal, calling the sentence excessive, unusual and cruel, since convictions for crimes like second-degree murder often yield lesser sentences...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on November 17, 2010 (boomark / email).