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Updated: 9:28 AM Jan 14, 2010
Buddy inspires petition to change animal cruelty laws
A Front Range man says the dragging death of a Western Slope dog has inspired him to launch a new campaign to change Colorado's animal cruelty laws.
Posted: 6:32 PM Jan 13, 2010Reporter: Tim Ciesco Email Address: tim.ciesco@nbc11news.com |
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - A Front Range man says the dragging death of a Western Slope dog has inspired him to launch a new campaign to change Colorado's animal cruelty laws.
Fort Lupton resident Ethan Crumbley has created an online petition that asks lawmakers to slap first-time animal offenders with a felony charge. Current state only allows felony charges to be brought against someone for a second incident of animal cruelty.
Crumbley says several states do allow felony charges to be brought against someone the first time they abuse an animal, and it's a shame a progressive state like Colorado does not.
"What we want to do is have it to where the first punishment is severe, as a deterrent," says Crumbley. "Because most people realize that first time abusers, they get probation and a fine, and that's it."
Crumbley launched the petition Monday. By Wednesday, more than 1,400 people from across the world had signed it.
He says he wants to send the petition to the State Capitol with one million signatures on it.
No state legislators have backed the initiative at this point, but Crumbley says he's hopeful the petition will get their attention and convince them to move forward with "Buddy's Law."
To sign the petition, click the link below.
