Why a Michigan Animal Abuse Case is Gaining National Attention
Jason Kraft, 22, pleaded guilty in March to the charges that were brought against him in court. He admitted to starving his two-year-old German shepherd to death. He refused to feed the dog even though there was food near by.
He also refused to give his dog water or medication that was suggested for the dog. The pet slowly died while caged in Kraft's apartment. Kraft then illegally buried the animal against city and state regulations.
The Macomb County Circuit Court judge has ordered Kraft to serve ninety days in jail, and perform 500 hours of community service upon his release. Kraft is also required to pay nearly five thousand dollars in court fees and fines.
Kraft will be on probation until May of 2010. During that time, he will not be able to live in a home with an animal, or attempt to take care of an animal. Doing so will add more penalties, including jail time.
Many news sources outside of the Metro Detroit area are beginning to pick up this story because of both the cruelty of this case, and because of the sentence that Mr. Kraft was levied. Many are debating the sentence to see if it was just, or unjust.
The Macomb County Circuit judge that was assigned to this case has not made a public statement to this point about the sentence. Many animal rights groups believe that the sentence did fit the crime, and that they support the judge in this conviction.
Some human rights groups are pushing to have the sentence overturned because they believe that it is excessively harsh for the crime. They point to the fact that many violent crimes go without prosecution, and that there should be more of a focus on these crimes.
An animal rights supporter that I know has stated that she believes that, "any crime against animals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Anyone who brutalizes an animal is not that far away from brutalizing a person."
This argument does hold merit of fact. There are many serial killers who tortured animals in their youth before turning their attention to torturing and killing people. A simple perusal of any of the histories of Dahmer, Gacy, Gein, Ramirez, and Berkowitz will show a common tie of early animal abuse.
Whatever is said, it is unlikely that either the conviction or other penalties will be overturned. The national attention will only show that the city of Sterling Heights does not play around when it comes to animal abuse.
Published by L. Vincent Poupard - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment and Travel
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13 Comments
Post a CommentThe Grass lake "case" you refer to is not a case at all. Read http://turn3vsjcac.blogspot.com/ and see the truth of this fabricated case. It was a money grab for the county which is in turn costing them big bucks...
Take a look at the horse neglect case in Grasslake Township, MI from March 21st, 2007. 69 horses were "left" for several months with no food or water. The judge just lowered the charge to a misdemeanor and it is actually expected to get thrown out on the May 30th court date. I am also aware of a case where the Jackson Co. sheriff and animal control are putting their heads in the sand on a animal hoarder who has 76 dogs in horrible conditions. They seem to think it is okay for animals to live like that.
He needs a tougher punishment because the dog has feelings how would like to be straved to death I don't think it would be fun. If it was a human he would have gotten the death penelty or life in prison but no it just a dog right
HE HIMSELF SHOULD BE TORTURED AND KILLED
HE HIMSELF SHOULD BE TORTURED AND KILLED
[continued] a stiffer sentence when they tortured their first animal.
But why bother?
It was ONLY a dog.
Shoot him, before he breeds more like him.
I am amazed that he claims he was too depressed to supply this pet with food and water. Apparently he still had enough cognitive abilities to ensure his own nutritional needs though!
This was blatant retaliation against his ex-girlfriend [ dog co-owner], and a willful decision on his part.He thought he could get away with it, and now his remorse is that he didn't!
If it was up to me;...he would be caged in the town square for all to see, and left there unfed, and unwatered until he died. People like him, abuse societies basic decencies because the laws are too lenient, if even existent.The same social conscience that feels that his sentence is too harsh, is the first crying outrage when they are later exposed as serial predators.
It is true that law enforcement should not have to dedicate time to human wastage of this sort.
They SHOULD be out protecting us from the deviant risks such as rapists, murders, and molesters!
....Too bad these same terrors had not been given a stiffer se
I think the punishment is too light, but unfortunately, many state felony animal cruelty laws are pretty weak currently. The HSUS is working on making them stronger and sending a stronger message about animal abuse and neglect and its relationship to violence against humans.
I believe the punishment is just. I do hope they [officals]keep better tab on him ,they don't seem to have a good record for tracking serial child molestors,or rapists.You're so right !the next murder may be a human! I agree that he MUST get psychiatric [mandantory]help also,and follow up.
There is something seriously wrong with anyone who would harm an animal like that. I hope he gets some psychiatric counseling as well.