Dear State Legislators:
In criminal cruelty cases, prosecutors represent the state and defense attorneys represent their clients, who are often the animal abuser. But who protects the interests of animal victims?
Courtroom Animal Advocate Program (CAAP) laws would allow supervised law students or volunteer lawyers to participate in criminal cruelty cases as advocates for animal victims. Volunteers appear in court and assist the judge by drafting briefs, conducting legal research, gathering information from veterinarians, animal control officers, and law enforcement officials, and making recommendations on behalf of the animal victim’s interests and needs.
Animals involved in cruelty cases require special considerations. A dog may languish in a shelter while her abuser awaits trial, kittens born to a cat held as evidence will need to be placed in loving homes, and dogs used in fighting will almost certainly require rehabilitation.
CAAP laws work within the state’s existing animal cruelty statutes and protect animals by making it more likely that the animal victim’s needs and well-being will be taken into account, and that animal abusers will receive effective sentences.
Animals should not remain voiceless, defenseless victims of cruelty. I believe you are a person of kindness and compassion, and that you recognize that animals deserve to be treated with more dignity and respect in our legal system. I ask that you use the power of your office to advocate for and support the passage of CAAP laws to ensure animal victims of cruelty are not forgotten.
Thank you.
