Utah Could Have Remarkable Justice For Animal Abuse Victims

Utah’s animal victims of abuse could see a way out of prolonged shelter stays while criminal trials continue with a new bill.  

A new bill, H.B. 461, focuses on animal crime victims and would do several things for the abused animals. Particularly, while the accused is going through the criminal trial process, abused animals may be able to get fostered or adopted more quickly.  

The Salt Lake Tribune said that it's been a common issue to house these abuse victims in local shelters costing taxpayers and the shelters money. At about $20 a day, this amounts to $7,500 a year for each animal.  

With H.B. 461, not only do these pets have the opportunity to find new homes but, the convicted animal abusers would have to pay for all the expenses related to the “seized pet”.  

Instead of having these animals spend a significant amount of their life in shelters, which are always overcrowded, the bill allows for a fresh start a lot quicker.  

According to Shelter Animals Count, roughly one animal is abused per minute in the U.S. 

Around 10 million animals die in the U.S. from cruelty or abuse each year and 400,000 dogs that go into shelters are euthanized.  

The numbers are staggering and problematic. Utah could make a difference with H.B. 461 and get animals out of overcrowded shelters while having the convicted animal abuser take responsibility for their cruel actions. 

Just like with human victims, an animal's life doesn’t come to a standstill once the abuse stops. Paving a way forward for them would be the best way to help them heal.  

H.B. 461 made it through the house on Feb. 28 and is headed to the Senate next.