Animal neglect laws: are they enough?

Thirty-seven dogs were found starving, thirsty and injured at a home in Penrose. All of them were seized from the home and taken to shelters.

The owner, Demaris “Dee” Chess was cited for animal cruelty, but not arrested.

A barn in Black Forest was the site of a horrific scene. Several malnourished animals — including prize horse Dual Peppy — were living among 14 horse carcasses.

The owner, Sherri Brunzell was convicted and sentenced to 60 days in jail and five years probation.

Both of those cases only had misdemeanor charges.

Many viewers told KRDO Newschannel 13 they didn’t think that punishment was enough.

But in reality, most animal neglect cases are misdemeanors.

“The state legislators decided what is considered a misdemeanor and what is a felony,” defense attorney Michael Harris explained. “The big gray area is whether there is torture.”

To rise to a felony, the abuser must have a previous animal abuse conviction on their record, they must knowing be torturing or killing the animal or they must be using the animal to fight.

“It’s a case-by-case basis and it’s very hard to tell what should be a felony without all of the evidence in front of you,” Harris said. “But many people believe they should be felonies and those are concerns they should take to their lawmakers.”

Joe Stafford is the Director of Animal Law Enforcement at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

He has been rescuing animals for 15 years. Even though he’s not new to it, he said it doesn’t get easier.

“I definitely wish there were harsher punishments and a more strict way to enforce them,” he said. “Personally, it’s hard to imagine looking at these animals every day, knowing their needs aren’t being met, and not doing anything to change the situation.

Last year, Robert Heckmann was convicted of a felony for torturing and killing his kitten, Loki, while videotaping it.

Harris said that was a felony because he was intentionally trying to kill the animal.

“Do I think if there are stricter punishments that less people will do it? I think in some cases, yes,” Stafford said.

Stafford said cases like these are why he also hopes the law can go beyond punishment.

“In addition to stricter enforcements, I hope we can find these people they help they need because if we don’t, they will go back to the same behaviors,” he said.

Some of the 37 neglected dogs from Penrose are ready to be adopted. The others are still growing and recovering.