In Wake of Recent Abuse Case, American Humane Urges Mississippi to Enact Tougher Animal Cruelty Laws

American Humane Association
Thursday, 23 January 2003

In response to the horrific abuse case in Richland, Miss., of a young boy's schnauzer-Boston terrier mix, American Humane today called on authorities in Mississippi to consider tougher animal cruelty laws. American Humane, the only national organization dedicated to both child and animal protection, made this call in light of growing research indicating that people who are violent to animals have the capacity to also be violent to humans -- a correlation commonly referred to as the Link.

Research continues to emerge revealing that premeditated torture or killing of animals is often an indication of other types of violent behavior, such as child abuse, domestic violence, gang activity, and even satanic ritual. The evidence is so overwhelming that 37 states and the District of Columbia currently have felony level convictions for serious acts of animal abuse. Mississippi is not one of those states.

"This horrible case of abuse is a potent reminder of the importance of tough animal cruelty laws. While Mississippi is not currently one of the 37 states that has strong protections for animals, American Humane is confident that we can work with this year's legislature to strengthen the laws in Mississippi," says Sharon O'Hara, American Humane's vice president of programs for Children and Animal Protection Services.

As reported by WBLT, Channel 3, 12-year-old Chris Price's dog, "Player," was beaten to death by a neighbor, Glen Dale Pryor. Pryor reportedly slammed the dog to the ground two times, kicked it across the street, and beat it with a shovel while Price watched, terrified. The young boy reported afterward that Player "...was not just a pet he was like one of my best friends." Richland police arrested and charged Pryor with animal cruelty. Pryor faces jail time plus fines and is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 5.

"American Humane is particularly concerned about the effect on Chris Price. The death of a pet is always very traumatic for a child, but for a child to witness something like this is unthinkable," says O'Hara.

In the event that Pryor is found guilty, American Humane will recommend the sentence include psychological evaluation, followed by professional counseling and incarceration with rehabilitation. American Humane will also ask authorities to immediately bring any of Pryor's animals into protective custody and prohibit him from owning or harboring animals in the future.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org