September 1, 2006
Cute and Furry, Some Say. A Beaten Dog, a Court Finds.
By MICHELLE O’DONNELL
Orders of protection are not unusual in New York courts, but one issued yesterday by a Queens judge to protect a 5-year-old is believed to be the first of its kind, according to an animal society special agent.
The 5-year-old is a dog, Bebe, a bichon frisé from Lindenwood.
The order, signed by Judge Alex J. Zigman of Queens Civil Court, says that Frederick Fontanez, 20, a friend of Bebe’s owner, Derek Lopez, must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from both the dog and Mr. Lopez.
Animal lovers hailed the court order.
“Very often, abusers use animals to get at the people they are abusing and animals get caught in the middle,” said the special agent, Joseph Pentangelo of the law enforcement department of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “They know that the pet might be dear to the person they are abusing.”
The order is believed to be the first of its k
2006-09-04 02:38:57 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is a step in the right direction. Many people in abusive relationships are so isolated that a pet is, literally, their only friend.
For decades we have known about the link between animal abuse and domestic violence. Abusers have even admitted to allowing their children or spouse to have a pet, so they have more control, and another way to hurt their target. The pet is also used as a pawn, and the abuser will threaten to hurt or kill the pet if they are left. Many shelters do not allow pets, so the abused person feels stuck. They will not abandon their pets.
One day, hopefully, laws will catch up to our head knowledge on this subject, and we will be able to help these abused people take control of their lives. This judge should get an award!
2006-09-04 02:58:06 · answer #1 · answered by jenn_a 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so glad that the dog's owner pushed and had this done! I am pleased that the court issued the protection order for both the pet and his owner. I cannot understand why some people are cruel to animals!
2006-09-04 09:51:47 · answer #2 · answered by thedothanbelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm surprised this is the first of it's kind. Fatal Attraction (1987) shows Glenn Close offing the poor family rabbit. Pets are an extension of the family, and unfortunately are often more vulnerable. Thank you, Judge.
2006-09-04 09:48:19 · answer #3 · answered by Doe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's GREAT!!! My neighbor is a jerk and has poisoned my dog three times. My dog has 38 pellets in him (some have been removed) from the jerk. My dog has always been inside my six foot fence when everything has happened. All of my dog's problems have been brought on because the jerk hates me. I've had problems ever since he bought his house. (My dog and I were here first.) We have gone to court twice and he has been fined both times. I wish the judge could do that for my dog!!!
2006-09-04 09:44:17 · answer #4 · answered by boo66_2001 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its about time someone could do something like that, I hope now alot of people can get help with idiots that are terrozing them and their animals. Someone should give the judge a raise for such a great decision.
2006-09-04 09:57:08 · answer #5 · answered by ellenloveslee2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's about time!!!! I am so glad that this judge took a step out of bounds and did something right!!!
2006-09-04 11:04:41 · answer #6 · answered by wiazardofoz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That judge is a smart man! Way to go!
2006-09-04 09:45:37 · answer #7 · answered by jazzyjklo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for them. Anyone who can abuse an animal deserves much worse.
2006-09-04 10:15:49 · answer #8 · answered by kelee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's wonderful!! Hopefully it'll set a precedent so we'll see a lot more.
2006-09-04 11:03:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
interesting...an order of protection for a dog.. and owner.
sorry, guess i am indecisive.
2006-09-04 09:42:56 · answer #10 · answered by rennes89 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋