The animal cruelty trial of Nebraska horse owner Jason Meduna has attracted a lot of attention recently. More than 200 seriously malnourished and neglected horses were removed from Meduna’s 3-Strikes Ranch, ironically promoted as a haven for rescued mustangs, almost a year ago. In January, a Morrill County jury found him guilty on 145 separate counts of abandonment of an animal and cruel neglect. Conviction...
I lived and travelled in China for two years during the mid-1980s. It was a fascinating time to be in that country—after decades of isolation, China finally was opening its doors to the West. Evident everywhere, though, was an almost total lack of regard for animal welfare. From Kashgar in the west, where I saw shop after shop selling pelts from endangered snow leopards; to the live animal markets...
Each of us has an obligation to report suspected animal abuse and neglect to the proper authorities. It might not be a legal obligation, but it certainly is a moral one. Self-help is not an option, no matter how well-intentioned, and may result in civil or criminal action against you. But who are the "proper" authorities? They are animal control officers, law enforcement officers, humane...
