Animal Abuse is world-wide. It happens all too often, not just in the United States and Europe, but around the globe. While the United States and Europe have some pretty stringent laws on animal protection (some better than others), that’s not the case world-wide.
While we do hear of the cat abuse in Asia, we hear little from other countries. Today, Paws takes a look at a landmark case in South America, one that’s being called ‘an unprecedented verdict’ by Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education and Safety (Amazon CARES). After seven months of deliberations, a woman in the Iquitos area of Peru was charged with poisoning a five-month-old puppy.
This is a legal precedent for all of Peru and an example for many Third World nations.
It should be no surprise to read a post like this today, Oct. 15. Today is one of four dates designated as BE, BLOG, READ & SHARE the Change for Animals. It’s not just for bloggers. It’s for readers as well. People are invited to come together and support people helping animals in need the 15th of January, April, July and October.
Blog for Change looks at the following questions:
- What have you done to Be the Change for Animals?
- Who do you know who acts tirelessly on animals’ behalf?
- What favorite cause has a special need right now?
According to Be the Change for Animals website, http://btc4animals.com, “With so many worthwhile animal causes to support, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. By banding together like-minded folks with a strong, collective voice, the goal of BtC4Animals is to ignite and accelerate the change we can make as individuals.”
In addition to the four designated days, the website has a link to a special section entitled, “Be the Change for Animals Daily.” There’s no question there are so many good causes out there that Paws would be remiss in not joining the Be the Change for Animals. .
One of Paws’ goals is to bring readers information about cats around the world – the fun stuff and the anything but fun. So today, Blog the change talks about this landmark court case in Peru.
In a press release shared by Amazon Cares, it says,
“In this particular case, Amazon CARES , in partnership with the Iquitos Bar Association, had been working with legislative officials to enforce and/or strengthen animal cruelty laws,” Amazon CARES’ Founder and Executive Director, Molly Mednikow, shares. “This case, of a neighbor intentionally poisoning and killing her neighbor’s puppy, is the first case we have brought to trial.”
“Sandra Milagros Padilla Alvis, never imagined that an attempt on the life of Arthas, a 5-month-old puppy, owned by Alfredo Martín Díaz García, would result in being charged for a crime. In the 3rd Counsel Magistrates Court, Padilla Alvis was sentenced for offenses against morality under an Animal Abuse and Cruelty Code and will pay fines of 2000 Peruvian Nuevo Soles, which will cost her one-fourth of her income for nearly seven months.”
The press release continues, “Alfredo Diaz tells the story, remembering what happened to his puppy and saying that it was time to have justice for the life of Arthas. His speaking up is a sign of progress for Amazon CARES, which continually advocates that people should not remain silent about these abuses.”
Amazon CARES remains the only charity in the entire Peruvian Amazon region dedicated to the protection of domestic animals and wildlife. Programs extend far beyond animal health, and CARES is recognized for humane education, assisted animal therapy, and volunteer driven travel to areas with no access to veterinary care.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Molly Mednikow received her MBA and began working in her family’s jewelry business. Though successful, she began traveling to the Peruvian Amazon to deliver school supplies to remote jungle villages. By 2004, her interests in Peru had grown to the extent that she made a life-altering decision. She stepped away from her jewelry business to spend a year in the Amazon. In 2005, she finalized her decision and made her move official, selling her business back to family members. Mednikow lived in the Peruvian Amazon until 2008, when she returned to the United States to open an office from which her charity could grow. Mednikow divides her time between Peru and the United States.
For more information about Amazon CARES, visit http://www.amazoncares.org.
Do you have a cause that should be part of Be the Change for Animals? Have you volunteered or helped with animal rescue? Please take a few moments and share your experiences.
Ignorance is global but we can make a difference one animal at a time. Thanks for visiting to see our feral cat photos and Q & A with an amazing rescuer and photographer!