18.346 NEEDED
These heartbreaking photos were snapped by a hiker in the mountains
of Croce Domino Pass, close to the municipality of Breno, Italy.
The hiker was enjoying a day out in the nature when an 80-year-old
father and his son, 49, totally ruined his day. The hiker was taking a pause,
sitting in the grass and admiring the splendid nature. His moment of relaxation
was cut short after spotting a couple viciously mistreating a dog. The hiker,
who chose to remain unknown, recalls seeing the elderly man and his son walking
with the dog alongside one unmarked path. But the men grew anxious when they
saw that the canine reluctant to follow their instructions, so they decided to
teach the pooch a lesson he would never forget. The younger man grabs a stick
and hits the dog several times, until the animal collapses to the ground. Then,
the elderly man grabs a rock and throws it right in the dog’s head, shouting at
the animal to keep quiet. The dog continues to howl, but has no way of
escaping. In just a matter of seconds, he would take his final breath on Earth.
The case went to court, but the verdict was nothing short of
appalling, inexplicable and outrageous.
The crime does not exist – concluded Brescia judge Sara Micucci. The
honorable judge decided that the actions of this heartless 80-year-old and his
son do not go against Article 544 of the Criminal Code. Prosecutors requested a
prison term of one year and eleven months against the attackers, but their
motion was dimissed, after the Court ruled that the attack was actually in
self-defense. The perpetrators argued that Moro the dog was well known for
being aggressive from time to time and earlier that day had tried to bite them
on multiple occasions. The Court did not take into account the photos posted on
social media, since they were taken by a witness who chose to remain anonymous.
The Prosecutor’s Office has announced there will be no appeal in
this case; animal welfare associations recognized as civic parties not dot have
the legal right to interfere either, so these two men will get to walk
scot-free.
This is just one of the shocking cases of cruelty to animals that has
received intense media attention in the last period. Angelo, a defenseless dog,
was pounded and hung by a group of laughing men in Tuscany, but the
perpetrators also received a lenient sentence.
This petition is aimed at improving animal welfare in Italy. It is
clear that current laws are not in the service of the animals and this issue
needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Please support a review of the
Article 544 to make sure it includes mandatory jail time for anyone convicted
of cruelty to animals in Italy.
Thank you all for your support.
News Source: https://www.facebook.com/fronte.animalista/posts/1226174534142891