Violence against animals in the black community

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African Americans, animal abuse, animal cruelty, animals as property, black folks, black violence, dog abuse, ethnic animal relations, pit bulls, Susie's Law, violence

Back in November 2009, a young black man was arrested in North Carolina for “maliciously” torturing a dog named Susie.  As a result, the state responded to this “animal cruelty” by making the current law “tougher.” That means, rather than receive probation for torturing and killing a dog or cat, you can receive up to ten months in jail, which from an animal welfare standpoint is a vast improvement.   The North Carolina house bill (otherwise known as Susie’s Law) is named after the puppy who was tortured almost to death.  The torturer, named LaShawn Whitehead of Greensboro, burned and beat her to near death.  Fortunately, she managed to survive but lost her ears in the process and suffers from psychological trauma.  Rather than receive jail time (like he certainly would for attempted murder if Susie was a human), he initially received probation until the new law was passed.  Now he’s another black man in jail.  This is because he pleaded guilty to “burning personal property and felony animal cruelty.”  Apparently, he was worried that the puppy would “jump on his newborn.”

Dog Inheritance: Curtailing “Animals as Property”?

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animals as property, companion animals, Conchita, dog inheritance, Gail Posner, Leona Helmsley, rich people, Trouble

Conchita & Gail Posner, Splash News ©

A chihuahua named Conchita has made the news today.  With the recent death of Miami millionaire Gail Posner, Conchita, along with two other dogs, have inherited the millionaire’s $8.3 million estate and a $3 million trust fund.  In addition, a housekeeper and her daughter receive $6 million from Ms. Posner’s will and the privilege to live at her estate rent-free, provided that they provide the dogs “the same degree of care” they received while Gail Posner was alive.  Ms. Posner also designated in her will that once the dogs are deceased, the estate will be sold and all of its assets donated to animal shelters, suicide-prevention organizations, and cancer research charities. Ms. Posner also requested that “her pet turtles” receive care from the housekeepers, though they don’t receive a trust fund (which is fascinating because they’re likely to live longer than the dogs).