Patrolman Terry Yetman was investigated by the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit in August of last year regarding his alleged animal abuse. What was uncovered was horrifying. Yetman surrendered himself in December and currently stands trial.

The investigation uncovered evidence of Yetman, a once decorated Task Force Officer sexually violating a Belgian Malinois, who might be a retired police dog. According to In Defense of Animals (IDA), he was charged with twenty felony counts including crime against nature, performing sexual acts with an animal, and filming sexual acts with an animal. His bond was set at $350,000.

Source: Courtesy of In Defense of Animals

Doll Stanley, IDA representative, attended Yetman’s trial yesterday to urge maximum sentencing for these vile, horrific crimes. Stanley says, “When thousands of In Defense of Animals supporters learned of this case, they were moved to demand that justice be done. A healthy society protects its innocents: vulnerable children, animals, elderly citizens. Sexual predators are the vilest of offenders. They must be made to feel the penetrating sting of the law and its impact on their very existence.”

As shocking as this case may be, sexual abuse against animals is unfortunately not uncommon. Forty-five states have laws against sexual abusing animals. But there are some states and territories that do not, such as Hawaii, Kentucky, New Mexico, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Because there is no federal law against it, the punishments vary. In some states, it’s a misdemeanor and in others, it’s a felony.

In order to discourage such heinous crimes and to accordingly punish the abusers, the punishments should be consistent. If you agree and think that Congress should make bestiality a felony, please sign this petition!

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