Illinois must toughen animal abuse laws

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Illinois must toughen its animal abuse laws

The story in Wednesday’s paper about Phillip Rinn (“Auroran charged with abusing a canine for the second time”) is the perfect example of why Illinois and all other states need better animal abuse laws. Someone like Phillip should have never been allowed to own another animal for the rest of his life. Dragging a dog behind your truck and then running it over is the definition of a “dog killer.” That is not an isolated incident, that is pure evil and hatred, an act so inhumane and full of horror I tear up and my blood boils even thinking about it.

Now, another dog has suffered abuse from this man, because punishment for animal abuse is not strict enough to stop people from doing it again. Now, this dog has suffered extreme abuse that is irreparable, physically and mentally (dogs don’t get another set of teeth like humans do and, yes, dogs do remember things like getting severely beaten). This dog, Magda, may be scarred for life for what this man did.

Animals are like children. They are helpless and defenseless, they can’t report abuse themselves, and in most instances can’t fight back (especially if it is a 1-year-old dog getting punched by a 350-pound man who is supposed to be his owner and caregiver). I thank whoever reported this incident and pray that people will start becoming responsible citizens and start reporting any animal abuse occurrences. Animal abusers will only be stopped if it is reported and will only get punished fully if the state starts reprimanding these abusers for what they do. Giving them a fine and a slap on the hand isn’t enough. I hope Phillip Rinn is charged with a felony and punished for his crimes. Let him learn a lesson on the importance of treating God’s creatures with respect while sitting behind bars.

Melissa Woodruff

Aurora

Act now to stop obesity in its path

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Illinois — 62 percent of Illinois adults are overweight or obese. One in five children are obese, the fourth worst rate in the nation. As a state, we need to focus on increasing access to healthy foods, promoting physical activity and implementing environmental changes that promote activity. Studies show that if we can help facilitate behavioral change, rates of obesity go down and healthier lifestyle choices are adopted.

I support the Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity, a statewide coalition calling for state-level policy and systems changes to reverse the obesity trend. In order to reduce the obesity rate, we need regular and reliable information about the state of obesity and an understanding of where action is needed most. Additionally, there is a growing national consensus on effective strategies to combat obesity, which are not currently employed in Illinois. A state-level response is needed to reverse the epidemic. Development of coordinated systems, changes in policy and investment on the scale of the problem must be undertaken.

The Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity is mobilizing constituents and local communities to educate policy makers about the cost of inaction and the need for state level leadership. This fall, stakeholders will come together to develop a call for action to effectively combat the challenge of obesity.

Join us as we make a difference for the health and well-being of all people in Illinois. To learn more about the Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity or to become involved with helping to solve this major public health problem, visit www.preventobesityil.org. Act now and become a supporter of the Alliance by signing its support statements as an individual or for your organization at the site. You’ll receive updated information and action alerts on statewide efforts to promote change.

Obesity is killing us. We all need to take action today to change the health of our children tomorrow.

Katie Beringer

Darien