Tommie’s Law is now in effect in Virginia, considerably strengthening animal welfare legislation in the state by making animal cruelty a felony.
Prior to this bill, if someone abused a cat or dog but that animal survived, the perpetrator could only be charged with a misdemeanor. The animal would have to die before felony charges could be filed.
Now, thanks to SB1604 — introduced by Senator Bill DeSteph — the punishment has been adjusted to fit the crime.
“The crime matches the penalty,” says DeSteph. “Not whether the dog lives or dies, the act of maliciously wounding or torturing a dog is the felony.”
Senator DeSteph introduced the legislation in 2016 following a vicious machete attack on a dog. But it was the shocking abuse of a pitbull named Tommie that brought a community together and helped this bill pass unobstructed.
Tommie’s “guardian” tied him to a fence and set him on fire in February this year. After five days of intensive care, Tommie passed away as a result of his injuries. Police have now arrested the man responsible for this heinous act and charged him with felony animal cruelty.
“They couldn’t charge him with a felony until Tommie passed away, which is a horrible thing,” said DeSteph. “The act itself is the horrible thing too. The act itself should be the felony, not the outcome.”
Tommie’s suffering — and that of all abused animals — is unforgivable, but this new legislation honors his memory and gives the innocent cats and dogs of Virginia better protection from cruelty in the future.
Tommie’s abuser still faces sentencing. Add your voice to urge prosecutors to treat this case with the severity it deserves.
What’s New…
Por fAVOR; JUSTIÇA A ESTES INOCENTES…
… against “animal cruelty, EXCEPT for the unfortunate animals people est and wear! Don’t get me wrong, it’s great that there are tougher laws on dog and cat cruelty, but until humans open their eyes to their HUGE blind spot, the terror and horror and misery and fear and desperation of meat, dairy, eggs, wool, and all the reat will continue. Be coherent: GO VEGAN!
Thank U Judge 4 Signing Tommy’s Law’s
Tommy’s death will never b4 gotten
His sentencing should b of time / fines/& should go threw the pain he put Tommy threw
He should wear a sign out side on the streets stating what he did why & everyday He needs 2:know along with the rest of the world
Stop Hurting Animals
They Have Feelings 2
Thank you ! All animals need protection. Poor Tommie. Love you always, Tommie.
About time someone made a stand. Thank you Senator Bill.
Dear Senator Bill DeSteph, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART for standing tall, on behalf of the most vulnerable sentient beings on our planet earth. and taking this tance to make the Animal cruelty a FELONY… Those Blood thirsty evil subhumans who torture, abuse & murder the innocent gentle animals should be NEVER GIVEN ANY CHANCES TO ESCAPE FROM THEIR MURDEROUS VIOLENT ACTS ANY LONGER.
This new LAWS will not only protect the defenseless gentle animals, also at the end it will make so many vulnerable humans safer as well. May you be blessed in every way Honorable Senator..GOD BLESS.
So they made animal cruelty a felony…The proof of the law’s effectiveness will be if the Virginians enforce it – vigorously!!!
Cruelty needs to STOP; animals should be safe.
So sweet Tommie will not have died in vain. It is a small comfort.
Way to go Senator Bill De Steph I’m sure ALL animal lovers are sending prayers & thank you’s even as I type. this message. The world needs more compassionate people like you.
Take care
Unacceptable!!
Thank you so much, Sen. Bill DeSteph, for introducing SB1604, Tommie’s Law. Your compassion and caring for abused animals is impeccable. It is about time that animal abuse and murder is taken seriously. I truly like this bill because the punishment has been adjusted to fit the crime. And many thanks to the other lawmakers for making sure that it became law. May God bless all of you.
Fire for fire, may Tommie’s “guardian” burn just as he did.
Thank Goodness!
SENATOR BILL DESTEPH…GOD BLESS SIR FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING
The piece of garbage that did this egregious cruelty to this poor dog is now saying that he did this to protect his children from the dog. I don’t believe this. Pit bulls are the most loving of dogs. They are gentle and loyal to those who treat them with kindness. No matter what the dog was like, he did not deserve this!! No excuses. Let the punishment fit the crime.
Thank you Senator De Steph, it makes a lot more sense. Before it was only if the animal dies!!??? The torture you put him through counts!! Crazy who wrote/passed that!
Throw the book at this PSYCHO-MONSTER — 10 yrs in prison — $50K fine — we do NOT want repeats of abuse to animals nor their murders — if these idiots do not learn their lesson, they will surely repeat their heinous crimes against animals.
Send that psychopath to prison. Animal-loving inmates will treat him appropriately.
Should have been enforced long ago – would have prevented so many animals suffering..
This man is a phyco in the making. He needs to be locked up with a bunch of animal lovers like me!! And throw the key away for life because if he could do this to an innocent animal. He might do this to anyone he has power over.
Thank you so much Senator DeSteph a wonderful act of human kindness.
Excellent news.
I hope the evil person who committed this cruel act is dealt with appropriately.