Military Moving to Protects Pets
There are been many news release in the past few months regarding U.S. military men and women and the abusive treatment of animals.
Article 134 of The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) punishes abuse of a “public animal”.
However, there are no specific laws addressing the treatment of military pets. Pets or companion animals are generally considered “non-public animals.”
The Commission on Military Justice now says that criminal charges should be brought against service men and women that abuse, kill or abandon their pets.
In a report to congress last fall, they ask that specific language be placed in The Uniform Code of Military Justice that specifically states that animal cruelty towards non-public animals be determined a crime.
The Congress, of course, is free to accept any or all of the suggestion of the Commission and it remains to be determined if they indeed will act to close this loophole.
Animal lovers will be watching their actions closely
