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Oct 16, 2006

Punishment And Sentencing Of Animal Abusers To Be Discussed At Forum Sponsored By DePaul University’s Animal Law Program

WHO:    The DePaul University College of Law Animal Law program

WHAT:    Will sponsor a panel discussion that will explore animal cruelty laws and their effectiveness when used to punish and sentence animal abusers. The International Institute for Animal Law will co-sponsor the program.

Speakers will include:

  • The Honorable Michael Cicconetti, judge of the Painesville, Ohio Municipal Court and outgoing president of the American Judges Association. Cicconetti sentenced a woman to spend a night in the woods without water, food or entertainment as part of her punishment for abandoning 35 kittens in the woods.

  • Steve Kaufman, assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Kaufman successfully prosecuted an animal fighting promoter and seller of animal fighting movies under a 1999 law prohibiting the sale of videos depicting animal cruelty.

  • Dana Campbell, managing senior attorney with the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Cruelty Division. She will discuss trends in animal cruelty prosecutions and convictions from around the country.

    WHEN:    3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19, 2006.

    WHERE:    DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd. Room 8005

    BACKGROUND: Each year thousands of crimes involving animal cruelty are recorded in the United States. Currently some 45 states in America make certain acts of animal cruelty a felony. However, even with such legislation enacted in Illinois and throughout the country, animal abusers are not receiving jail time consistent with the laws that were designed expressly to deter animal cruelty. This program will look at how convictions that are consistent with the intent of state lawmakers can be obtained. Speakers will share their views on the current system and what can be done to increase the likelihood of convictions and to maximize punishments imposed.

    Editor’s Note: The event is open to the public. The cost is $40 for the general public and $20 for students. DePaul faculty, staff and students, with identification, will be admitted free of charge. Reporters wishing to cover the event should contact Valerie Phillips, DePaul Media Relations, at 312/362-5039 or 312/330-3155 (cell).