The facts are crystal clear — anyone who would be so twisted and depraved as to harm a defenseless animal would likely have no problem hurting a human.

As someone on the forefront of protecting people and pets from abuse for many years as the driving force behind passage of the landmark Buster’s Law, I’ve seen the research which indicates that violence against animals is a bridge crime that can, and has, led to violence against people.

Companion animals such as dogs and cats do so much to comfort us when we need them.

Pets offer companionship in more than 86 million U.S. households, and studies have shown they can provide a variety of health benefits including reducing stress and anxiety.

Our animals give emotional support and assistance to seniors and people with disabilities. They even have trained dogs that can tell if someone with diabetes needs their insulin medicine. And they help police, fire departments, and search and rescue efforts to keep our citizens safe.

We remember that canines were a critical part of the U.S. Navy Seal Team 6 mission to take down and eliminate Osama Bin Laden.

Unfortunately, there are some individuals who do not see the value of such........

© The Saratogian