Allegations of sexual abuse of animals spur 2 petition drives

SHELBY -- A Mansfield woman is partnering with a worldwide animal protection agency to sponsor two petitions in connection with a bestiality case in Shelby.

On May 18, Peter Bower, 31, of North Third Street, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty after authorities said they discovered an extensive history of sexual activity with his 3-year-old shepherd mix; two previous dogs, now deceased; and a horse, which reportedly belonged to a local equestrian center.

Thirty states have laws prohibiting bestiality, distinct from other forms of animal cruelty. Ohio is not one of them.

On Friday, Joyce Fields, of Mansfield, and Hands4Paws struck up a petition to present before the judge and prosecuting attorney July 18, when Bower's pre-trial is scheduled in Shelby Municipal Court. The petition asks Bower be barred from owning or interacting with animals.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, that petition had more than 500 signatures. The second petition, which had more than 700 signatures, will be presented before Ohio legislators to enact a law against bestiality.

Fields said the petitions must be completed by July 17. Hands4Paws hopes to have 5,000 signatures on each.

"People should sign because it's the moral thing to do," Fields said. "If this had been a child, there would have been an uproar about it. There isn't much difference because this pet didn't accept or consent to what he was doing. That makes it wrong."

Last week, State Rep. Jay Goyal said his office is already drafting such legislation. On Monday, Goyal said he anticipated the documents to be completed late this week.

Richland County Dog Warden Dave Jordan encourages local registered voters to sign the petition.

"I think Ohio is behind the game on this issue," Jordan said. "I'm glad this has come to light and that a negative situation could have a positive result -- that's my hope with this case. I was encouraged to see Jay making such efforts to introduce this on the House floor. That's awesome."

Jordan said he plans to drop off Bower's computer at the Shelby Police Department today.

The warden said he has discovered numerous photos and stories posted by Bower on several bestiality websites. Such postings detail an interest in ewes and sows, in addition to dogs and horses.

Shelby Police Capt. Lance Combs said he was unsure how long it would take to search the computer.

"We have the capability to do it," he said. "But I won't know anything until I see the search warrant and start executing it. We'll look for what's requested and then provide an analysis to the investigating agency and the court.

HOW TO REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE OR CRUELTY IN THE PHILIPPINES ~ ISP101

Dogs are man's bestfriend. Not all people are dog-lovers. I understand the fact that there are few of you who hate dogs or cats. But, just like you are, they also have the right to live. Unfortunately, there are people who are either involved or doing dog or cat meat trades themselves. I pity these people, who do not care about the laws we have. This is also an appeal to strengthen the current law we have; no-bail and make sure that people will really taste the suffering behind bars for a very long time. We have to make them pay... have 3 mini-pinschers dog, they have their own safe cage and we provide them enough food, love and care. But, there is one street dog in our place named "ITIM" (Blacky in English)... Her mother is "PAO-PAO", a street-dog as well, owned by our neighbor. These two dogs are very loving. I have noticed that my neighbors are not feeding them. So, I decided to feed them myself. If I am at work, I even call my wife to make sure that she also give food to Pao-Pao and Itim. On my restday, I make sure that after I give my dogs a bath, I also, include "ITIM" and "PAO-PAO". I even call them from outside, carry them back to my house to give them a bath. I wash them with dog soap and shampoo, and rinse them thoroughly. These dogs became so attached to me. I have noticed that once I open up my gate, their tails start waggling. I give them food, and I say goodbye to them before I leave the house for work. They are accompanying me, from my house to the tricycle station, which is around 2 blocks away from my house. Then, after work, I always go first to the bakery to buy them some bread. Then, once they smell me, with or without bread, I would see them going crazy and started running towards me. They are so happy and excited to see me. It helps me relieve my stress. Although, these dogs are not mine, they became part of my life. Since, I work in a call center, and their owner do not really keep them inside the house, they just sleep in the streets. I have noticed that these dogs just sleep in the facade of our house. During midnight, or sometimes at around 2-3AM, I leave the house with these dogs. I am not calling them, they are just following me until I reached the tricycle station. I admire these dogs because, even If it's raining hard or in middle of the night, they would stand up to accompany me to the tricycle station, then, they will just return back in the facade of our house.

The International Handbook of Animal Abuse and Cruelty, Theory, Research, and Application

The link between animal abuse and human violence

Cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence, readings in research and application

Child abuse, domestic violence, and animal abuse, linking the circles of compassion for prevention and intervention

Animal cruelty, pathway to violence against people