Maine May Create Waiting Period For Animal Cruelty Offenders

Since our new state government was implemented in January, it seems like there's a new story or article every week, everywhere, about how state lawmakers are looking to pass some new piece of legislation. There's been so much of it, in fact, that I feel like a lot of it just sort of passes by my sight, and I don't end up paying that much attention.

But this new piece caught my eye immediately. First of all, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. In my eyes, and the eyes of the law. But Maine is considering putting it on the books that, folks who have been tried and convicted of animal cruelty, will have to face a 5 year waiting period, before being able to own another animal. If it was a Class D felony charge, the waiting period would be 15 years, according to WMTW-TV8.

Dubbed the 'Act To Make Post-conviction Possession of Animals a Criminal Offense', this would prohibit offenders from owning animals until the probationary period has passed. People can appeal the waiting period, but the decision would still be up to the court.

Granted, this is just my opinion, which doesn't amount to a hill of beans... But I think this is one of the few pieces of legal-shmegal that I've read about that makes real sense. Folks convicted of other types of crime often have to prove that they've been rehabilitated in some way, why not these offenders? Again, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

But if you have been found guilty, and somewhere deep down inside you truly do love animals, this period will be no big deal. But I think it's great that the state can come together to protect the furries and fuzzies that need some help. I'm sure that's one thing most of us can agree on.