Long sentence for Puerto Rico man convicted of horse-dragging spurs debate

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A 12-year prison sentence for a man who dragged a horse behind his truck has touched off a debate over whether a new animal cruelty law goes too far, when even homicide can result in lighter penalties.

Georgenan Lopez, who is in his early 20s, is the first person convicted by a jury under the law implemented in August 2008 in response to complaints that the island is indifferent to cruel treatment of animals.

The criticism gained traction -- and publicity -- in 2007 when authorities seized dozens of dogs from public housing projects and threw them to their deaths from a bridge.

Lopez's attorney said Wednesday that he will appeal, calling the sentence excessive, unusual and cruel, since convictions for crimes like second-degree murder often yield lesser sentences.

"They are comparing an animal to a human being," lawyer Julian Claudio said. "The animal didn't even die."

Prosecutor Andres Fernandez said the horse was dragged for about 15 minutes behind the truck as it tried to keep its balance and kept falling down. He said it had a rope around its neck that was tied to the vehicle.

He declined to comment on the sentence except to say that the judge was following the law.

Osvaldo Toledo, president of Puerto Rico's Assn. of Attorneys, said the length of the sentence in a case in which the animal survived sets a dangerous precedent.

"If you tell me the animal fell to the floor and was dragged like a bag of potatoes, I would say, 'Look, you deserve those 12 years,'" Toledo said. "I don't approve of what the man did, but [the sentence] has to be evaluated."

He acknowledged that animal cruelty is a problem in Puerto Rico, but said more education programs and less extreme sentencing are the answer.

Toledo added that he would ask lawmakers to review the animal cruelty law to ensure that penalties are in line with the crime.

According to a transcript of the sentencing, Judge Jose Montijo told Lopez he had an attitude problem and did not communicate well with people, and noted that the accused faced burglary and drug charges previously.

Judicial spokesman Daniel Rodriguez said Montijo would not comment.

Since the dragging incident last February, the mare has gained weight but still limps and can never be ridden, said Lisa Embree, who runs a horse rescue group in northwest Puerto Rico that adopted the animal, dubbed Little Miracles.

She said she feels sorry for Lopez's family but praised the tough sentence as an important measure to reduce animal abuse.

"They are living beings," Embree said. "They deserve to be treated as such."

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-- Danica Koto, Associated Press

Comments

[Myrna Faria]

This punishment is even more cruel than the offense. I love animals, nevertheless, I am horrorfied that the life of a person was not only sabotaged by himself but also by the judicial system of my Puerto Rico. Jail is not a learning instrument. He could be confined in a mental institution, heavily fined, obliged to serve in an animal care center, or visit schools addressing the issue of how animal abuse is not only wrong but it is also against the law. Somebody must scream Justice!

[juanita white]

12 years is a very long time, but the deed is also very cruel. It makes me wonder if a person would do something this cruel to an animal, how long will it take for them to do this to another human being. What thoughts were really going through his mind. A sentence should have been imposed but 12 years seems a bit long.

[Laura Quebbemann]

So sad and tragic. Laura Quebbemann

[Breezee]

Animal cruelty is a horrible, ongoing problem, especially in countries like Puerto Rico. These people have never been educated on how to treat animals humanely. They should begin to get educated by introducing these very same forms of punishments and be punished just as if it were a person. If they don't get the message, this horrifying treatment of animals will continue everyday. It's not the first story I hear about horses being dragged in Puerto Rico and it might not be the last.

[Anthony Freeman]

What the hell do you call hunting deer, elk, and bear?

[Laura-Quebbemann]

So sad and tragic. Laura Quebbemann

[kerry]

these are Gods creatures, defensless voiceless creatures Now maybe before someone goes to abuse an animal they will think that is if they are capable of thinking

[J]

The article is slightly misleading. The horse DID die later on as a result of its injuries. In addition, the man did this intentionally to punish the young horse. The number of years that he received was for two main reasons. 1. This was not his first offense. 2. The animal welfare Law in PR (Law 154) can issue up to 15 years when a crime against an animal is committed with the specific intent of harming that animal, and it's a 2nd degree felony when it results in the death of that animal. This dragging was not an accident it was intentional. The man is a criminal who was previously convicted two times. He got what he deserved. The judge did the right thing based on what it says in the law and based on this mans criminal history. PERIOD. If this was a negligence case and he had no priors he would not have any where near as harsh of a sentence.