Many times, the county attorney cannot answer the judge’s questions. Even when the judge asks basic things like what law was broken, the attorney and their staff don’t always know the answer. Other important things they should know but don’t: the number and type of animals, the witnesses to the abuse or harm, what info can be used to prove harm. Sometimes Animal Control Officers who know the most about the case are not called to share what they’ve seen.

Many times, the accused do not show up for court, or ask for a new court date. This can repeat for years. Meanwhile, the animals are held in too-small shelter cages. Their mental and physical health becomes so bad they must be euthanized.

Given all these issues, people who hurt or even kill animals often walk away with no consequences.