The state of Pennsylvania passed a law protecting dogs from being left outside during extreme cold or hot weather. The legislation, called Libre’s Law, was inspired by the story of a Boston Terrier who was left locked in a kennel to die at the hands of a breeder in Pennsylvania. Libre’s abuse, rescue, and recovery captivated animal lovers around the world. His fighting spirit sustained a movement that led to legal changes in the state of Pennsylvania.
Libre’s Story of Neglect, Rescue, and Recovery
Little Libre was only 4 months old when he was dangerously close to death due to the neglect of the Amish farmer and dog breeder charged with and found guilty of abusing him. A delivery person noticed Libre in a kennel on the property while dropping off a package. Over a 2-month period, the delivery driver observed Libre becoming increasingly ill and non-responsive. Unable to watch the poor puppy suffering any longer he convinced the farm owners to let him take the dying puppy away.
The delivery driver turned rescuer took the puppy to to a former humane officer, who then took him to an emergency animal hospital. The hospital contacted Speranza Animal Rescue, owned and run by Janine Guido. Janine was told that she should consider euthanasia. She declined. Instead she named him Libre (life in Spanish) and took him to Dillsburg Veterinary Center to begin his recovery.
Libre was in bad, bad shape. He was dehydrated, emaciated, and terribly infected with demodectic mange. He had open sores on his skin, some of which needed maggots removed from them. He had ulcers around his terribly swollen eyes and he could not even stand on his own. But little Libre fought and recovered. Janine adopted Libre and he lives a very happy life on Janine’s farm filled with farm animals and a whole bunch of doggie siblings.
Libre’s Life Started a Movement
Libre’s rescue and recovery gained a great deal of attention, reaching people around the world. Donations for his care poured in and people started talking about what should happen to the person who was responsible for Libre’s pitiful condition. Susan Martin was the Humane Officer at the time and she opted not to file charges at all. Under pressure, she resigned.
Eventually charges were filed in accordance to the laws at the time. Libre’s abuser pleaded guilty, admitting he put Libre in a kennel expecting him to die. He was fined $904. Most people felt this was not nearly enough. A movement began in Pennsylvania with animal lovers pushing legislators to protect dogs from unworthy abusers who make them suffer. The result was Libre’s Law, which is now in effect in the state of Pennsylvania.
Libre’s Law Established to Protect Dogs and Human Citizens
Libre’s Law makes it a crime to keep your dog tethered outside for more than 30 minutes when the temperature is above 90 degrees or below 32 degrees. The law also makes it easier to prosecute and seek felony charges against animal abusers. Legislators cited the need to reveal and keep tabs on animal abusers due to the correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence. Giving stronger penalties to animal abusers helps law enforcement identify dangerous people, intervene in their cycle of abuse, and reduce acts of violence against animals, children, and adults.
Thank you Libre! Your experience was dreadful and terrible and unthinkable but because of you, people and animals all around your state face a safer, more well-protected future.
Featured Image Janine Guido Facebook
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