To read the local paper report of this situation see - http://www.hdnews.net/Story/animals090607 As you will see below Kansas animal cruelty laws are clearly lacking when applied to this case. Even though animals died, the owner of the pet store faces only misdemeanor charges. I don't understand how anyone could do this to innocent defenseless animals relying on everything from their caretakers. To be trapped in cages with no food or water starving and dying of dehydration is horrendous torture. Why didn't she call someone to help them? There is no reason that is acceptable for this type of treatment of animals. To read the full text of the Kansas law that applies to this situation see - http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusksst21_4310.htm#s4310 Sec. 1. K.S.A. 2005 Supp. 21-4310 is hereby amended to read as follows: KS ST [section] 21-4310 21-4310. (a) Cruelty to animals is: (1) Intentionally and maliciously killing, injuring, maiming, torturing, burning or mutilating any animal; (2) intentionally abandoning or leaving any animal in any place without making provisions for its proper care; (3) having physical custody of any animal and intentionally failing to provide such food, potable water, protection from the elements, opportunity for exercise and other care as is needed for the health or well-being of such kind of animal; or (4) intentionally using a wire, pole, stick, rope or any other object to cause an equine to lose its balance or fall, for the purpose of sport or entertainment.; or (5) intentionally causing any physical injury other than the acts described in subsection (a)(1). .... (2) "Maliciously" means a state of mind characterized by actual evilmindedness or specific intent to do a harmful act without a reasonable justification or excuse. (d) (1) Cruelty to animals as described in subsection (a)(1) is a nonperson felony..... (2) The first conviction of cruelty to animals as described in subsection (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4) and (a)(5) is a class A nonperson misdemeanor. The second or subsequent conviction of cruelty to animals as described in subsection (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4) and (a)(5) is a non-person felony. Please write polite letter to the Ellis County Attorney asking that he prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the person responsible for these animals, including those that died before and during transport because of her neglect. Remember that the County Attorney can only prosecute to the fullest extent of the law and he is not the one to yell at or be rude to. Polite, factual letters will be helpful. Mr. Thomas Drees Ellis County Attorney 1204 Fort St. Hays KS 67601 (785)628-9405 (785) 628-9409 (FAX) Thanks in advance. tle www.ferretfamilyservices.org [Posted in FML 5724]