Animals Can’t Be Victims of Crimes Says Oregon Supreme Court

In 2010 a Stanfield man was arrested for starving 20 horses and goats. He was charged with 20 counts of animal cruelty. But that assumes each animal is a crime victim. Can an animal be a victim of a crime? Last year Oregon said yes, but this week the court said no. Do you agree?

Apparently the law must increase the punishment for the single crime of animal cruelty when numerous animals are involved. Someone can't be charged separately for each animal hurt. Is that fair? Should animals receive the same rights as humans?

I disagree completely. I think each life counts.

A coworker pointed out that if animals CAN be victims, does that allow humans to sue other humans in CIVIL COURT on behalf of animals? Couldn't that lead down a ridiculous road?