Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/missouri-abuse-laws/
In Pleasant Hill, a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, a viral video has ignited public outrage and drawn attention to the darker side of dog training.
Matt Fiala, a local dog trainer, was captured on film engaging in acts that many consider to be clear animal abuse. This incident has not only led to municipal charges against Fiala but has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for tougher animal protection laws in Missouri.
A dog trainer in Kansas City was filmed abusing a German shepherd.
Uncovering the Abuse
The video, which has spread rapidly across social media platforms, shows Fiala mistreating a German shepherd. He is seen throwing a bucket of water at the dog, which is confined in a crate, then flipping the crate on its end and kicking the crate door, hitting the dog, FOX4KC reports. These actions have horrified viewers and raised serious questions about Fiala’s methods and ethics in dog training.
The incident has highlighted Missouri’s lenient animal protection laws.
Community and Police Response
The reaction from the Pleasant Hill community and beyond has been one of universal condemnation. Neighbors, many of whom have had unsettling encounters with Fiala, expressed their distress and concern for the animals in his care, KCTV5 reports.
The local police department, led by Chief Tommy Wright, has been inundated with calls from concerned citizens, reports KSHB. Wright, a dog owner himself, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing and preventing animal abuse.
“I just hate to see an animal mistreated and this is obvious mistreatment,” Wright said, “and we’re just not going to tolerate it.”
Calls for legal reform are growing louder in the community.
The Legal Implications
Fiala now faces several municipal charges, including animal cruelty. However, the legal repercussions at the state level for such acts are currently limited to misdemeanors unless the animal is tortured while alive, KSHB reports. This legal gap has prompted calls for more stringent laws, with Chief Wright and others advocating for the reclassification of animal abuse as a felony and the implementation of regulations specifically targeting dog trainers.
The Ripple Effects of the Incident
The fallout from the video has been widespread. Fiala, who also worked as a school bus driver, reports KCTV5, has lost his job as a result of the allegations.
The community’s sense of safety has been shaken, with many fearing retaliation from Fiala. The incident has also cast a shadow over the dog training profession, with reputable trainers condemning Fiala’s actions.
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A Call for Change
The disturbing events in Pleasant Hill have sparked a much-needed debate on animal welfare and the responsibilities of those who care for them. As the legal process unfolds, there is a growing consensus that Missouri’s laws need to evolve to offer better protection for animals and to hold those who mistreat them accountable. The welfare of our animal companions should always be a top priority.
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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
