WAN Talks To Doll Stanley Of In Defense Of Animals About The Passage Of ‘Buddy’s Law’ In Mississippi

Photo from Tunica Humane Society

An appalling story of animal abuse that began unfolding more than one year ago in Tate County, Mississippi, reportedly still has many questions to be answered. Among them, what is the current status of Buddy’s Law? 

The measure was introduced after a dog named Buddy was horrifically set on fire by a child and left to suffer, barely surviving. The important legislation aimed at ensuring that children who torture animals receive counseling and treatment was signed into law by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves earlier this year. The critical law went into effect on July 1st.

“In Defense of Animals continues to receive communication from animal advocates who are unaware that Buddy’s Law did pass. The bill was signed by Governor Tate Reeves, and became law on July 1, 2022,” In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign Director, Doll Stanley, told WAN, further explaining the need to share the news in order to reach a broader audience.

“The bill went through hoops for its passage, but it is a statute that we hope other states will look at,” continued Stanley. “It is time for laws that help children with mental health issues while also protecting animals.”

In April 2021, Buddy was found with an extension cord wrapped around his neck, his entire face was nearly burned. A 12-year-old boy confessed to the sickening crime, but even though this would have been a felony punishable by up to three years in prison, under state law children under the age of 12 cannot be charged with a crime or evaluated.

Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance expressed frustration over the case, and the public backlash was swift and fierce. In January, Senator Angela Hill introduced Buddy’s Law (SB 2261) to address the lack of accountability for underage abusers and more than 14,000 citizens joined In Defense of Animals’ campaign supporting this bill.

The important bill passed the Senate unopposed in February but died in March in the House Judiciary B Committee. Sadly, Chairmen Representative Nick Bain and members refused to push it to the floor for a vote.

While the news drew disappointment from animal and child advocates and a flurry of negative press, Buddy’s Law was ultimately attached to another bill (SB 2245), which was designed to revise sentencing options for the crime of voyeurism, it thankfully passed.

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg