San Antonio Parks Police Union Chief Advocates for Serious Legal Action Over Duck Death
In a shocking turn of events in San Antonio, the president of the city’s park police officer’s union, Henry Bassuk, is urging the District Attorney’s Office to press a felony cruelty charge against the man who recently brutally killed a duck at the River Walk. The incident, which occurred on June 17, has been heavily criticized and caused public outrage, with many calling for more severe punishments for the alleged criminal.
Frustration Over Legal Discrepancies
According to Bassuk’s statements in an interview on KLRN’s current affairs program “On The Record,” law enforcement officers had initially tried to file a third-degree felony charge of animal abuse shortly after the incident. Despite their efforts, an assistant district attorney at the magistrate’s office refuted their request, stating that the current animal abuse laws only apply to domesticated live stock and pets, not wild creatures.
Bassuk, who openly disagreed with the assistant district attorney’s interpretation of the law, said, “this charge was highly appropriate for the incident, as confirmed by state game wardens and representatives, who have far more expertise in wild animal-related matters.”
Public Outrage over Lack of Justice
The incident occurred on June 17 when a male, who is believed to be a homeless 24 year-old, picked a duck up by its neck and slammed it to death against the pavement of the River Walk sidewalk in the presence of shocked onlookers. Due to the limitations of the current laws pertaining to animal abuse, the individual was let off with merely a citation.
This seemingly underwhelming legal response resulted in tremendous public dissatisfaction. Bassuk echoed this sentiment during his TV interview, where he stated that a felony charge was absolutely necessary for such a horrific crime. He further commented that such actions, committed without any apparent remorse or emotion, must be taken extremely seriously, as the propensity for violence could escalate if not dealt with promptly and appropriately.
Call for Legal Reform
Bassuk’s statements have prompted many to question the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of current animal rights laws. He urged for increased clarity in laws surrounding animal rights and abuse, and has since been endorsed by some legal representatives who reached out to him in support.
His call for reform is underpinned by the belief that committing a potentially violent act against an innocent creature for no apparent reason could be a precedent for increased violent behavior, hence such individuals should be punished to the most severe extend the existing laws allow.
Pete P. Gallego, a spokesperson for the Bexar County District Attorney’s office, however, has reasserted the office’s stance that local legislation, in its current form, does not allow for a charge of animal cruelty to be filed against the suspected duck killer.
This ongoing dispute over animal cruelty laws is steadily gaining public attention across the region, and may prompt legislative changes that could redefine the way we approach and legislate violence against all types of animals, domesticated or wild.
