Dear SoupFriends,
Greetings from the SoupMan!
Something happened in Dallas back in the spring of 2012 that
shocked the community. A group of young men doused a puppy with lighter fluid
and then set the 4-month lab terrier afire. The dog was called Justice and
suffered third-degree burns over most of his body. In spite of
intensive efforts to save the dog, it died several days later.
There was a huge uproar in the local community. It didn't
matter whether you were an animal lover or not. The sense of outrage was felt by
everyone. Rewards were posted to try to bring the young men to justice. Slowly
but surely the wheels of justice started to turn. The assailants were finally
identified, arrests were made and court dates set. 17 long months later we have
some closure.
As reported in the Dallas Morning News on Saturday August 24,
2013, the ringleader of the group was sentenced to 5 years in Huntsville prison.
Another one of the group received 2 years in jail and the final two men got 15
month jail sentences.
So what are we to think about all of this. Is a puppy's life
more important than a human beings? Not exactly. What I am saying is that how we
treat animals can be a 'sign' of the human condition. Clearly these 4 young men
crossed the line with their depraved act. And they are paying a heavy price. 5
years in prison for the ringleader is not just a slap on the wrist. I'm grateful
that the prosecutor and judge felt it was important to give these men more than
just a stern warning and probation.
For me its not about vengeance, its about accountability. We
can't just look the other way when things like this happen. As a society we need
to send a message out loud and clear that animal abuse is NOT okay. And while
I'm no psychologist, I think on a deeper level that bringing these four
young men to justice for killing a puppy in this cruel and inhumane way may just
one day prevent them from doing something worse. Hopefully these jail sentences
will also discourage others from doing anything remotely like this criminal act
committed by these 4 young men.
I took no joy in hearing that these 4 young men were
finally sentenced for this awful crime. I did not smile when I read
that the ringleader received 5 years in Huntsville prison. What I did feel was
sadness. Both for a puppy named Justice that suffered a cruel death and for four
young men who somehow seem to be on the fast track to no
where. We've all made mistakes in life but for these 4 young men, it will be a
long time before this mistake fades into the past.
I pray for these young men and I pray for us all. Thankfully
we serve a God that believes in redemption. At one time or another in life we
all need redemption but for these 4 young men, maybe right now they need it more
than most.
May the Lord Bless & Keep You & Yours,
Signed, David Timothy, a.k.a. The SoupMan
