Misdemeanor for extreme cruelty to a squirrel? Speak out!!

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Boiling Water Poured on Trapped Squirrel Dump Boiling Water on a Trapped Squirrel—Killing Her—and Only Face Misdemeanor Charges?Please respond promptly and forward widely."The animals, it[seems] they have more rights than anybody."This was reportedly 75-year-old John Grivas' response to charges that he faces stemming from his alleged January 8 torture of a trapped squirrel outside his home in Crystal Lake, Illinois. According to news sources, Grivas allegedly shook and poked the hapless squirrel before repeatedly pouring the scalding contents of a tea kettle on her. "I could see the steam coming out," says one witness. "That's how I could tell what he was doing. What bothers me most is that he would stop pouring and watch that animal writhing in the cage. And when[the animal] stopped writhing, he would pour again." Police were called, but it was too late for the squirrel, who had to be euthanized. PETA caseworkers have found that the wheels of justice might be turning rather hesitantly in this jurisdiction. Illinois law strongly suggests that the defendant should face a felony charge of animal torture instead of the trivial misdemeanor charge that he evidently faces now. Won't you please ask his prosecutor to consider this upgrade?Ron Selgado, an assistant state's attorney for surrounding McHenry County, Illinois, has the task of bringing Grivas to justice. Kindly ask that Selgado upgrade Grivas' charge to felony animal torture given that the law, 510 ILCS 70/3.03(a), reads, "A person commits animal torture when that person … knowingly … tortures an animal," and defines "torture" as the "subjection to extreme physical pain, motivated by an intent to increase or prolong the pain, suffering, or agony of the animal."Encourage Selgado to seek incarceration, a psychiatric evaluation, and a lengthy prohibition on the defendant' possession of animals if Grivas is convicted of any charge stemming from this alleged incident. Please be polite in your correspondence. Ron Selgado, Assistant State's Attorney Office of the McHenry County State's Attorney 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-338-3991 (fax)