We Are Not Broken

Abusers who target children and animals share a core trait: they prey on the powerless. The lack of consequences for animal cruelty emboldens them to escalate.”  

Dr. Barbara Boat, University of Cincinnati Child Abuse Research Team  

Systemic Barriers & Duke’s Law  

The case of Derek F exposes how institutional failures perpetuate cycles of violence against both humans and animals. Below, we dissect the systemic flaws and detail how Duke’s Law would dismantle them.  

 1. Legal Loopholes: Animals as “Property,” Not Victims  

Current Law (ORS 167.320):  

– Classifies severe animal cruelty as a Class C felony (same category as stealing a bike).  

– Penalty: Max 5 years, $125K fine – but rarely enforced.  

How It Failed Duke:  

Police dismissed Derek’s execution of Duke as a “neighbor dispute,” refusing to file charges.  

Duke’s Law Fix:  

– Reclassify animal torture as a Class B violent felony (alongside assault/homicide).  

– Mandate charges if abuse occurs during domestic violence.  

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 2. Institutional Silos: No Cross-Reporting  

Current System:  

– Animal control, CPS, and police do not share data.  

– Example: Derek’s 7 animal killings were never flagged to CPS during custody evaluations of Alfred.  

Consequences:  

– Alfred’s abduction: CPS granted Derek unsupervised visits despite his homelessness, drug use, and prior assault charges.  

– Fireworks incident: Derek’s history of animal torture wasn’t considered when he let kindergartners play with explosives.  

Duke’s Law Fix:  

– Cross-reporting mandate: Require animal control to alert CPS/police of abuse (modeled after [CA’s SB 580](https://safeplaceforpets.org/)).  

– Centralized database: Track abusers across animal cruelty, DV, and child abuse cases.  

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 3. Law Enforcement Failures: “Just a Dog” Mentality  

Case Study: The Three-Legged Pig  

Neighbors reported Derek kicking a disabled pig in 2023. Officers refused to open a case, stating:  

> “No crime occurred.”  

Pattern of Neglect:  

– 2020 assault charge: Derek faced no jail time despite video evidence.  

– 2024 restraining order: Ignored as Derek stalked the family and killed goats with fiberglass.  

Duke’s Law Fix:  

– Training programs: Teach officers to recognize animal abuse as a predictor of human violence (funded by fines from animal cruelty convictions).  

– Whistleblower protections: Shield officers who report departmental inaction.  

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 4. Economic Barriers: Trapping Victims  

Financial Abuse in Action:  

– Derek contributed $400/month while earning $6k, leaving the family in poverty.  

– Threats of homelessness: “I pay for everything!”—used to justify control.  

Duke’s Law Fix:  

– Pet/child-safe shelters: Funded by state grants, allowing victims to flee with dependents.  

– Restitution orders: Mandate abusers pay for animal care, therapy, and housing.  

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 5. Family Courts: Ignoring the “Link”  

Alfred’s Case:  

– Judges granted Derek custody despite video evidence of child assault and animal torture.  

– Rationale: “Parents deserve second chances.”  

National Data:  

– 85% of DV survivors report pets being used as leverage by abusers [National Link Coalition]https://nationallinkcoalition.org/

– Only 3% of protective orders include pets.  

Duke’s Law Fix:  

– Pet-inclusive restraining orders: Automatically include pets/children in DV protections.  

– CPS reforms: Require animal abuse history in custody evaluations.  

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 Duke’s Law: Full Text Proposal  

1. Animal cruelty = violent felony (Class B).  

2. Cross-reporting between animal control, CPS, police.  

3. Pet/child-safe shelters funded by state fines.  

4. Mandatory DV training for judges, cops, CPS.  

5. Public abuser registry for repeat offenders.  

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 Call to Action  

1. Email Oregon legislators: [Find Your Rep] https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/

2. Donate: [Justice for Duke GoFundMe] https://gofund.me/bd4db761 to lobby for Duke’s Law.  

3. Tag lawmakers:  

   – @SenKayseJama (Chair, OR Senate Housing & DV Committee)  

   – @RepLisaReynolds (Vice-Chair, OR House Healthcare Committee)  

   – @OregonDOJ  

Sample Script:  

“@SenKayseJama Oregon’s laws failed Duke, Alfred, and countless others. Support Duke’s Law (HB 202X) to break cycles of violence. #JusticeForDuke”  

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 Conclusion: Systems Enable Abusers  

Derek F didn’t act in a vacuum. He thrived in a system that dismisses animal torture, silos agencies, and gaslights victims. Duke’s Law isn’t just policy – it’s a lifeline.  

#PassDukesLaw #NoMoreLoopholes #ProtectTheVoiceless  

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