It’s a familiar story, and a frustrating one for many animal welfare advocates.

Someone is arrested and charged with animal abuse or neglect. If the defendant is prominent enough, or the abuse horrific enough, there will be a splash in the press for a few days. Reports cite the maximum sentences faced by the defendant: prison time, fines, or both. Depending on the state, the offenses might be felonies. Also depending on the state, there may be required counseling for the defendant and a ban on the ownership of animals if the defendant is found guilty