I have been in the animal welfare field for well more than 35 years, and I have seen my share of animal problems.

But the events that led to Peter Nelson’s and Alfredo Renteria’s convictions on dogfighting charges last month are some of the most disturbing I can recall.

Cruelty cases are unfortunately a part of the world of animals. Deplorable conditions, puppy mills, hoarding cases and animal fighting are all issues that those of us who love animals cannot fathom. In the case of these two men, the attitude was so nonchalant, unfeeling and uncaring that there appeared to be no remorse whatsoever. In fact, the dogs involved appeared to have been intentionally trained to injure and kill.

This wasn’t a case of an accidental meeting of two unfriendly dogs. This was an outright planned program with intended results.

Dogfighting and other types of animal fighting are often linked to weapons violations, drugs, prostitution, gambling and other illegal activities. A large string of arrests over the weekend in southwest Washington and the Portland area included all aspects of these elements. So does the Nelson-Renteria case.

These men need to be sentenced to the greatest extent of the law. In other cruelty prosecutions that SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. has been involved in, the judge has not allowed the convicted to possess, own or care for animals for a period of two years. Additionally, SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. was authorized to do unannounced site visits and immediately impound any animals kept in violation of the requirements.

Restitution is imperative in this situation. We need to support those who stood up and cared for these animals for the duration of the case. There is simply no reason that either the taxpayers or the county animal control department, SCRAPS, should bear the burden of these deliberate and premeditated actions.

Spokane and the Inland Empire is a great place for families. Our quality of life is one of the best around. That is because we value life and those that inhabit the Earth with us.

When Nelson and Renteria return to court for sentencing next Thursday, the penalty must be harsh enough to strip them, and like-minded others, of their nonchalance for good.