ANIMAL EXPLOITER CHARGED WITH ANIMAL ABUSE

This is one of a story trend I just wanted to take a moment to note. "A Loyalton cattle rancher who starved at least five calves to death in December 2001 was found guilty of animal cruelty this week by a Sierra County jury. Silas Craig McHenry, 54, faces up to three years in prison and up to $45,000 in fines, as well as restrictions on animal ownership, [Truckee Animal Control Supervisor Dan] Olsen said. He was convicted on five counts of animal cruelty. 'It really sends a strong message that you just can't do this,' Olsen said." Not all that remarkable until you remind yourself that this is happening in an industry predicated on treating animals like objects. Of course it's at a ridiculous oxymoronic level right now, but the direction of the trend is at least encouraging.