Connecticut lawmakers passed Desmond’s Law in response to the horrific death of a shelter dog called Desmond in 2012. After the man who adopted him reportedly rarely fed him and often beat him, the dog was finally killed. When prosecuted for the crime, the owner admitted his guilt. The prosecutor recommended that he spend time behind bars for his offence but he was given an Accelerated Rehabilitation - which meant upon successful completion of probation, his record would be wiped clean.

'Desmond's Law'

That result so outraged the animal-loving citizens of Connecticut they enacted ‘Desmond’s Law’ to ensure that court decisions offer a better measure of justice following animal-related crimes. In what is a first for the US, a judge can appoint a lawyer for an animal. Seven lawyers, a law professor and her law students oversee the programme statewide.