FOXSYLVANIA

– – Santeria is a religious tradition that originated in West Africa and the Caribbean whose practitioners have been known to practice animal sacrifice as a form of devotion.   Its practitioners can’t be prosecuted in the United States for sacrificing animals such as chickens or goats; however, the discovery of the remains of hundreds of animals such as birds, dogs, cats, and monkeys in a North Philadelphia home is another matter, and if it is proven that dogs or cats were killed in the home, those responsible could face charges.

In 1993, the Supreme Court struck down a law against animal sacrifice, but the decision does not mean that animal sacrifice is necessarily legal; it’s an ambiguous, rather gray area.   Animal sacrifice can still be prosecuted under other, more general laws, such as those against cruelty to animals, but interpretation of such depends on where you live.  In addition to cruelty laws, there are sanitary laws and even zoning ordinances which may apply.   Look for animal rights activists to continue to clash with religions outside of the mainstream on this issue.

Two living but emaciated dogs were also rescued from the Philadelphia property for which those responsible will face summary offense charges of lack of veterinary care and unsanitary confinement, according to the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals…