For some time I’ve silently considered America’s obsession with pets, especially dogs. I’ve seen more than one refer to them as “children,” placing them on a plane with actual children—human being children. Fur babies may be the preferred term. In light of that, some new legislation protecting dogs (and all animals) against human cruelty caught my attention. I’ll begin by saying, laws against animal cruelty are necessary and good. People should be punished for dealing harshly