If a person convicted of child abuse is not allowed to have contact with the child, why should a person convicted of cruelty to animals be allowed to own the animal they abuse?

That’s one way of looking at a question Union City Council was asked this week by a local animal activist.

Glenn Sparks, president of the Union County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, asked council to strip convicted animal abusers of the right to reclaim the animal that was abused. He cited the recent arrest of a Union man charged with ill treatment of animals after public safety officers found an emaciated dog at his home. Even if the man is convicted, he could still get the animal back, if he wants it, Sparks said.

Union’s law regarding this issue reflects state law, which allows convicted animal abusers to reclaim their animals. Just across the Broad River in Chester County, things are different, according to animal control officer Heather Sealy. If you abuse an animal there, you can’t get it back.

Dogs, cats and other domestic animals cannot protect themselves from abuse. Like children and elderly adults, their safety depends on how well local laws are enforced.

Council should grant Sparks’ request and change the city ordinance to prevent a person convicted of cruelty to animals from repeat offenses.