Article by WHBL
MADISON, WI (WRN) - A state lawmaker has reintroduced a bill inspired by a serial horse molester.
State Senator Andre Jacque, a De Pere Republican, admits it's a crime that makes most people cringe.
"It's not the sort of thing you can talk to your kids about. But it's certainly very important that you find ways to deal with deviancy."
The measure provides criminal penalties similar to those in other states, and in addition...
"Prohibiting individuals who have already shown they are willing to sexually abuse an animal. That they're not able to have easy access to owning a pet. Or being in occupations like a bus driver or daycare, where they're going to be in contact with children on a regular basis."
A Brown County man, Sterling Rachwal, has been accused of molesting horses for decades and is currently on probation for that.
"It certainly helps address that case. But also a lot of very similar cases, copycat crimes, what's really been an ongoing issue in Wisconsin. While it might not be as widespread as some forms of sexual abuse we do see very strong linkages between animal sexual abuse and abuse of children and other human sexual abuse."
The bill passed the state Assembly last session. Jacque says he's confident it will pass both chambers this time.
