Are you for real??? BOTH punishments should be the same. I am a survivor of domestic violence also, but totally believe that ANY living creature feels pain, whether it be animal or human and the abuser should be charged as such. And I know that the laws for animals in N.C. SUCK! No spaying and neutering and when your dog gets old, just dump it off at the shelter for them to deal with. And THEN PICK OUT A NEW PUPPY! I adovocate for many shelters in N.C. and also have family there, so I KNOW what I'm talking about!