PET OR LIVESTOCK ?

 By Bob Walsh

 

There are times when it is not a pointless question.

A case in point.  A 79-year old homeowner and his 60-year old wife were at home minding their own business in San Diego County  when Alexander Belinsky, 36, allegedly attempted to steal one of their goats.  They unwisely left the home to stop the crime.  Belinsky knocked them on their butts.  

At that time the homeowner went into the house and returned with a rifle.  By then Belinksy had placed one of the goats in a dune buggy and was attempting to start the vehicle.  Belinksy then charged the husband and grabbed his rifle.  The rifle discharged, with the bullet striking the alleged goat thief.  The local S O arrived and arrested the goat grabber.  

Belinsky was charged with robbery, elder abuse, attempted vehicle theft, residential burglary, animal cruelty and battery.  

If I remember correctly (it has been years since I checked) it makes a consider difference if the goats were pets or livestock.  Rustling is a much more serious charge than stealing a low-value domestic pet.  Then again I am not sure goats qualify can as pets in CA.  CA is strange.  

If Belinsky tells the D. A. he had a date with the goat and he only interfered because he was afraid the homeowner would hurt him / her he might actually have a defense.  Especially if he is Islamic.  By the way, bestiality is NOT a crime in CA.