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A writer by passion and profession, I've been writing since I was old enough to know how, so establishing a weblog
seemed a natural progression. By adding a blog to my site, I can speak about my passions and life, share my writing, art
and photos, and comment on current events.
Saturday, January 11, 2003
I got an email today forwarded from the Gulf Coast Doberman Rescue about Hope and an unnamed deceased dog. The "owner" is being brought up on only ONE charge of animal cruelty, and may only face a $500.00 fine. At this time she faces no jail time, will not be prohibited from owning animals in the future and will not be made to pay restitution for Hope's medical expenses.
According to the email, GCDR has contacted the Animal Legal Defense Fund and learned that the maximum fine for one count of animal cruelty is $1,000, not $500. They were also advised by the ALDF that eight separate counts could have been brought against the defendant--instead of just one count for both dogs.
If you have a moment, maybe you'll consider a fax to one or all of the officials listed encouraging them to take these abuses seriously. Below is a sample letter/guide provided by GCDR, which can be changed and customized...
City Prosecutor Robert Ramsey - Fax: 228-762-0490
City Manager Jim Allen - Fax: 228-497-8028
Mayor Ken Taylor - Phone: 228-497-8000; Fax: 228-497-8028
Judge Gary Roberts - Fax: 228-762-0777
SAMPLE LETTER
Re: Case Number: 200203499
On January 13, 2003 an individual will be prosecuted in Gautier, MS for animal cruelty. (). One dog owned by this individual was found badly decomposed; the other blue female Doberman was discovered severely emaciated. The dog's dish contained only dirt. There was no food or water present and the dogs were enclosed in a kennel run with no hopes of escaping to seek sustenance necessary for survival.
As a concerned citizen of the United States of America, I am outraged by such blatant, intentional neglect of a defenseless animal. I am hoping that you will seek the maximum sentence in this case, including the maximum fine of $1,000 per offense and a jail sentence as mandated by Mississippi Code Annotated Sec. 97-41-1, 97-41-7, 97-41-9 and 97-41-16.
In my opinion, this individual should be charged with one case of animal cruelty for each dog. Furthermore, this individual should be made to permanently relinquish custody of the surviving Doberman to the Doberman Rescue organization that has been caring for her and working so hard to rehabilitate her. She should be ordered to pay restitution for the expenses that have been incurred. This individual should be prohibited from owning any animals in the future.
The FBI has conducted studies that prove serial killers are also animal abusers. A 1997 study by MSPCA and Northeastern University also found that 70% of animal abusers had committed at least one other criminal offense and almost 40% had committed violent crimes against people. I feel it is important for the citizens of your community to realize the well-proven relation of animal abusers and other criminal offenses. I believe that they would want to know that action is being taken in your community and that people whom willfully and intentionally neglect and abuse animals will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
In closing I sincerely hope you will give this case the attention it deserves and help to insure that justice will indeed be served.
I got an email today forwarded from the Gulf Coast Doberman Rescue about Hope and an unnamed deceased dog. The "owner" is being brought up on only ONE charge of animal cruelty, and may only face a $500.00 fine. At this time she faces no jail time, will not be prohibited from owning animals in the future and will not be made to pay restitution for Hope's medical expenses.
According to the email, GCDR has contacted the Animal Legal Defense Fund and learned that the maximum fine for one count of animal cruelty is $1,000, not $500. They were also advised by the ALDF that eight separate counts could have been brought against the defendant--instead of just one count for both dogs.
