From: Komurdock@aol.com
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 3:37 pm
To: premier@gov.ns.ca , kellyp@halifax.ca
Cc: rogier@eastlink.ca
Subject Francesca Rogier and Brindi
Honourable Rodney Macdonald
Premier Nova Scotia
Honourable Peter Kelly
Mayor Halifax
Dear Elected Officials:
While waiting for the judge's decision on the above case, the Tender Loving Care Animal Shelter in Digby, Nova Scotia wishes to add its voice and outrage at the above situation. It is absolutely disgraceful that it has been allowed to progress this far without any one of our leaders taking action. Clearly the animal control by-law giving sole authority to an animal control officer regarding the fate of an animal without review is antiquated and in this instance with a death sentence pending, barbaric.
Notwithstanding the fate of this poor animal, it is cruel and unusual punishment that Francesca Rogier has been made to suffer in this way. Not even being allowed visitation to her companion animal seems a violation of Human Rights. Criminals in our society are afforded more rights and freedoms than this poor woman and her dog! This in addition to an increasing financial burden she has had to assume in legal fees and the stress this has put on her own health is almost beyond words.
As a no-kill shelter, we find the decision to put down what appears to be a normal, healthy dog unconscionable. This animal did nothing wrong other than to act like a dog and let us be clear, this was not even a worse case scenario and no human injuries were sustained! Are we to sentence every dog to this fate if they act like the canines that they are and occasionally challenge another dog that appears to it to be a threat? Granted, owners are expected to train and keep their dogs in check in these instances, but not every situation can be predicted or controlled unfortunately. Accidents do and will continue to happen. Shelter and rescue dogs are particularly prone to these fear based behaviours and those that care for them are to be particularly commended for having enough love in their hearts to adopt a dog with special needs. They do not come with a handbook or a known pedigree, often times their history of abuse and abandonment are unclear and it is sometimes only through trial and error that owners uncover their pet's deep seated issues and then try to work through them with more love and training. We need to support people trying to do the right thing, not punish them!
It is clear by the letters of support for Brindi and Francesca that many people agree with our position. Most are probably taking a wait and see approach as to the outcome. However, if it is unfavorable you can rest assured that people will take to the streets in large numbers since it will send a clear message that all pet owners are now at risk. People with animals will think twice about moving or visiting a place with such policies in place.
Please reconsider your involvement in this case and return Ms. Rogier's animal to her immediately. This has been mishandled from the beginning; however, it is never too late to right a wrong. Ms. Rogier and Brindi deserve as much.
Sincerely,
Preston Andrews, President
Dorothy Andrews, Manager
Linda Chalmers, Fundraiser and Volunteer
Kris Murdock, Fundraiser and Volunteer
Monday, January 12, 2009
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