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Gypsy 2006
with her trophy for Honorary Best of Show
from the Palmetto State American Pitbull Terrier Club

Gypsy continues to thrive and enjoy life!
Thanks to all of you who continue to remember her and ask about her.
Tri-County Animal Rescue

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September 5, 2005
Bunny is back in the hospital

Bunny the Pug
In mid-July, an abandoned pug was discovered in a parking lot in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The pug, later named "Bunny" by the Pug Rescue of North Carolina, was found with her vulva sewn shut. Veterinarian Dr. Jim Watson feels that Bunny had been bred many times, and it is suspected that she may have been part of a puppy mill.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), "puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers. The puppies are sold either directly to the public via the Internet, newspaper ads, at the mill itself, or are sold to brokers and pet shops across the country." Breeding dogs in puppy mills are bred over and over, and often discarded when they can no longer produce litters.

In Bunny's case, it appears as though thats exactly what has happened. After vets examined her, it was determined that she suffered from an inverted bladder, prolapsed uterus, a large cyst on her urethra, severe mastitis (infected breasts), a hernia in her diaphragm and extensive infection, and she tested positive for heartworm.

And unfortunately, Bunny's case is not unique. Our database shows at least 26 puppy mill cases reported so far this year in the US. In these cases, seizures range between 10 animals to over 300 animals, totaling more than 2,300 dogs removed from deplorable mill conditions just this year.

The Pet Animal Welfare Statute, PAWS, addresses this growing problem. PAWS requires breeders who sell directly to the public--whether through newspaper ads or the Internet or other means--and who raise seven or more litters of dogs or cats each year to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Without PAWS, many puppy mills will continue to escape inspections, and the dogs will continue to live (and die) in misery.

Speak Out and let your legislators know that you want to prevent the kind of cruelty that Bunny and so many others suffer through every year.
Visit the HSUS Paws Campaign Page to learn more and take action.
Read About Bunny's Progress
Source: Pet-Abuse.Com

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GYPSY

Gypsy Update
August 2005
Look at this girl!
What has happened to her is nothing short of a miracle!
Thank you, bless you,
to everyone involved....jj

Pit-bull horribly mutilated: Gaston County, NC - US
Aug. 25, 2005
Crime Date: April 11, 2005
Please Sign the Ongoing Petition
Vigorous Investigation of Dog-Fighting in Gaston County, NC
A horribly mutilated pit-bull, named Gypsy, was found on April 11, 2005 dumped on a main highway (Wilkinson Blvd) and her wounds appear to be the result of dog-fighting. We petition Hon. Michael K. Lands to vigorously investigate and prosecute dog-fighting crimes in Gaston County.
According to North Carolina state law Chapter 14, Article 47 (§ 14-362.2), this is a Class H felony case:
(a) A person who instigates, promotes, conducts, is employed at, provides a dog for, allows property under his ownership or control to be used for, gambles on, or profits from an exhibition featuring the fighting or baiting of a dog is guilty of a Class H felony. A lease of property that is used or is intended to be used for an exhibition featuring the fighting or baiting of a dog is void, and a lessor who knows this use is made or is intended to be made of his property is under a duty to evict the lessee immediately.
(b) A person who owns, possesses, or trains a dog with the intent that the dog be used in an exhibition featuring the fighting or baiting of that dog is guilty of a Class H felony.
(c) A person who participates as a spectator at an exhibition featuring the fighting or baiting of a dog is guilty of a Class H felony. (1997-78, s. 1.)
Source and Updates: Pet-Abuse.com

Tri-County Animal Rescue's New Url/Site
A Letter From Gypsy

Gypsy Update   7/29/05
"On Thursday, Gypsy went to her first public appearance since her surgery. We took her on a visit to a nursing home. Everyone was very nice to her and she loved meeting all of the people. She was even tolerant of the other dogs that were included in the visit. She got to eat sugar wafers in the dining room and tour the hallways, sticking her head in the laps of any wheelchair bound residents! Gypsy might be a little too exuberant for nursing homes!"

"Enclosed is a picture of her enjoying her cookies!
Everyone agreed that she is an amazing dog!"
Tri-County Animal Rescue
Alexis, North Carolina

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Gypsy Update - 5/19/05
"Our girl is coming home today! Apparently, she made quite an impression on everyone who met her in Knoxville and they were very sad to see her go. Gypsy still has some stitches and she is still taking some antibiotics, but we can take care of all that stuff in North Carolina. We have missed her so much! I'm attaching a picture taken yesterday. It's hard to believe that she is the same dog. Her beautiful personality is going to be matched by an equally beautiful face! Stayed tuned for more pictures as Gypsy settles into her life as a spokesdog for animal cruelty."
Tri-County Animal Rescue
Alexis, North Carolina

Gypsy Update: 5/16/2005
Just a quick update to let you know that Gypsy is doing fine. She developed a little infection around her spay scar (probably brought on from the stress of the reconstructive surgery, etc.), but they put her on some antibiotics and she was doing much better. Gypsy is still eating very well, and making many friends. Her "buttons" seem to be doing the job (holding her new lips in place), and they have been trying to make sure that she keeps the front area of skin on her upper lip dry so that it can heal better.
Again, thank you for caring about Gypsy.
Tri-County Animal Rescue
Alexis, NC

Gypsy Update - 5/12/05
"This is one of those occasions when a picture is worth a thousand words. I don't believe any of us could describe the joy we felt when we saw these first pictures of Gypsy after her surgery. Thank you for your prayers, your crossed fingers and your good thoughts."
Tri-County Animal Rescue
Alexis, NC

Gypsy Update 5/11/05
"Gypsy made it through surgery and now we will wait to see if her "facelift" takes. We should know more in the next couple of days. They had to do some extensive work on her sinuses--several of the bites had actually punctured the sinus cavities. No one was allowed to see her yesterday--they were afraid that she would try and stand up when she realized she had visitors and they want to keep her as quiet as possible. Hopefully, they will allow at least a brief visit this evening.
Keep your fingers crossed!"
Tri-County Animal Rescue Alexis, NC

GYPSY

Gypsy 5/04/05
Gypsy's reconstructive surgery has been scheduled. She leaves for Knoxville on Sunday, so that she can be at the University of Tennessee on Monday morning. Gypsy will be gone about 4-5 weeks and I'm pretty sure we're going to miss her--a whole bunch! I'm enclosing some pictures so that everyone can see how Gypsy continues to heal. The first was taken on Saturday, before she went for her debut. Gypsy is sitting in Joann's lap having her belly rubbed. Watch out, Joann, that's a pit bull you have in your lap!

Gypsy was "dog-napped" on Tuesday by one of our volunteers. They went to the park--Gypsy wanted to chase the ducks, but she's still trying to get the hang of being three-legged so the ducks were safe! Our volunteer reported that just about everyone who saw her at the park knew who she was including a police officer who said that seeing Gypsy in person would make him try that much harder to find the person responsible for her injuries.

Today, Gypsy went back to Eastridge Animal Hospital to be spayed (no more babies for her). She's staying overnight and then she'll be back with us until Sunday. Gypsy has another personal appearance scheduled for Friday at the Gastonia Boys and Girls Club. They've been raising money to help pay for her surgeries and they requested that she come and pick it up in person! Gypsy is more than happy to oblige!
Thanks for all that you have done and continue to do.
Tri-County Animal Rescue
Alexis, NC

Gypsy

A horribly mutilated pit-bull, named Gypsy, was found on Monday morning, April 11, 2005 in Gaston County, North Carolina. She had been dumped on a main highway (Wilkinson Blvd) that connects Gaston County with Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. Her wounds appear to be the result of dogfighting. Her injuries were so severe, her right-front leg had to be amputated due to the extent of mutilation and infection. According to reports, the flesh on her face was literally rotting off, and when she first arrived at Tri-County Animal Rescue, her mouth was "nothing but pus". Tri-County Animal Rescue stated that the dog was "a bloody mess" when she was found on the roadside. From the Tri-County website: "Gypsy had her leg amputated Monday the 18th 2005 and she is fighting for her life. Thanks to the skilled surgeons, Dr. McLean and Dr. Lowery at Eastridge Animal Hospital in Gastonia, and all the wonderful and loving vet techs at Eastridge who just go in and hold her paw or pat her or speak sweet kind words. It's amazing, but Cindy said she wagged her tail after surgery. Cindy and Dr. McLean say she hasn't given up and is fighting to stay with us.
pet-abuse.com Case Report
Posted: Apr 26, 2005
On April 26, Pet-Abuse.Com was contacted by Stephanie Hamlin, Assistant District Attorney for Gaston County in response to the hundreds of letters from the public they have received regarding the atrocities committed against Gypsy. In her letter, she stated that the members of the Gaston County District Attorney's office are very interested in prosecuting the Gypsy case. Tri-County Animal Rescue and Pet-Abuse.Com are currently working with the DA's office to assist them with recent leads, and we ask that anyone with additional leads or suspects please call Animal Control at 704-922-8677 or the DA's office 704.852-3113 . Letters to the prosecutor have poured in from all over the country, and some as far away as Canada, Japan and New Zealand. To read the action alert, or send a fax to the prosecutor right from the pet-abuse.com website click here.

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Mariah's Promise
Toni Phillips, Hero to Denver's Pit Bulls
IDA's Guardian of the Month for August:
Toni Phillips started rescuing dogs in 1990 after moving to a rural area in Dallas/Fort Worth, Tex. Having grown up in Seattle, Wash. and fresh from living in San Francisco, Calif., Toni had never before experienced the tragedy of finding dogs and puppies "dumped" along the highway in the remote country to survive on their own. She immediately began bringing these abandoned dogs home, an effort that was supported by her husband Mike, who quickly took an active role in the cause. The couple fostered and sought loving homes for all the deserted dogs they could find, and continued rescuing canines when they moved to Branson, Mo.

In 1998, the Phillips moved to Colorado, and in 2003 bought property in the forested mountains of Divide where they founded Mariah's Promise, a safe haven and sanctuary for dogs named for a five-week-old puppy who fought a losing battle against parvo when their land purchase was being negotiated. Located just south of Denver, Mariah's Promise was perfectly placed to become the hub of an urgent rescue mission when an indiscriminate ban on pit bulls began to tear beloved canine companions from their guardians in May 2005.

Toni and Mike heard in April that the ban would soon be reinstated, so they posted signs around Denver offering to find permanent homes for pit bulls with new families or temporarily foster people's dogs at their sanctuary until they could relocate to new cities. Sadly, just weeks later, many guardians stood helplessly by as their dogs were driven away in Denver Animal Control vans, the majority to be killed because of their breed. Dogs taken in by Mariah's Promise were the lucky ones, having survived the mass extermination that is still well underway in Denver. Mariah's Promise has so far saved the lives of 73 pit bull dogs and puppies victimized by the ban, with more arriving by the week. Of those, 22 have been given a fresh start in new, loving homes outside of Denver's city limits. Mariah's Promise has also worked with other no-kill rescue organizations outside of Colorado, transporting dogs across state lines to make room for the constant influx of Denver exiles, which will only increase should breed-specific bans pass in neighboring communities.

Toni and Mike have managed to keep Mariah's Promise going while simultaneously running a family business, and have built their "Denver Refugee Camp" (which includes numerous dog houses and kennels) from donations provided by generous dog lovers. With the long, cold winter on the way, Mariah's Promise is now focused on building 10' x 10' climate controlled doghouses with outside runs to keep the dogs warm through the frigid winter months. Seed money provided by the Max Fund was essential to get this project off the ground, but now the sanctuary needs all the funds they can get to continue saving the lives of as many dogs as possible.

To help pay for food, shelter, veterinary care and other necessary expenses,
please send checks to:
Mariah's Promise
4027 CR 5
P.O. Box 1017
Divide, CO 80814

You can also donate using your credit card on IDA's website at and designating "Mariah's Promise" or "pit bulls" in the First Name field of the "in honor of" section of the form.

Mariah's Promise has many loving dogs who need permanent, loving homes and families to take care of them.
Click Here to see a listing of their available dogs.

If you are interested in adopting a new friend, contact Toni at mariahspromise@msn.com
(719) 687-4568 or (719) 651-4733.

Learn more about the ban and the efforts being made to help pit bulls at idausa.org/denver.

In Defense of Animals/IDA is proud to salute Toni Phillips and recognize her dedication to dogs by naming her our Guardian of the Month for August 2005. Congratulations, Toni, and keep fighting the good fight!

Denver's Pit Bulls and Guardians Under Siege
Because They Registered Their Dogs in Accordance with the Law!
Please Read
FROM THE FRONT LINES
As of midnight on May 9, 2005, harboring a pit bull in Denver, Colo.
became a crime punishable by a $1,000 fine and possible jail time.
Since then,
Denver Animal Control (DAC) officials have gone door-to-door
seizing pit bulls from guardians who registered their dogs in accordance with the law.
And that is the least of it!
Many families have suffered helplessly as their beloved companions were led to a DAC van and taken away to be killed. A dog's only chance for reprieve then is for his or her guardians to convince someone living outside of Denver to sign an affidavit that they will adopt the dog upon release, but guardians have only a few days to arrange this before DAC takes the dog's life. Only by sending their dogs out of Denver or defying the ban and keeping them hidden can guardians protect their canine friends from execution.

The lives of hundreds of dogs have already been taken since the start of the ban, yet with an estimated 4,500 pit bulls residing in Denver, the killing may have only begun. In addition, Denver suburbs like Aurora and Commerce City are now moving to pass their own pit bull bans to prevent guardians from moving to their communities with their "dangerous" animals. This will only increase the number of innocent pit bulls killed out of breed-based prejudice.

In this dark time for Denver's pit bulls and their guardians, IDA's Rita Anderson is heading up the Pit Bull B.A.N.D'.s (Breed Awareness, Not Discrimination) "underground" rescue effort. She partners with Mariah's Promise, a sanctuary for dogs nestled among pine tress in the mountains south of Denver, to save as many pit bulls as possible. Sanctuary owners Toni and Mike Phillips are devoted to the dogs living there, whether they come from families who plan to take them back after moving out of Denver or they need new homes. Mariah's Promise has so far managed to rescue 60 canines since the ban became effective, but to continue coping with the demands of their devotion to Denver's demonized pit bulls, they need the help of dog lovers everywhere.

Mariah's Promise desperately needs money to pay for the dogs who are already at the sanctuary and to expand their capacity for taking in more needy dogs. Your donations will help pay for food, shelter, veterinary care and other necessary expenses.

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The Epidemic That's Killing Pit Bulls
Source: Badrap.org

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Please Support
Clayton County Humane Society
All Donations are Appreciated

Meet Jewel

"Jewel is a young Yellow Lab mix who recently came to live at CCHS. Jewel's previous owner had allowed Jewel's collar to become embedded in her neck. Now a resident at CCHS, we have become responsible for all of Jewel's medical care. Medical bills will be extensive, and CCHS is asking for financial help for Jewel's continued care."

Meet Lady

"Lady is yet another example of the many "special needs" animals so frequently taken in by CCHS. Until coming to CCHS, Lady had spent the first 5 years of her life on a chain, in a backyard, with no love or attention from her former owners. In the past 3 years Lady had been taken to the vet only once, and that was for MAGGOT REMOVAL. In her previous home, Lady was allowed to balloon to nearly 3 times her normal body weight. She also has a deformed foot which was never addressed by her previous owner."
Donations may be made through this link Clayton County Humane Society
or mailed to Clayton County Humane Society
7810 N. McDonough St.
Jonesboro, GA 30236

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Action Alert!
Pit-bull puppy severely beaten - Fairfield, OH
18 year old CHRISTOPHER ALLEN JONES was arrested on March 2, 2005 for brutally beating a pitbull puppy. Jones is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals and several other crimes.
In addition to the 4-month-old puppy that was discovered by residents of the Village Green on March 2, Jones also allegedly killed another dog on Jan. 6, according to Fairfield Police Department records. Jones was sent back to jail Thursday because he was considered a threat to his former girlfriend and her family. This case goes to court on March 30, so your immediate action is needed!
Click Here For Full Case Details
To contact the judge in this case:
The Honorable Judge Joyce A. Campbell
Fairfield Municipal Court
courts@fairfield-city.org
Telephone: 513-867-6002
Fax: 513-867-6001
4951 Dixie Hwy.
Fairfield, Ohio 45014

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Max the Dog Update
Watertown-WTNH, Mar. 11, 2005 Updated 12:30 PM
He attracted headlines in 2003 when he attacked a 12-year-old boy.
Now, Max the dog has attacked another child, prompting state officials to euthanize him.
Story by News Channel 8's Sonia Baghdady
Golden Retriever Had Previously Bitten Another Boy

California Residents: Help Stop Animal Fighting!
Listen up, Golden State animal advocates. Senator Nell Soto has introduced Senate Bill 156, which would strengthen animal fighting laws. The current law in California prohibits persons from causing or permitting animals to engage in fighting, as well as bans owning or training animals for those purposes. If passed, SB 156 would strengthen subsequent violations of these laws from a misdemeanor to a felony.
To help Senator Soto in her quest to end animal fighting in California, please visit the
ASPCA Advocacy Center today.
Don't live in California? Find out how to get involved in passing humane legislation in your state at the ASPCA Advocacy Center.
Source: ASPCA

Hip-hop mogul, entrepreneur, political activist, and animal lover Russell Simmons has joined the ASPCA in encouraging Americans to be vigilant for animal cruelty in their neighborhoods and to visit Cruel's Not Cool to learn how to identify animal cruelty.
Source: ASPCA

Tell Congress to Enact Tougher Penalties for Animal Fighting
Animal fighting, although illegal in virtually every state, is still prevalent throughout the country, fueled in part by a subculture naively fascinated with the illicit and thuggish nature of dogfighting. As the 109th Congress gets underway, we are determined to get the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act enacted, and we need your help more than ever.
On Tuesday, Senator John Ensign (R-NV) introduced S. 382 and Representative Mark Green (R-WI) introduced H.R. 817, a pair of bills known as the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act.The act will do two things: strengthen current federal law by authorizing felony-level jail time for the interstate and foreign movement of animals used for fighting, and ban the interstate and foreign commerce of the barbaric implements used in cockfights. Eleven senators and 26 representatives joined as original co-sponsors of the bill.

Clamping down on these brutal blood sports benefits both animals and humans:
Animals forced to fight are drugged to intensify aggression, and are frequently pushed to keep fighting even after suffering grave injuries.
Stolen pets are regularly used as "bait" to train dogs to fight, and some dogs are abandoned after being forced to fight for years, putting them and communities in jeopardy.
Cockfighting has been implicated in the spread of dangerous and costly diseases that kill poultry and can hurt people. (At least four children in Asia died from bird flu in 2004 due to cockfighting exposure.)
Animal fights are also frequently associated with illegal drug trafficking and acts of human violence.
It is critical that your federal legislators know that you oppose all animal fighting and that you want Congress to quickly enact this legislation.
Phone calls and personal letters on this issue will have the most impact. Thank you for taking action!
What We Can Do
» Contact your federal legislators today and urge them to co-sponsor the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act.
» Read more about the spread of animal fighting and how law enforcement is cracking down on it.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

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Christmas Returns Author Unknown
Santa comes quietly long before dawn
While shops are still busy and lights are still on
While dinners are cooking and kitchens are warm
And children count presents they’ll open by morn.

He slips past the trees in windows aglow
Through the gate to the backyard
As icy winds blow
To find the pup he brought last year
Chained up in the snow
And, kneeling, he whispers, “Are you ready to go?”

There are too many stops like this one tonight
Before the beginning of his regular flight
He leaves not a note or footprint in sight
Just an unbuckled collar
On a cold Christmas night...
please don't give animals as gifts. Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, ever.

~

BOOOOOO!! Happy Halloween! Love, Juju sorry if I scared ya! maybe I'll wear this instead

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Ten Year Sentence For Cruelty
Houston Chronicle, 2 Sept. 2004 AP
DALLAS

A 23-year-old Dallas man who unleashed his two pit bull terriers on a neighbor's dog and watched as they mauled the hound-Dalmatian mix has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined $14,000. Carey D. McMillian received the maximum possible sentence on Wednesday at the animal-cruelty trial.
A witness to the September 2003 attack in Pleasant Grove described seeing McMillian goad his dogs to attack and ultimately kill the dog named Cisco. "The only reason for killing Cisco was for his own perverse pleasure," lead prosecutor Rick Jackson said in closing arguments. "This case cries out for the max."
When the panting and exhausted pit bills let up, McMillian would grab Cisco and shake the dog to provoke the pit bulls to "tear the dog apart," the neighbor said. A neighbor surreptitiously videotaped a portion of the attack. Jurors watched the tape three times before deliberating for 30 minutes and returning a guilty verdict.
The charge of animal cruelty carries a maximum punishment of two years in a state jail, but the offense was enhanced to a third-degree felony after prosecutors proved that state law could define the two dogs as "deadly weapons," The Dallas Morning News reports in its Thursday editions. Jurors also found McMillian guilty of a lesser misdemeanor charge of dog fighting. "This happens every day, but in most cases it's not caught on tape," Ken Qualls, an investigator with the SPCA of Texas, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for its Thursday editions. "This shows that behavior like this will not be tolerated."

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Unchain Your Dog
Imagine being chained to a tree year after year. You watch the back door hoping someone will come out to play with you. No one ever does. You long to run and stretch your legs, but all you can do is pace back and forth over your small patch of packed dirt. Sometimes you get tangled up in your chain. You shiver in the winter cold and pant in the hot summer sun. Fleas biting your skin are a constant torture. Eventually, you give up hope...

Dogs Deserve Better
A nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing the chained dog, and bringing our 'best friend' into the home and family.

Legislation Against Chaining and Penning Dogs
Petition

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Puppy Max is finally home safe with his family.
6/17/04
A favorable agreement was reached that enabled Max to return home to his family today. At 1 pm, Mrs. Pyon picked Max up at the New Milford Pound, which has been his home for the last 4 months. ACO Audrey McKay, who has been his caretaker, packed a going away bag for Max with all of his favorite toys and treats. He left the shelter and headed for home to get reacquainted with the rest of the family.
Last Chance for Animals (LCA) came to the aid of Max and his family which not only saved Max's life, but two laws in Connecticut have been changed because of this unfortunate yet all too common problem.
The new laws are:
1. No longer can one person make the decision to kill someone's companion animal. Three people must examine the case before deciding the animal's fate.
2. An animal will never again await their fate on death row indefinitely. An agreement must be reached within 60 days.
This is not only important for Connecticut but it also sets precedence for other states. This scenario has educated many people about the perpetual problem of local government agencies stepping in and feeling like they have the power of life and death indiscriminately. Due to this family's love and dedication to their beloved family member, they were targeted but made the decision to stand up and fight, and with the help of LCA, wrong has been made right.
lcanimal.org

PUPPY MAX
Date: 6/4/2004
We would like to thank EVERYONE who came together to fight for Puppy Max. Your emails helped lay the groundwork for Attorney General Blumenthal to finally take a leadership role and save this precious pup! Today the Pyon's are relieved! Their beloved family member Max will live! Attorney General Richard Blumenthal facilitated a settlement prior to the hearing today and Max should be ready to go home with his family within the next few days. The agreement is not final but the state and the Pyon's, with the aid of Attorney General Blumenthal, are expected to sign an agreement later this afternoon. The agreement will have rules such as; Max will have to have obedience training, a microchip inserted under his skin for tracking purposes and he will be prescribed medication. Also, the State Senate finally passed the revision of the statute that held Max in custody for so long. This statute will be known as "Max's Law" and will go into effect immediately! From here on out, the state has only 60 days to go forward on a disposal hearing rather than an indefinite amount of time. By the time Max is released from death row, he will have spent seven and a half months behind bars away from his family.
What You Can Do:
Please write letters to Attorney General Blumenthal, thanking him for stepping up to the plate and once and for all, reuniting Max with his loving family.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
P.O. Box 120
Hartford, CT 06141-0120
Telephone: 860-808-5318
Fax: 860-808-5387
E-mail: attorney.general@po.state.ct.us
Source:
Last Chance for Animals
8033 Sunset Blvd. #835 · Los Angeles · CA · 90046 LETTERS NEEDED!
Deplorable Animal Cruelty
Urge Judge to REJECT Plea
On Tuesday, March 2, 2004, Robert Lamano will be sentenced for what a Salem County animal cruelty investigator called “one of the worse cases of animal cruelty [he had] ever seen.” Mr. Lamano pleaded guilty to animal cruelty earlier this year after his dog Reno was found near death with almost an entire roll of electrical tape wrapped around his muzzle-- unable to eat, drink or bark for help. Reno was also emaciated, with severe flesh decay and maggot infestation on his muzzle and face. His condition was so terrible that animal control officers were forced to euthanize him. Although Mr. Lamano most recently argued that he taped his dog's mouth shut to give him a bath, investigators find this a meaningless and implausible excuse considering the severity of the dog's condition. There is also no indication that Mr. Lamano made any effort to find his dog who was missing, and suffering, for reportedly three weeks.
WHAT WE CAN DO:
The Salem County District Attorney has reportedly offered Mr. Lamano a plea bargain of probation, community service and a small fine in exchange for his guilty plea. Please contact the Judge who will be presiding over the sentencing hearing and ask him to reject the plea agreement. Urge him to sentence Lamano to significant jail time and mandatory psychological counseling, and to order the immediate seizure of any animals currently under Mr. Lamano's "care." Please remember that polite and professional letters will be most effective.
The Honorable William L. Forester
State Superior Court
Salem County Courthouse
92 Market Street
Salem, NJ 08079
FAX 856-935-9238

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Update: Notorious Dogfighter Sentenced in Oklahoma
On Tuesday Feb 3, 2004, Oklahoma District Judge Donald Thompson sentenced a convicted dogfighter and his wife to a ten-year deferred jail sentence. James Fiarris, who is in failing health, was also ordered to pay $7500 in fines, serve community service, and was forbidden from owning or harboring any dogs for ten full years. Fiarris pleaded guilty to felony dogfighting charges earlier this year following a 2002 raid on his home is which 53 fighting dogs and dog fighting equipment were seized. Despite the gravity of the charges and conviction, a pre-sentence report given to Judge Thompson had recommended the deferred sentencing for the Fiarrises because of James Fiarris’ ill health.

Legislation Urgently Needed
Meanwhile, the federal bill to increase penalties for illegal dogfighting has been gaining steam in Congress. As of Wednesday (2/12), H.R. 1532 has 185 cosponsors in the House, while its companion bill, S. 736, has 47 cosponsors in the Senate. The bill has been endorsed by 148 law enforcement agencies. If passed, the legislation will create felony-level penalties for those convicted of the interstate commerce in fighting dogs and fighting cocks (currently, it is only a misdemeanor), and it will ban the interstate transport of tools used for animal fighting. The legislation is urgently needed to shrink the massive animal fighting industries.
Call your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators today and ask them to support H.R. 1532/S. 736
All Congresspersons can be reached through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and you can look up their names at Congress.org

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Taya Goes Home
After 4 Months in Solitary

Source: PitBullSaloon.com

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?
"The dog means nothing to me," the dog's owner, Veronica Copley, told NBC 17. "I mean, I loved that dog. He was a good dog, but you can't replace a child."

Investigation Continues:
"It doesn't add up," a neighbor said. "I guess I'm in disbelief that it actually happened." The neighbor lives in the same cul-de-sac as Hill's family and said the boy was timid and afraid of dogs. "When dogs were barking he got nervous and didn't want anything to do with dogs"

3-Year-Old Boy Found Dead Next to Pit Bull
ANDERSON CREEK, N.C. Jan. 14, 2003
A 3-year-old boy reported missing from his home was later found dead next to a pit bull chained in a neighbor's backyard. Authorities would not confirm how the child died or that a dog attacked him, but Sheriff Larry Rollins said Wednesday that he had "trauma to the body." Rollins did not identify the boy, but said he lived in the Anderson Creek community where his body was discovered late Tuesday. The child's mother said he wandered from home around 4:30 p.m. and that she called 911 to report him missing about two hours later.. A responding officer found the body shortly before 8 p.m. in the next-door neighbor's yard, authorities said. "He was found right there in the area of the chained dog," Rollins said.
A deputy had to shoot the dog to reach the body, the sheriff said. A second dog confined elsewhere on the property was not involved;it was being held at the county animal shelter, Rollins said. "All the kids knew they were mean dogs back there," said Jason Walden, who lives on the same street. The victim had been playing with Walden's 6-year-old son earlier Tuesday afternoon, Walden said. Deputies were interviewing the dog's owner, neighbors and the boy's mother. No charges had been filed Wednesday, but Rollins said a search warrant was obtained. "We're just putting the puzzle together to find out exactly what did happen," Rollins said.
...a different article had this to say: Authorities would not confirm how the boy died or that a dog attacked him. But they said the body was found between the dogs and that deputies had to shoot one of the dogs to get to the body.

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Dog Helps Youngster to Safety
A 3-year-old black and white pit bull resembling Pete the Pup from the 1940s "Little Rascals" shows grabbed the back of a girl's jacket and helped her out of a burning home Thursday night. After 6-year-old Autumn Marley alerted her mother that the Nordale Road home where they were staying was on fire, the dog--also named Marley, by coincidence--grabbed the girl as she struggled to get out the back door of the burning house and helped her to safety, said the dog's owner, Jennifer Ingram. "She's always been an awesome dog, but I didn't know she was capable to doing this," Ingram said of Marley, who she raised from a pup.

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Demand Justice for Oklahoma Animals
Pocola police officers found 24 pit bulls, many of whom were without water or food and displaying injuries consistent with dogfighting, in the yard of Matthew Campbell, who reportedly confessed to fighting the animals. We have learned that the LeFlore County District Attorney's Office does not plan to file charges. Please urge District Attorney Robert Wallace to vigorously prosecute all animal abusers, for the sake of his community as well as its animals.

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UPDATE ON CRUELTY CASE AGAINST OKLAHOMA DOGFIGHTER:
The sentencing for James and Jeanne Fiarris, the Salupa, Okla. couple who pleaded guilty to three felony dogfighting charges earlier this year, is scheduled for Friday, November 24. The Fiarrises were arrested last November after investigators found a blood-splattered dogfighting arena, dogfighting equipment and fifty-three pit bulls on their property. Although investigators confiscated the dogfighting equipment, they failed to confiscate the pit bulls and the Fiarrises subsequently sold off almost all of the dogs, most likely to other dogfighters. Although it is too late for the dogs who were sold, it is now essential that Creek County recognize and punish the inexcusable cruelty of organized dogfighting by imposing a significant sentence on the Fiarrises , who face up to ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine for each felony conviction.
WHAT WE CAN DO:
Write to the judge in this case and respectfully urge him to sentence the Fiarrises to considerable jail time and to prohibit them from owning or harboring animals.
The Honorable Donald Thompson
Creek County District Court
P.O. Box 1410
Sapulpa, Oklahoma 74067
FAX: 918-227-5030
(We might also recommend that next time, the dogs be confiscated.)

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BAD RAP
Demo Dog & Family Fired Upon by Oakland Cop

On September 3rd, 2003, during a routine stop to take a mugging victim's statement, Oakland Police Officer James Smith stepped inside the courtyard of a crowded apartment complex, and without warning, opened fire. His target was one of BAD RAP's finest demonstration dogs - Rupert. The bullet missed Rupert, ricocheted off the pavement, bounced off an awning and seared through the apartment building's wall, stopping just two feet away from a four month old infant. The child is the daughter of BR's co-founder Amber Niewold.
Source & Story   badrap.org

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Cop Shooting at Dog Almost Hits Baby
Television & Video   KRON.com

"While we sympathize with officers who have had bad experiences with dogs in the field,
we find it unconscionable that the OPD is using an example of the Jones incident involving a helpless little boy
and a drug dealer's defective guard dogs to justify this outrageous use of firearms against
demo-dog Rupert in a crowded apartment building.
We can only hope that the investigation into this shooting is thorough and fair.
Please help us ask that Smith be held accountable for his actions. Many thanks."

Contact info:
Title: Mayor Jerry Brown
Department: Office of the Mayor
Phone(510): 238-3141
Fax (510): 238-4731
Mayor's Email

Richard Word, Oakland Chief of Police
Phone(510): 238-3365
OPD Chief Word's Email

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Animal Fighting Law
On Tuesday (6/24/03), Florida governor Jeb Bush signed into law HB 1911,
a bill that makes it illegal not only to actively stage an animal fight,
but also to breed, transport, sell or possess any animal for the purpose of animal fighting (see HUMANElines Issue 246).
One day later, similar anti-cockfighting legislation was signed into law in Oregon.
Congratulations to hard-working activists across the country who worked behind the scenes to pass these important measures!
Source:HSUS

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Dogfight Trainer Gets 4 Years
NJ 5/31/03
A Superior Court judge yesterday doled out the stiffest sentence yet in the case of an illegal dogfight
in Dover Township -- four years in state prison and a $1,000 fine for a Camden man who admitted training the dogs to fight.
Judge Wendel E. Daniels imposed the sentence on Paris B. Dickerson, 36, for his role
in the Oct. 27, 2001, dogfight in a Route 9 warehouse.
Story & Source: Asbury Park Press

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CONGRATULATIONS!

"BAD RAP has received its 501c3 status from the IRS as of today! (5/21/03)
We'd like to think that the letter was mailed out on the day of the lunar eclipse.
A most auspicious 'birthday' for our pit bull group.
As always, thank you for believing in us!"
Donna Reynolds @ Badrap.org

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State Dogfighting Laws
Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia,
and the federal Animal Welfare Act prohibits the interstate transportation of dogs for fighting purposes.
Forty-six states have made dogfighting a felony offense,
42 states prohibit the possession of dogs for fighting, and 49 prohibit being a spectator at a dogfight.

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BANDIT

Update 5/22/2003
Coming Soon
Two police reports. One about Bandit, and one about Bandit's owners friend,
whose pit bull was shot one year ago, almost to the day, that Bandit was shot...
also by the Granby Police.

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Jody, I found this in this week's ASPCA Newsletter. I think we should order it for the Granby Police:
"WHAT DOGS TRY TO TELL COPS"
VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE
"Last January, the death of Patton, a bulldog/boxer mix, in Cookeville, TN, shocked the nation.
The friendly family dog died needlessly after being shot by a police officer.
His human family was mistakenly stopped when officers noticed money flying from the vehicle,
it was later found that the driver had accidentally left his wallet on the roof.
During the stop, Patton ran up to the officers with a wagging tail; tragically, he was killed with a shotgun.
To ensure that this never happens again, a new video is available to help officers correctly "read" a dog's behavior
and avoid using excessive force.
Produced by Ron Barber of "IN THE LINE OF DUTY," the 23-minute training video is designed exclusively for law enforcement officers;
it also features animal control officers plus ASPCA staff members.
For more information, or to order this video for your police department,
visit In the Line of Duty or call (800) 462-5232
Thanks to Peregolise.com

Attention Pit People! Emails Needed!
Go To:
Fox61 News@Ten website e-mail
"I am writing because I find it hard to believe that no one else has covered the story regarding the Granby Cop,
Officer Scirpo, who unjustly shot & killed a family pet, Bandit,
in the driveway of someone who was dog sitting him.
I believe Bandit was profiled because of his breed type, and without any regard for who the dog belonged to or how friendly he was,
he was just shot for breed discrimination.
This was an absurdly disgusting irresponsible act on the officer's part, and as far as we all know,
he has not received any reprimand due to his irresponsible actions.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could run a follow-up on this storyand what has become of Officer Scirpo if anything.
This is not something that can go unnoticed! If there is some sort of cover up, it's all the more reason it should be exposed.
An eye witness to the shooting has already been shut up by the Granby Police, and I find it hard to believe that the media was as well!
This could very well have been anyone's family pet, yours or mine.
My dogs are like my kids! I am utterly outraged that no one cares to cover this story and bring this cop to justice!"
Source: www.peregolise.com

BANDIT
Subj: Granby CT Cop Shoots Family's Pet Pitbull
Date: 4/30/2003
Dear Jody,
I thought you might like to post this story on your web site. Hopefully your wonderful visitors will INUNDATE Granby Town Hall & Police Department with letters of Protest.
This evening, Channel 61 WTIC-TV 10:00pm news did a report on the shameful shooting of a friendly pitbull by Granby cop, Frank Scirpo.
Lucia Zito was dog sitting a pitbull/ bulldog mix by the name of Bandit when she let him out into her back yard for a few
minutes while she was making dinner for her kids.
She heard three gun shots and went out to see what had happened, Granby Police "Officer" Frank Scirpo shot and killed Bandit.
The cop claimed that Bandit had been aggressive towards him. However, Lucia didn't even hear Bandit bark.
While Lucia was talking to "Officer" Scirpo, a motorist who witnessed the event stopped and asked why the cop had shot the dog.
When Lucia attempted to talk to the motorist, the police officers separated them and escorted the motorist from the scene.
Bandit was a friendly dog that may have barked at strangers, but would never have harmed anyone.
"Officer" Scirpo claims that he was responding to a complaint and that Bandit was aggressive, so he shot him.
This is not the first incident of this nature to have occurred in Granby that involves Granby Police indiscriminately shooting a dog that was someone's beloved pet.
Lucia Zito is trying to find the man who saw the incident so that she can bring out the truth about the whole incident
and force the Granby Police to take disciplinary action against "Officer" Scirpo. However, she is afraid that "Officer" Scirpo has intimidated the witness by hustling him off.
Granby Chief of Police is David Watkins.
Police phone number is 860-844-5335, fax number 860-653-2141.
Town Hall address is Granby Town Hall, 15 No. Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035.
If even a few people would send a letter or fax of protest to the Chief of Police or the Mayor, that would be absolutely wonderful.
As the owner of a pitbull who also lives in Connecticut, I feel that the prejudice that permits cops to shoot a dog based on it's
breed needs to be stopped here and now.
My thanks in advance for any help that you can lend to this situation.
(Name Withheld by JodysJungle.com)

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JUJUBE'S STORY

Do you ever feel like you need to be repotted?
Well, this year I certainly did! This has been a rough year for everyone, not just for me or my family, but the entire world. I want to share with you the story of how a sequence of events changed our perspective on how to handle life's root bounding issues.
Several years ago, my brother, Mark Ebner, won The Genesis Award for animal rights. Several weeks after the Award Show, Mark turned up at my front door with Roxy and Poor Boy, his rescue pit bulls. "Hey Heidi" he said, "I am in hiding, figured I would come over and stay with you guys for a few days". Baby brother has been "in hiding" before but never shown up with two pit bulls at my door. They stayed, of course, and I grew to love my brother's big baby dogs. Roxy had a history of battering and was about as neurotic as my brother or visa versa...but Poor Boy was secure and friendly, not happy unless he was inside your mouth looking out! My husband, Dea and I spent a lot of time "baby-sitting". We took them for walks and to a BBQ, they were great companions and fun to be around..big lovey pit bulls and a lot of dog. We decided then, when we were ready, we would adopt a rescue pit.

Skip ahead to almost a year later, I am trying to organize scrap books for my sons and realized I didn't have a copy of "Pit Bullies" to add. So I emailed my brother: "Can you send me a copy of "Pit Bullies" for the boys scrapbook"? Mark: "oh yeah, let me see if I have a copy" Never heard back. Asked again "yeah yeah I will check and get right back to you" After about the third or fourth request, I searched for the article online ....no copy anywhere...nothing...it became a mission....I pleaded and nagged. Me: "Bro your nephews want a copy!" Him: "oh yeah I forgot, let me see if I still have one"

During my online search...I literally stumbled upon the most amazing website, JodysJungle.com.
I was completely taken by this labor of love! This site has issues lined up so you have no excuse to do nothing and say "I wish I could help" because she makes it as easy as an email link to send a note on issues of animal rights. I contacted her about this award winning story and how I couldn't get my brother to send me a copy. She became interested in finding the article to put on her Against Dog Fighting page, then went on an internet search and even contacted the Genesis Awards people, who said they did also did not have a copy. She emailed Mark and managed to do in just a couple of days what I couldn't get done in several months, get a copy of the article. It's posted in full on her site, please check it out.
PIT BULLIES.

The ball was rolling, it was the catalyst for Dea and I to say...what are we waiting for? We had not had a dog since our dear one died several years ago..things had been miserable, rereading Mark's article stimulated us to "do something". We needed a dog in this house! We fixed the fence and secured the yard, then contacted PBRC listed on Jody's webpage.

Dea and I have been married almost 25 years and this year had to have been the worst. Mid-life maybe....no huge issues just little ones that had piled so high we could barely talk to each other. We had reached a wall that we could not seem to climb over. The time had come and we, without talking to each other, had started the adoption process with our letter to Anne at Seattle Purebred Rescue, the application was in...I was flirting with looking for an apartment...and not speaking to HIM..and he was not speaking to ME.

We got a call one night from Mary, who is the foster parent of a beautiful American Staffordshire, "you know I do not want to sway you, but you really need to see this dog, she sounds perfect for you!" We had requested a female dog a year old or more. She had to be good with people, kids visiting and other dogs. We set up a visit and the search stopped! Mary introduced us to a match made in heaven. "Penny" now known as "JuJube" was beside herself with joy at meeting us, she was not at all apprehensive or shy when meeting my husband and sons.(they are huge guys)....she just greeted us with a smile and then gave us a show of how wonderful she was over the next two hours on the living room floor. That was it. No more looking ....we all agreed and finished the adoption process.

We now are the proud family of this amazing girl. She is a mystery. Someone has spent a lot of time working with her. She is perfectly house broken and her behavior is wonderful although she has serious abandonment issues and separation anxiety! But we are working at that...she is still "a lot of dog," has not ever been abused that I can see or sense from her behavior.

She does have issues with cats and seems to just "NEEEEED TO HAVE THE KITTY!!!"
I have never seen a dog wail, sob and throw a tantrum like she does! Picture a 250 lb man carrying a 51 lb pit bull over his shoulder, crying and screaming into 'time out' when she can not chase a cat. (When she finally caught a stray in our back yard she just batted it, no aggression.) . This is all getting better with consistency.

To make a long story a bit shorter...when we brought her home she kept herding Dea and I together. When he went into another room she brought him back and was not happy unless the three of us were close. We forgot we were miserable, wounds healed and we talked a lot more. She does not like tension and helps us to stay calm and not snap at each other. The comfort and therapy we gain from having this snuggle pit in our lives has saved hundreds of dollars in therapy! (That and disconnecting the cable tv!) We did not "rescue" her, she "rescued" us....my motives for having her in our home are totally selfish ones...I work as a nurse and care for others all day, when I get home she takes care of me!

After a week of her living with us, we had a tremendous tragedy, my son found a dear friend of ours dead in her home
and there are reasons things happen.

JuJu came into our lives, calmed us down and helped us prepare for an event that turned our lives upside down. She is just a dream and all I can say is I highly recommend adopting a dog from a rescue organization, it is far more long lasting and cost effective in the end. Thank you to all of you who work so hard at fighting for those who have no voices of their own... they can not vote or protest or email ...however we can, and have to continue for the cause... speaking of the cause...Here is an idea, lets get Mark in the fight again! His email is ebner59@aol.com. Let's ask him to please do another article on the cruelty of pit bull fighting, we need him to stir up some more attention, to use his talent for this cause. In the name of Jujube, Roxy, Poor Boy and all of the unfortunate dogs who were not, and will never be, rescued.
Hope this inspires
with love and peace to all of you,
Heidi
and Jujube

Juju Update
10/29/03

Needless to say, I do not approve of animals wearing costumes, let alone vegetables on their heads, but look at how cute my niece is!
I love you, Juju!
I must also pass along this little story, just to let everyone know how Juju and her family are getting along. (I wouldn't want you to think they torture her constantly with bunny ears and pumpkin heads)
"JuJube and I were cuddled in bed....she snuggled up to me and pushed that big fat nose on my cheek while I was reading and stared at me, eyeball to eyeball, she would not move, she was just mashing her nose on my cheek and fixated on my eyeball, wagging her tail but keeping perfectly still...I could not read...how do I describe this dog?????"
(Heidi, I wonder if this was before or after you put a pumpkin on her head?
Hmm..let me guess.....)

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NIKE UPDATE
4/05/03: Nike Lies About Pulling Ad ...Nike is reporting that the ad with the dog fight spot has ended. But don't be fooled! The ad timed out of its previously scheduled airtime in some parts of the country, but in other areas, the ad is going strong. Emails to BAD RAP tell us that 'The Battle' is airing in Northwest Washington/Southwest British Columbia, with dog segment intact. Nike continues to ignore the thousands that wrote and phoned to complain. As of this writing, Nike has made no attempts to make ammends. Please join us in demanding that they donate part of the profits made from "The Battle" campaign to humane welfare education efforts. After weeks of exploiting these animals in the name of sneaker sales, its the very least they can do.
Source: BadRap.org

Action Alert! - "The Battle"
Nike Uses Violent Image of Dogs Facing Off to Sell Shoes
Oregon Ad Agency Wieden & Kennedy launched an ad campaign for Nike entitled "The Battle" which shows young men engaged in heated bball games on the courts. An attractive ad, 'til it flashes to a provocative image of a rottweiler and pit bull facing off, presumably getting ready to "Battle".
With abuses suffered against these dogs at an all time high, its no stretch to see that every young person who eyeballs this otherwise very enticing ad will be supported in believing that facing off dogs is as American as Apple Pie as Basketball as Nike sneakers. And who could blame the kids for being influenced? The ad is full of cool looking role models -- the kind any street kid would love to emulate.
Story and Source: BadRap.org
Downloadable Postcards and Nike's Address

Over The Edge
Nike commercial's dog-fighting imagery is offensive, not edgy.
"And why stop at urban culture and why stop at Nike? That company has set a standard for TV advertising that other companies are always trying to imitate. Why not just parade every available repulsive image across American TV screens to sell products?
How about an image of an older couple waking up in the middle of the night with soiled sheets? Depends.
Maybe images of nightclub fires for a Blockbuster campaign to convince people to stay home on Friday nights and rent videos instead of going out.
How about we just cultivate every available taboo and parade them on TV to sell products to children? How about we have no sense of restraint in the brandishing of images? How about we just have no clue about how disgusting dog fighting is and how demeaning it is to connect it to legitimate consumer goods and to show that it's all just a part of American urban street culture -- like it's rap or double-dutching."
Chris Rose
The Times-Picayune
February 25, 2003

BAD RAP's Latest Pit Bull Related Happenings.

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Email: 2/28/03 Deadline - Illinois Pit Bull Case
Forget the deadline, write anyway!
SOURCE: suburbanchicagonews.com
Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Complex
18 N. County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085-4351
Phone: 847.377.2000
Email: statesattorney@co.lake.il.us

Maximum penalty for Arthur Mitsias and Jason Mitsias
To Whom It May Concern:
The following letter accurately expresses my views regarding this issue.
I am writing in reference to Jason Mitsias and his father, Arthur Mitsias, who are charged with animal cruelty and suspected of running a pit bull training facility.
When deputies raided the property of Jason and Arthur Mitsias, they discovered 16 injured, dehydrated and malnourished pit bulls chained to stakes, some with apparent fighting wounds stapled closed. Police found several areas believed to be small fighting rings and equipment used to train the dogs to fight. Social scientists and law enforcement officials have identified animal abuse as a symptom of emotional illness and a precursor to violent crimes against human beings. As a society, we must call a halt to the acceptance of cruelty to animals and enforce a policy of harsh punishment for these crimes. To allow individuals guilty of perpetrating such cruel acts to go unpunished or not sufficiently punished would be to sanction these horrific crimes. I encourage you to prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
Thank you in advance for your efforts regarding this very serious matter.
Sincerely...

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URGENT:
Officials Allow Alleged Dogfighter to Regain Custody of Pit Bulls
2/14/2003
Last November, undercover agents in Creek County, Oklahoma, discovered a dogfighting pit on James Fiarris’ property. News media reported that officials seized 30 pit bulls from the property and charged Fiarris with 53 felony counts. Now, unbelievably, officials recently returned the dogs to Fiarris! Please contact officials and urge them to stop this transfer. Tell them that you realize that the dogs may be euthanized if they are placed in the county’s custody but that even a painless, humane death is preferable to death in a dogfight.
Source: PETA
Please go here and write letters, send emails, protest.

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Man Jailed for Dog Fighting
Schenectady, NY resident Thomas Provencher, who pled guilty last month to running a pet store that served as a front for dog fighting, has been imprisoned for a term of from 2 1/3 to seven years.
Associated Press 1/23/03

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OKLAHOMA DOG FIGHTING VICTIMS STILL SUFFERING:
A major dogfighting bust in Creek County, Okla. has resulted in the confiscation of firearms, illegal drugs, and dogfighting equipment-- but not of the 53 dogs, many of them injured, who were used and abused in illegal dogfighting tournaments. Instead, while the dogfighting case is pending, the dogs remain on the property and at the mercy of the people who abused them in the first place. Creek County law enforcement officials say that the case against James and Jeanne Fiarris is the first time the felony dogfighting law has been applied in the county since it was enacted in 1961. Citizens are grateful that these charges have been brought in a gruesome case of animal fighting. However, in order to prevent the dogs from being sold off to other dog fighters (fighting dogs can go for several thousand dollars in underground fighting circles), it is imperative that the Creek County District Attorney’s Office act now to get a court order to protect the dogs while the case is being prosecuted.
WHAT WE CAN DO:
Contact the Creek County District Attorney regarding the case against James and Jeanne Fiarris. Let him know that dogfighting has dangerous implications for his community and that you expect a full and aggressive prosecution. Also please stress the additional importance of making sure that the true victims in this case—the scores of mistreated pit bull dogs -- are not sold to other dogfighters, completely undermining the intent of Oklahoma’s dogfighting law.
Mr. Max Cook
Creek County District Attorney
222 E Dewey Rm 302
Sapulpa, OK 74066
Phone: 918-224-3921
Fax: 918-227-6346
Source: HSUS

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1/14/03
As a result of his investigations of animal cruelty in 1996, Mark Ebner won the Genesis Award for his syndicated newspaper article "PIT BULLIES"
JodysJungle.com presents this article, in its entirety, with the permission of the author.

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