tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73707769702916997862024-03-12T15:56:45.907-07:00SAVE SIDNEYOn July 4th, Sidney, a gentle 8-year-old greyhound/terrier dog with a perfect record, was approached from behind without any warning by a man walking two dogs in downtown DC at night. Sidney, unfortunately, did what many dogs would do and bit the dogs who entered his space within close range by surprise. Now DC is on a track to put Sidney to death. Please read this blog and do what you can to help save Sidney. Thank you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-11285881995255704482007-08-08T17:28:00.000-07:002007-08-12T08:17:39.353-07:00Sidney is Free - Thank You, World<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;">At 7:24 p.m. on August 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, Sidney, unshackled from his allegorical paw-cuffs and thinner than he was before, along with Eric, Belinda and Ruby, jumped into their old white car at the New York Avenue Animal Shelter, and began their 5-hour trip back home to Brooklyn, New York.<span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Sidney is now free</span>, or as free as a dog can be. And he is free only because of his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">indefatigable</span></span> guardians, Eric and Belinda, his capable animal lawyer, Sean Day, Channel 7 and The Washington Post, and the hundreds --- maybe thousands --- of people from around the world who sent messages of support to blogs, the media and officials in the DC government.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;"><br />But thanks also must go to Judge Jesse P. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Goode</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, who, by ordering the Department of Health to go back to working this matter out as they should have before it got to him, saw precisely what was going on; to Google (you guys deserve every penny you earn, and your stock options too); and, of course, to Oprah.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;">(Oprah? Why Oprah? She didn't do anything, did she? Well, you be the judge. Six hours after the "mayor" acknowledged in writing that he would follow Sidney's troubles and wished us well with our letters to Oprah, Sidney was freed, despite the Department of Health's refusal earlier in the day to continue discussions with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sidney's</span> guardians --- as the judge had ordered --- and decision to defer to the judge's decision.)<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">As Sidney's car started to pull out of the animal control center, Belinda leaned out of the car and said to me, "I wish we could take all the pit bulls in there with us." I turned to her and said, "You are, in your heart and in the legacy Sidney will leave behind."</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Five photos of Sidney's release from the pound and his last moments in DC <span style="font-style: italic;">forever</span> are shown in the next posting. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DC's</span> Channel 7 (shown in photo 1) ran a piece several hours after Sidney's first taste of freedom in 36 days and last look at DC, which he had to agree to in order to get his freedom. (Of course, the DC government had to get something in order to justify the egregious waste of precious taxpayer resources that were spent on this case, and Sidney, as a dog, was only too happy to oblige. But since the agreement was nothing more than what Eric and Belinda were more than willing to sign on July 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, this does <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">raise</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">question</span>, What the heck was going on here?)<br /><br />Since we had never met Eric, Belinda or Sidney before, we were struck by two things when we got our first glimpse of Sidney last night. What a handsome dog he is. We fell in love with the guy the first moment we set eyes on him. But also, we were struck by what a <span style="font-style: italic;">wimp</span> the guy is. We were expecting, well, as <span style="font-style: italic;">The Washington Post</span> called him, a "bruiser." If the city councilman who pressed for Sidney's incarceration and death was going to use <span style="font-style: italic;">him</span> as his poster dog for banning pit bulls from the city, he would have been the laughing stock of the whole city.<br /><br />On a serious note, all of us in DC and perhaps in the United States owe Sidney a huge debt of gratitude. In DC, he unearthed some serious flaws in our process of government, flaws that need to be addressed very soon, and that's where this Blogger --- and others --- will now turn. Sidney's --- and his guardians' --- departure from the city should have taken place 35 days ago, and that's the precise measure of the flaws that need repair.<span style=""> </span>Beyond that, Sidney also unearthed some very serious flaws in the Dangerous Dog Acts sweeping the country, where good, innocent dogs are getting caught in the strong jaws of those Acts simply because of complaints that should have been resolved long before they wasted precious government resources, drained the emotions and resources of responsible owners, and condemned otherwise innocent dogs to lives behind bars (or muzzles) or death. I have already communicated my strong concerns to the Humane Society of the United States, <span style=""> </span>which has drafted a Model Dangerous Dog Act that needs critical reworking it. There is no question but that dog bites are a terrible thing, no matter who is the victim. There is also no question but that dangerous dogs can be a problem. But as long as dog owners will be careless, our authorities need to be able to recognize accidents from problems, and even then it is not the dogs that we need to be targeting primarily, but irresponsible --- especially chronically irresponsible --- owners and the social problems that give rise to the irresponsibility in the first place. Fortunately, there are good people working very hard at finding appropriate solutions, and animals everywhere are benefiting.<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Again, this Blogger --- for Sidney --- wants to thank the numerous people from around the world who responded to our pleas, especially the many people with whom we communicated directly by phone, e-mail or on the street.<span style=""> </span>You all know who you are.<span style=""> </span>Also, we want to thank the lawyers, animal advocates, philosophers and plain old dog lovers who helped us with this blog.<span style=""> But i</span>t wasn't our blog or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sidney's</span></span>; it was every dog's and dog lover's blog.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">One final comment. My final words to Eric and Belinda as they pulled out of the animal control center were really for Sidney. I simply said, "On behalf of all of us in Washington, I apologize for the way you were treated by our authorities simply for being a dog." (I should have said, ". . . simply for being a pit bull mix.") Then, in my unofficial capacity as nothing in particular, I pardoned him.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Thank you, World.<span style=""> </span>Thank you, Eric and Belinda, for letting us interpose ourselves in this matter. And thank you, Sidney.</p> <p face="georgia" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p face="georgia" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">P.S.</p> <p face="georgia" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p face="georgia" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">If you wish to leave Sidney good wishes for his life back in Brooklyn, please post a comment to this posting and I will get it to him.<span style=""> </span>If you wish for it to remain private, say that and I will respect that.<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:12;color:black;" >Also, Eric and Belinda have asked that everyone who sent their support for Sidney, to please consider donating whatever you can to your local animal shelter.<span style=""> </span>And please ask them to behavior test every dog for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">adoptability</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, even the pit bulls.<br /><br />You might wish to send a letter to DC Mayor Fenty thanking him for his role in Sidney's release, but asking him to make sure that he puts in place the proper precautions to make sure what happened to Sidney does not happen again. A suggested letter is shown in <a href="http://savesidney.blogspot.com/2007/08/appendix-8-suggested-letter-to-mayor.html">Appendix (8)</a>.<br /><br />Eric and Belinda asked if they could post a letter here to Washingtonians after they get back home, and I agreed. It will appear in the next posting.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br />"Please keep your dogs on 6-foot leashes and under control at all times; and your governments too."<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />This Blog has officially ended. However, it will remain here as a reminder that things are not always what they appear to be on the surface and that our government officials are accountable to the people. Individuals postings may change from time to time to correct (or add) any (new) material facts and opinions and conclusions of this blogger. Appropriate, intelligent comments will be welcome also, but moderated by Blogger, of course.<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial;">No animals were harmed or killed in the making of this blog</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:12;color:black;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="">"My life is full of meaning to me. The life of every living creature must be full of significance to itself." Albert Schweitzer<br /><br />"Evil happens when good people do nothing." Edmund Burke<br /><br />"Good happens when evil people do nothing." Blogger<br /><br />"The way to change the world is not by passing more laws and regulations that malevolent people can use for their own purposes, but by educating and informing people. People want to do what is right." Blogger<br /><br />"The way you save the world is by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">saving</span> one living <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">creature</span> at a time." Blogger<br /><br />"There is nothing more satisfying in life than lending to a voiceless creature your own voice (or hand), especially when someone is trying to harm that creature." Blogger<br /><br />"Things are never what they appear to be a first, especially in the fog of war." Common Sense<br /><br />"The only one who really knows what is going on in the mind of a dog, is a dog." Anon.<br /><br />"When two gorillas get ready to fight, they throw dust at each other." Robert A.G.Monks, consumate shareholder activist.<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >This Blog is dedicated to Duke, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Maximus</span></span></span>, and Shana, and to all abused and homeless animals everywhere, and that includes pit bulls. </span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-67201296437478433412007-08-08T16:27:00.000-07:002007-08-12T15:44:48.743-07:00Photos of Sidney's Release<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n-XEUVnCG6uHBXxD7ez9FF9NmzafSUzBT1Mv_6ZHF-3V8OLBiyPSxMs7-f-QgXgIb8b-K8s-vq_Roxv1WXtKdnNdOMZIyreN1DOW-AH7olzul9hJnpZDYo8J5gQ7CjQmtp-enIbrpXo/s1600-h/composite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n-XEUVnCG6uHBXxD7ez9FF9NmzafSUzBT1Mv_6ZHF-3V8OLBiyPSxMs7-f-QgXgIb8b-K8s-vq_Roxv1WXtKdnNdOMZIyreN1DOW-AH7olzul9hJnpZDYo8J5gQ7CjQmtp-enIbrpXo/s400/composite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097948112643744818" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;" face="arial" class="MsoNormal">(Photos by Blogger. Please click on the photos to enlarge.)<br /></p> <p face="arial" class="MsoNormal">1- Eric (on far side of camera) and Belinda (with Ruby) waiting for Sidney's release (Sean Day, Sidney's lawyer is to the left).</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" face="arial" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal">2- Sidney greeting (if that's the word) Eric upon his release.*</p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">3- Sidney looking up to Eric for his first command in 36 days.<span style=""> </span>We can only imagine what Sidney was thinking: "When can we get out of Dodge?" Our best guess is that you are looking at a dog who is truly experiencing joy.*<br /></p> <p face="arial" style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">4- The first thing Sidney did upon getting in the car was to hit the driver's seat.<span style=""> </span>I think we know what he was thinking at this point.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">5- After Belinda took the driver's seat, Sidney started making his first real bed in 36 days.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> * Please look at the wall to the left in photos 2 and 3. There are perhaps a few dozen dogs and cats behind that wall who have no one like Eric and Belinda to care for them. The lucky adoptable ones may make it out, others will not. Pit bulls, by the District's policy, are not tested for adoptability, so they never make it out and are euthanized. DC is not going to change that policy unless we force that change and accept the responsibilities that go along with that. The solution is not to ban pit bulls from the District as one city councilman wants to do, because then some other dogs will suffer the same fate as pit bulls. The solution is to educate people on the responsibilities involved with dog ownership. Can anyone remember when they last saw a public service advertisement on that subject?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-21430728055142008902007-08-02T14:10:00.000-07:002007-08-13T13:01:36.521-07:00Letter from Belinda and Eric<p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" >To All Those Who Visit This Site:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" >First of all we’d like to thank the citizens of Washington D.C. and everywhere else for their support and fortitude.<span style=""> </span>We cannot thank you enough.<span style=""> </span>Your letters, calls and e-mails contributed greatly to freeing Sidney on August 8th.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" >Sidney is back home in Brooklyn enjoying his old routine, sitting in the sun on the pillows in the windows around our home, taking walks to the local park and playing with his ball and toys.<span style=""> </span>We are so grateful to be back in New York as a whole family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><br />Sidney's case sheds light on the well-known flaws with the Dangerous Dog Act that is going beyond its purposes and is pulling in and destroying innocent animals because authorities do not take the dog themselves into consideration.<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" >This whole experience brought home for us the plight of animals in shelters, especially Pit Bulls and other gorgeous dogs with Pit Bull in their mix. <span style=""> </span>The saddest thing for us each day was seeing good dogs walked by Sidney's cage to their deaths all because they were unlucky to be born in D.C. with Pit Bull in their mix. <span style=""> </span>We wish we could have taken all of them with us back to New York. It is up to each one of us in our communities to change that.<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" >There is a quote that a friend illuminated for us that went something like: "Just as my life has full meaning to me, so also the life of every living creature must have full meaning to itself." Before the incident of July 4th, we never really could know what that quote meant. Now we do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><br />We hope we can return the help sometime for someone from Washington D.C. stranded in New York.<span style=""> </span>We are thankful to live in a city where all dogs are treated with respect and protection.<span style=""> </span>We only hope that our country can turn itself around and move forward toward a more humane and compassionate society.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" >For the love of all animals, we’ll remain yours sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><br />Belinda Blum and Eric Wallach<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" >Sidney’s Guardians<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-size:18;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:18;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Brooklyn, New York</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-60677354850532270012007-08-02T14:00:00.000-07:002007-08-11T09:07:51.076-07:00Latest Musings of Blogger; (formerly Latest Status Updates)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">If you are new to this blog, you might wish to read the</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://savesidney.blogspot.com/2007/07/please-helkp-save-sidney.html"> Please Help Save Sidney</a> posting (below) first for Background.<br /><br /></span><em>This posting was formerly used for daily updates to and musings about Sidney's situation. Now that Sidney's own case is over it will no longer be used for updates, but it will continue to be used for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blogger's</span> various musings about the larger issues that remain to be addressed, which was really the reason we stepped in in the first place. In particular, it will be used to answer the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">questions</span>, Why did things go so terribly wrong in the DC government regarding this case and what can be done to prevent a recurrence of those things in the future? The DC government, acting in the name of the law and public health, committed, in my estimation, a serious breach of ethics, which caused <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">grievous</span> harm to individuals (on top of the suffering involved in the accident itself), wasted precious government resources, and brought adverse publicity on the city. Because I believe this, because of what I know, albeit as an outsider, and because it will happen again unless remedied, it would be wrong of me to turn my attention away from this now just because Sidney is back home. Granted, it appears that some of this breach was due to a bad law that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DoH</span> is obligated to enforce, and probably does so correctly most of the time, but that is only part of it. Perhaps I know more than others; perhaps I do not know enough. Whatever the truth, this blog will continue until I am satisfied that I have done all I can do to inform those who can close those gaps or become enlightened myself.<br /><br />My strong sense, after seeing the overwhelming response from compassionate people everywhere, is that most people agreed that there was something wrong going on here. But I am not too sure those in authority understand this.<br /></em><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >PUZZLING FACTS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS CASE THAT STILL NEED TO BE EXPLAINED</span></span><span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />Why did Blogger, who did not know any of the people (or dogs) connected with this case, spend so much time on this? What did he know that others do not?<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />More coming soon. Please standby.<br /></span></span></span><br /><br />Update as of Wednesday August 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span></span></span>, 3:00 p.m.<br /><br /></span><span>1- There is nothing significant to report. Eric and Belinda are now in their 36<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span></span></span> day of what we believe amounts to false imprisonment in DC as Sidney remains impounded while the DC government goes about business as usual. (Who in their right mind would leave their greyhound-pit bull mix dog in a pound that euthanizes pit bulls and pit bull-mixes every day as a matter of policy?) Therefore, if you have not sent the Mayor an e-mail or fax today along the lines of <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://savesidney.blogspot.com/2007/08/appendix-8-suggested-letter-to-mayor.html">appendix (8)</a></span>, please consider doing so now, and ask your friends to do so too. The mayor campaigned that he would be open to involvement of citizens and new ideas in his administration, and here's his chance to prove it. Thank you.<br /><br />Incidentally, despite your many messages to the mayor and others, from our vantage point and from what we have learned and confirmed from some we see no reason to have any optimism about the outcome of Sidney's case. Except perhaps for Judge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Goode's</span></span></span> perceptive realizing what was going on, there is no indication to us that the city government knows how to handle matters of this sort. If there is an adverse ruling in Sidney's case, an appeal could take a year or more, and Sidney would languish in the pound all that time just as he is now. Of course, this raises two questions many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">commenters</span></span></span> have asked: Why is this terrible waste of resources going on when Sidney was leaving DC anyway? and Why didn't the issues of provocation (e.g., sudden invasion of space, etc.) and what the scene looked like from Sidney's standpoint come out at his expensive trial? Since the fundamental purpose of this blog is to free Sidney, it would serve no purpose answering them here now, but the answers to those questions became evident to us from the beginning, and they will be answered, whether Sidney is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">acquited</span></span></span> or put down.<br /><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-size:130%;">2- Several people have written to us that they have contacted Oprah (who, we understand, loves pit bulls) about putting Sidney's plight on her show. They suggested that others might do the same. For the specific page to submit your idea <a href="https://www.oprah.com/plugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond&plugId=B2100004">click here</a>. Or you can go to Oprah's home page at <a href="http://www.oprah.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">oprah</span></span></span>.com</a>, then go to "Be on The Show" and then "Your Idea for a Show" buttons. Be sure to state, however, that this matter is not about Sidney alone, but about all dogs wrongly caught in the Dangerous Dog Act and, more important, weak links in our process of government in general.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Previous updates that we are leaving up for the time being<br />. </span><br />Update as of Tuesday, August 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span></span></span>, 4:00 a.m.<br /><br />1- </span> Unfortunately, we have no changes from last evening's report to report at this time.<br /><br />2- Please send Mayor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Fenty</span></span></span> one last plea for him to take charge of Sidney's fate. A suggested letter to the mayor with his contact information is shown in appendix (8) at the very bottom of this blog <span style="font-weight: bold;">(</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://savesidney.blogspot.com/2007/08/appendix-8-suggested-letter-to-mayor.html">or click here</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">)</span>. The letter lays out very vividly why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">DC's</span></span></span> pressing this case is wrong. If you wish, send copies of the letter to others mentioned in the main blog.<br /><br />3- We added the names of three more contacts for this matter in the main ("Save Sidney") posting below to include<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Lisa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">LaFontaine</span></span></span> (</span>who has a pit bull dog herself), who will take over as head of the Washington Humane Society in October; T<span style="font-weight: bold;">he Humane Society of the United States, </span>which has published the Model Dangerous Dog Act that has been unevenly enacted or unfairly administered in a number of jurisdictions; and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Honorable Charles J. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Willoughby</span></span></span></span>, the DC Inspector General, who is responsible for investigating fraud waste and abuse in the DC Government (at a minimum, this is a terrible case of waste of precious DC resources, when it could have been settled in one day had there not been political intervention to press for Sidney's death).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Update as of Monday, August 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span></span></span>, 6:30 p.m.<br /><br /></span>1- Unfortunately, we have no changes to the previous report to report at this time. But thanks to all who have sent letters to the Mayor and other government officials. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Let us rephrase that. <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Thanks to all the compassionate, thinking and understanding people from around the globe who have sent letters and messages. (Please keep them coming.) Let's hope they have some impact on convincing the government of the US capital city to do what is right. That is why we are here, and that "we" includes you. If Sidney is freed, we are all freed.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><br />2- Channel 7 in DC had a piece on Sidney's situation on the 5:00 news tonight (Monday). But please keep in mind that the real report was not about Sidney alone, but the strong jaws of the Dangerous Dogs Acts here and all across the country that are trapping good dogs. Sidney is not the only good dog that got caught in those jaws. By the way, we just read a piece on the Internet that the sponsor of the strict Dangerous Dog Act in New Mexico was just bitten by a dog himself, <span style="font-style: italic;">his own dog</span>. <a href="http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/33770.html">(Read that story here.)</a> We also read another piece that a man entering a house was viciously attacked by a pack of dogs, all Chihuahuas. Does anyone else see what we are getting at with the blog?<br /><br />3- Those of you who are both lawyers and dog behaviorists in this country and know the facts in this case will appreciate this: The Model Dangerous Dog Act (see appendix 1) provides for a number of exceptions in naming a dog a dangerous dog (as the District petitioned to do with Sidney) and subject him/her to the strict --- if not fatal --- consequences of the Act. One very interesting exception is this: "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">§ 4. No dog shall be declared a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog if (c) The dog was: (2) Protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an attack or assault."</span> Now do you know why we started this blog? Again, you must be a lawyer and animal behaviorist to understand the full implications of that to the present case, but if you are neither of those, then being a compassionate, thinking person will be sufficient. In either case, take that "exception" and go read the facts in the case in he main posting, and when you do, put yourself in Sidney's shoes, we mean paws.<br /><br />4- After Sidney's case is long over with, however it ends, we animal advocates have some work cut out for us in DC. We suspect have a problem here and it is not (only) with dangerous dogs we are afraid.<br /><br />5- What is puzzling to us is this. Under the Dangerous Dog Acts sweeping the US, dogs are treated like humans when they are victims, but they are treated like trash when they are the perpetrators of bites of other dogs and subject to being euthanized (killed). But perpetrators of animal cruelty against, say, many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">p<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">i<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">tbulls&</span>lt;</span>/font>, will get at the most six years in jail if they are convicted, while Sidney stands to get death, simply for being a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">p<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">i<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">tbull&</span>lt;</span>/font> and defending his handler and space. Does anyone else see the unfairness in all of this? We think so.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update as of Friday, August 3rd, 10:00 p.m.</span><br /><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style="">Unfortunately, despite the administrative judge's orders, from all that we have been able to learn, there has been absolutely no final resolution of Sidney's case, and he still sits in the pound on New York Avenue awaiting his fate.<span style=""> </span>Also from what we understand, Sidney's guardians had to return to New York for the weekend and leave him behind in DC.<span style=""> </span>We have no idea what deadline the judge gave the parties and so we have no sense of when this phase of Sidney's saga must end before the judge makes his own decision. So it seems to us, folks, that a polite letter to Mayor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">e<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">nty&</span>lt;</span>/font> might still be in order, asking him to please encourage his Department of Health officials responsible for this matter to bring this saga to an end immediately in a compassionate, fair way that accurately reflects the facts, the law, precedent and procedure.<span style=""> </span>The mayor's contact information is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""> </span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""> </span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style="">DC Mayor Adrian M. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">F<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">e<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">nty&</span>lt;</span>/font>: Contact Information Fax: 202-727-0505; Call Center Phone: 727-1000; E-mail: adrian.fenty@dc.gov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style="">From all we have learned about how government works, the more letters on the mayor's desk on Monday morning, the better. For Sidney, thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style="">While we have no information to report here about Sidney, we do want to report one thing of interest that we did learn today.<span style=""> </span>You will be amazed at what we have to tell you.<span style=""> </span>While Sidney's guardians, Belinda and Eric, were en route to the pound yesterday to visit Sidney,<span style=""> </span>as they were driving on Eastern Avenue in NE Washington, they saw a mid-sized dog wandering in and out of the traffic, limping.<span style=""> Although there were a lot of people and cars in the area, no one was making an attempt to stop and help the poor dog. So Eric and Belinda, delaying their trip to see their own dog in the pound, </span>stopped their car and started after the dog, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">p<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">i<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">tbull&</span>lt;</span>/font> mix (do you believe that?).<span style=""> </span>The dog bolted and ran some distance from them, and then climbed the steps of a church, turned around and just sat there waiting for them.<span style=""> </span>The dog, a 17-month-old female, was bleeding after having been hit by car.<span style=""> </span>Despite her injury, the dog let them approach her, and so they put Sidney's leash on her to lead her to safety and to see if they could find her owner.<span style=""> </span>They were reluctant to take her to animal control with them unless they were able to contact the owner first because, as most of you know by now, unclaimed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">p<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">i<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">tbulls&</span>lt;</span>/font> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">p<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">i<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">tbull&</span>lt;</span>/font> mixes never make it out of the DC pound alive.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, the dog, whose name was Cleo, did have a collar and tag on and just before they got to the pound they were able to contact the owner who was thrilled to hear from them.<span style=""> </span>As good luck would have it, a vet just happened to be at the pound and he carefully checked Cleo and gave her the first aid she needed.<span style=""> </span>We believe the owner has since picked her up from the pound.<span style=""> </span>But, amazingly, Cleo's owner said that the person who hit her called him and demanded that he pay for the damage to her bumper from when she hit Cleo.<span style=""> </span>Apparently, after the woman hit Cleo, she stopped long enough only to get the owner's information from Cleo's tags to collect the damage for her bumper and did nothing to help Cleo or help her find her owner.<span style=""> </span>Unbelievable.<span style=""> </span>This is a story we could not have made up.<span style=""> </span>We pass it on to you without further comment except to say, What a lucky dog Cleo was that Sidney was in the pound.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span style="">Again, we wish to stress that this blog is run by individuals not connected with the case or with any of the parties or dogs in it.<span style=""> </span>We are simply DC residents concerned about the underlying issues with the incident itself and the aftermath, all of which are sure to affect all of us in the future.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span style="">As we learn significant information on Sidney's fate, we will report it here as soon as we learn it, but we expect nothing before Monday.<span style=""> </span><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->If any reader learns something before we do, we would appreciate a comment telling us about it. In</span><span style=""> the meantime, please consider a polite letter to the mayor.<span style=""> </span>He needs to know people care about this matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span style=""><span style=""><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"> <span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Thank you for visiting Sidney's site.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-27181204945285663342007-08-02T13:00:00.000-07:002007-08-11T10:55:49.799-07:00PLEASE HELP SAVE SIDNEY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW6meTmITkePCnIqg2HGEEJBePj4kEaITc_NwddODbGGF64varQy68jkYxJz5bccBsq3uXm041lOY3aaRfpDHGg7CmSforKm8WaIMBqj2moffCJg1sTJ7LBPv-2dk-YOeXI0JL8es1YU/s1600-h/sidney+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW6meTmITkePCnIqg2HGEEJBePj4kEaITc_NwddODbGGF64varQy68jkYxJz5bccBsq3uXm041lOY3aaRfpDHGg7CmSforKm8WaIMBqj2moffCJg1sTJ7LBPv-2dk-YOeXI0JL8es1YU/s400/sidney+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091909259776549874" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" > Recent photo, above: Sidney (on right) with Ruby. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">THANK YOU FOR VISITING THIS SITE AND SHOWING YOUR CONCERN FOR THE ALL THE DOGS (AND THEIR GUARDIANS) INVOLVED IN THIS UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT. THE MATTER, HOWEVER, GOES WAY BEYOND THE CASES OF THE DOGS INVOLVED AND THEIR GUARDIANS, AND WILL SURELY AFFECT ALL OF US IN DC WHO OWN DOGS (AND ANYONE, LIKE BELINDA AND ERIC, WHO VISIT DC WITH THEIR DOGS) FOR REASONS TO BE DISCUSSED IN A POSTING ON THIS SITE.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">One day in 1999, Belinda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blum</span> found a ragged, gentle, 7-month-old greyhound/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pitbull</span> mix sitting in the playground of the Bronx school where she taught. He was just sitting there, watching the children playing. When she went back later at lunch and then after school, he was still there, so she took the little fellow to the vets for a check-up and shots and to get him neutered. Since there was no way she could release the puppy back onto the streets of the Bronx or pass him off to an unknown fate at an animal control center, she named him Sidney, adopted him herself and took him into her Brooklyn home with her friend Eric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wallach</span> (also a school teacher), where the two of them raised him without incident for eight years. What a lucky dog Sidney was, considering fate of most dogs who wander city streets and, more so, considering the cruelty that we Americans dole out to both of Sidney's breeds, the greyhounds on the racetracks and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pitbulls</span> in the fighting rings. Sidney's companions, in addition to Belinda and Eric, often included his dog friends as well as small children, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">inlcuding</span>, as of 7 months ago, Ruby, the newest member of the family, shown above in the photo on the left. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">When Belinda and Eric traveled, they sometimes left Sidney with her mother, Deborah, who lives in the Adams Morgan section of Washington DC, where he was known as a good dog among those who knew him there. And that's what they did when they went away for the July 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> weekend this year too, which, as it turns out, was unfortunate for the now 49-pound Sidney.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">On July 4<sup><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span></sup>, known to be the worst day for animal control in most cities, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Zomai</span>, Deborah's friend, decided to take Sidney out for a walk, as he had done without incident over the past several years when Sidney was in town. At around 10:30 p.m., while the fireworks were still exploding all over, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Zomai</span> was standing on a corner talking to a friend, with Sidney obediently sitting by his side on a short-leash. Both were doing precisely what they were supposed to be doing, minding their own business.<span style=""> </span>All of a sudden, without any warning to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Zomai</span> whatsoever, an "individual," walking his two small (10 pound) dogs on 5-foot separate leashes suddenly approached <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Zomai</span> and Sidney within close range (6 feet) and without any warning (he saw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Zomai</span> and knew he did not see him, but decided not to interrupt his conversation and take the risk of walking by him). Sidney, already spooked by the fireworks, quickly turned around 180 degrees and saw the two small dogs and then did what most dogs would do in that case, he defended his space. (Dogs, as most know, have no concept at all of their own size compared to other dogs, but they do know when they are outnumbered by other dogs. Dogs also are actually much more territorial on leashes than off.)<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, a melee broke out and both dogs were bitten, one seriously (but she is recovering). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Zomai</span> immediately dropped the leash, jumped on top of the dogfight and, using both of his hands, tried to separate Sidney and Molly. The individual also voluntarily jumped into the fray and was allegedly bitten as well.<span style=""> </span>There is no question but that Sidney bit the small dog.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Soon after the fight broke up, a police officer, who had been sitting in her cruiser seventy feet away, drove up and said she saw the whole incident even though it was dark where the incident occurred. (Note: it came out at the hearing mentioned below that the officer was actually getting ready to shoot Sidney even after the melee broke up, but then back up arrived.) After the individual twice screamed, “I’m going to have that dog killed!” The officer told him, “Don’t say that.” For some reason, the officer did not get any witnesses because she did not think it was necessary since she saw the whole incident. She did, however, talk with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">individual's</span> friend, who came to the scene after the individual left with his dogs. Although she got his account on the scene, she never asked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Zomai</span> his account of what happened. But she did proceed to give <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Zomai</span> a ticket for having an unleashed dog even though Sidney was leashed and until <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Zomai</span> voluntarily dropped the leash to break up the dogfight. Also, the next day, although she had given the individual the contact information he asked for, she refused to give Belinda and Eric the contact information for the individual, saying, “Don’t worry, the victim’s owner will be in touch with you about a law suit. He has your information.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Soon after the incident, someone contacted a local television station with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">individual's</span> story and then contacted a city council member (who happens have a strong anti-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">pitbull</span> position), but never contacted Sidney’s owner, Belinda. Belinda, however, had already written him wrote a note with wishes for the Molly’s speedy recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">When Belinda talked with Animal Control she was told that they would take a “bite report,” which they would send to the DC Department of Health (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">DoH</span>) to be processed, after which an in-house investigation would take place before Sidney would ever be taken away. Belinda explicitly stated that she would be back in Washington D.C. by early Friday and asked if the interview could wait twenty-four hours so that she could be present. The Animal Control agent said that she would record the request and send it in with her report, saying and repeating, “no one [was] going to come and take the dog”. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">While Belinda was flying back across the country to DC, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">DoH</span> (or animal control) went to Deborah's home and seized Sidney without a warrant and without notifying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Zomai</span> or Deborah of their rights.<span style=""> </span>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">DoH</span> took Sidney by means that were described as intimidation and coercion. When they took Sidney away, there was no sign of struggle or aggression by Sidney. The night after Sidney was seized, the animal control center received an anonymous call reporting that he had bitten before, which is interesting because he had not and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">didn</span>’t even live in the city.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">On July 5<sup><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">th</span></sup>, 2007, Belinda asked for an administrative hearing on Sidney's seizure from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">DoH</span> as the process required. On Thursday, July 12<sup><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">th</span></sup> a hearing took place before an administrative law judge to share evidence between the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">DoH</span> and Belinda.<span style=""> </span>Belinda's attorney objected to the illegal seizure of Sidney, but he was overruled.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">On July 22, 2007, desperate to get their beloved dog back, frustrated by the tactics in seizing Sidney, and overwhelmed by the one-sided press and attention, Belinda, Eric and some friends attempted a rescue of Sidney from his confinement in the dismal DC Animal Control Center where for nine days he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">wasn</span>’t walked or allowed to run. They brought a letter from their lawyer stating that Sidney was seized without a warrant in violation of the 4<sup><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">th</span></sup> Amendment to the United States Constitution and D.C. Code 1-1902(b). The rescue attempt failed and Sidney, without any resistance whatsoever and was pulled away from Belinda and Eric and returned to this cell. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Although the official investigation into the incident with Sidney appeared to be incomplete, the whole case has been accelerated into the Dangerous Dog Act. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">The hearing on Sidney's fate was be held on Thursday, July 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">th</span> to determine Sidney's fate. At the end of the hearing, the judge ordered both sides (the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">DOH</span> and Sidney' owners) to continue discussing an acceptable solution before he has to issue his order in 5 days. The judge also reprimanded Eric and Belinda and their attorney for the attempted rescue, saying that he thought he made it clear that he was in charge of the case. An article appeared in the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/27/AR2007072700423.html">Washington Post the next day about the hearing</a>.</span></p><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Note: To the best of our knowledge, none of the above information conflicts with any information released at the July 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">th</span> hearing. If anyone has any information to the contrary, please let us know.<br /><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHAT YOU CAN DO</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">As you will read in the first posting on this blog, Sidney was freed</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> on August 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">th</span> as the result of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">overwhelming</span> outpouring of support from people in the DC area, in New York and from around the globe. But just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">because</span> Sidney is free, it does not mean that what happened to him and his guardians could not happen again in DC or, for that matter, in other <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">places</span> where the Dangerous Dog Acts are manipulated to catch and punish dogs that do not belong in it. Therefore, please write to the DC Mayor and thank him for his role in freeing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Sidney</span>, but also to express your concern of the chilling effect <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sidney's</span> case will have on all owners of dogs in the District of Columbia if something is not done to correct what went wrong in Sidney's case. </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The mayor wants <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">desperately</span> to get his new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">administration</span> off the a good start and has done some good work already. </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">He will be responsive to your concerns if you let him know what they are.<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">A sample letter you might wish to edit and send to the Mayor is shown below in appendix (8) </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://savesidney.blogspot.com/2007/08/appendix-8-suggested-letter-to-mayor.html">(or click here)</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">His fax number is: 202-727-0505. His call center number is: 727-1000; his e-mail is adrian.fenty@dc.gov.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> or mayor@dc.gov. You might, as appropriate, send copies of your letter to other individuals on the contact list shown at </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">the end of this posting .<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">If you live outside of DC, you might wish to check what kind of Dangerous Dog Acts have been enacted (usually without a lot of publicv involvement) to understand what might happen to your own dog in your own home and to figure out what you can do to improve those laws. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >THE LONG-RUN ISSUES</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Of course, for the long run, even when this case is over, there will remain issues are for those of us in DC with dogs.<span style=""> </span>These issues, which are being followed very closely by Blogger and others, and have been discussed already with numerous officials of different organizations, will be explored at a later time and suggestions will be given to the DC officials responsible and others to improve the process if it needs improving.<span style=""> </span>Clearly, chief among those issues is the matter of what process should the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">DoH</span> follow prior to a dog's being kicked into the Dangerous Dog Act and perhaps euthanized unfairly.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Of all the long run issues that emerge from this case, more important than the process used by the city to deal with animal-bites-animal issues are the issues of how the public is educated regarding (a) responsible handling of animals in public (and on private property) and (b) the penalties under the Dangerous Dog Act to dogs if their owners or someone else disregards those responsibilities. This case should be a wake up call to everyone in DC who owns a dog. Our discussions with people on the street with dogs tells us that people have no idea at all what the law says today. If they knew, the streets would either be cleared of dogs or full of muzzled dogs, large and small.<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Incidentally, this whole blog is not about what happened on July 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">th</span>, because what happened, happened, and there is nothing anyone can do about that now.<span style=""> </span>But it is about freeing Sidney and improving matters for this District of Columbia residents who own dogs and for those who visit with their dogs.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, the small dog is recovering well (at home now we learned today) and that is equally as important as freeing Sidney.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">DC OFFICIALS AND OTHERS WITH CONTACT INFORMATION</span></span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""> </p><span style="font-weight: bold;">DC Mayor Adrian M. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Fenty</span></span>: Contact Information Fax: 202-727-0505; Call Center Phone: 727-1000; E-mail: adrian.fenty@dc.gov.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The DC City Council Members</span> we believe have an interest in animal protection or related issues (one way or the other) include: Jim Graham, Jack Evans, Mary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Cheh</span>, Carol Schwartz and Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Mendelson</span>. <a href="http://www.grc.dc.gov/grc/cwp/view,a,1206,q,447541,pm,1,grcnav_gid,1421,portal_link,fc,.asp">Please click here for the web site with the DC Council members' contact info.</a><br />or go to <a href="http://www.dc.goc/">www.dc.goc </a>and click on the City Council bottom at the bottom of the home page.<br /><br />The city council member who, according to what was learned from the Department of Health (see below) , is pressing the petition to declare Sidney a dangerous dog, and possibly put to death, to advance his case to ban pit bulls and mixes from the District, is <a href="http://www.grahamwone.com/">Mr. James Graham,</a> in whose Ward (1) the incident of July 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">th</span> occurred. Mr. Graham's contact information is: Phone: 202-724-8181; Fax #: 202-724-8109; E-mail: jgraham@dccouncil.us<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Office of the Inspector General</span> is responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, waste and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">absue</span> of government resources. The contact information for the Inspector General is:<br />Honorable Charles J. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Willoughby</span><br />DC Inspector General<br />Office of the Inspector General<br />717 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">th</span> Street, NW, Fifth Floor<br />Washington, DC 20005<br />Email: oig@dc.gov<br />Phone: (202) 727-2540<br />Fax: (202) 727-9846<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Humane Society of Washington</span> runs the <span style="font-weight: bold;">DC animal control program </span>as a contractor for and under the policies of the DC Government, reporting to the Department of Health. In any communication you have with the Humane Society, whatever their role in this case may have been, please acknowledge the otherwise great job that they do with a heartbreaking, thankless task under policies that are handed to them by DC, and with funding that is woefully inadequate. The interim executive director's contact information is: Ilene <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Steiman</span>, 202-723-5730 ext 229, ilene.steiman@washhumane.org<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ms. Lisa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">LaFontaine</span> has been appointed CEO of the Washington Humane Society</span>, effective in October. She is currently with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Monadnock</span> Humane Society in New Hampshire (PO Box 678, Route 10, West <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Swanzey</span>, NH 03469). Please ask her to weigh in now on this matter because, among other things, she has a pit bull herself, and she will have to live with the aftermath. Please ask her when she arrives in DC to strive to include all dogs, including pit bulls, in the DC Animal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Control's</span> policy which is now : A Good Home for all Adoptable Animals, that is, except pit bulls, who are not tested for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">adoptability</span> because of funds.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Monadnock's</span> contact information is:<br />E-mail Address: monadpets@humanecommunity.org<br />Phone: 603-352-9011<br />Voice Mail - (603) 352-0035<br />Fax - (603) 358-6095<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The DC Department of Health (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">DoH</span>)</span> administers the city's programs regarding animals. The chief of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">DoH's</span> Animal Disease Prevention Department is Ms. Peggy Keller. Her office is responsible for all animal control matters. Please be polite in any communication you send to her as she too is only doing her job --- a thankless but important job at that --- and she is known to be reasonable and fair. She has too many bosses, too little funding, and a huge job. Her contact information is: Phone: 202-535-2188, Fax: 202-535-1359, e-mail: peggy.keller@dc.gov<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Administrative Law Judge</span> who held the hearings was Judge Jesse P. Goode. His contact information is: Office of Administrative Hearings, Administrative Law Judge is Jesse P. Goode, Fax: 202.442.4789, Phone: 202.442.9094. You may obtain a copy of the complete CD recording of the July 26th hearing by sending a $10 check made out to the DC Treasurer for CD Number DH-A078007 (DoH v. Blum) to: DC Office of Administrative Hearings, 825 North Capitol Street NE, Room 4150, Washington DC 20002-4210.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><br />OTHERS<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Humane Society of the United State</span>s has published a Model Dangerous Dog Act (See appendix 1). Mr. Adam Goldfarb is the Issues Specialist there who works on Companion Animals issues. Please write Mr. Goldfarb and plead with him to improve the Model Act and the guidelines that accompany it (there are no guidelines now) to, among other things, to make sure that truly good dogs do not get caught in the jaws of the Act by, say legislators who wish to use it to achieve their own ends or vindictive neighbors trying to destroy dogs they do not like. Mr. Goldfarb's contact information is:<br />E-mail: agoldfarb@hsus.org<br />Phone:301-258-3065<br />Address: The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20037<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" >Marc Fisher at <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Washington Pos</span>t has shown an interest in this subject generally. His contact information is: E-mail marcfisher@washpost.com, Phone number 202.334.7563. You can also join the Post's blogs on the various related topic by going directly to its website as discussed in RESPONSE and ARTICLES in a posting below.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">George Washington University Law School</span> runs an excellent Animal Law Center that works on many issues realted to animal welfare and protection in DC. It would be interesting to seek their advice on closing some of the gaps that casued so much time and valuable resources to be spent on this case when it should have been resolved long ago by the usual means. Contact information for the program is:<br />Animal Law Program<br />GW Law School<br />716 20th Street, NW<br />Washington, DC 20052<br /><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">This blog is also based on information we have heard and read (n the press and from some of the parties) and is, to the best of our knowledge, true. It contains informaiton we believe is relevant, material and necessary for the purposes of the blog.<span style=""> </span>If anyone knows of anything that contradicts anything herein, please let us know and we will consider publishing it, as we have already.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="">This Blogger is not connected with any of the parties or dogs in any way<span style="">. Our </span>concern is purely for saving Sidney and resolving the issues for DC residents in the future. (See also About This Blog posting, below.)</span><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Georgia;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Please post comments or questions under the Comments, Responses, Articles, Cases posting, below. And thank you showing your compassion and understanding by visiting this site for Sidney and all of us. Thank you especially for understanding that animals are living creatures and not toys or property, and that when we have the option, we must opt for life and not death.<br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-19254266804558670222007-08-02T11:00:00.000-07:002007-08-02T15:34:38.742-07:00More Photos of Sidney<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkTrHqv72bWYkwaamXy2ycTf7n3v-My4F-j9iAHGiKbAKKD3ELebUBedBDgIX_Ei8QSXzzO6XB-encrDHnZuOBzYGxOE0a5bHahEDtRugyAGoN-JsUTAICK0Y9ygFMLNpIHMbAnagqoY/s1600-h/Sidney+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkTrHqv72bWYkwaamXy2ycTf7n3v-My4F-j9iAHGiKbAKKD3ELebUBedBDgIX_Ei8QSXzzO6XB-encrDHnZuOBzYGxOE0a5bHahEDtRugyAGoN-JsUTAICK0Y9ygFMLNpIHMbAnagqoY/s320/Sidney+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091856173980771282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJatoNEbRa6nFlDARnVq3VL7fm1NNJWs78u9xvt4NPruI5T9SkvewkpozAD9tuiSt3RYXDoMVP_XrmBOcJFkhtTGl0qhb8HHVuel77l4wksDlCM8Xf5HdCj-kaVTKnhMCtjdOlfIJRl1M/s1600-h/Sidney+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJatoNEbRa6nFlDARnVq3VL7fm1NNJWs78u9xvt4NPruI5T9SkvewkpozAD9tuiSt3RYXDoMVP_XrmBOcJFkhtTGl0qhb8HHVuel77l4wksDlCM8Xf5HdCj-kaVTKnhMCtjdOlfIJRl1M/s320/Sidney+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091854722281825218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Left Photo: That's Sidney on the left (or is it top?); Right Photo: "This sure beats life on the streets of the Bronx" SidneyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-27001360473307190092007-08-02T10:00:00.000-07:002007-08-02T15:35:31.133-07:00Comments, Responses, Articles, Cases<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Although the purpose the the blog is not to get a debate going on the issues involved in the present case, from time to time we will post here (In this posting) or beneath this posting (in the comments) some comments or responses to particularly valuable comments for some time, but only as time permits. But please feel free to respond. At a minimum, I will make sure Eric and Belinda (and others as appropriate) see those comments that are worth reading. And we welcome all comments, positive and negative, the latter because they actually help Sidney's case as you lawyers know. Also, please do not refer to Sidney as a "pitbull" as the <span style="font-style: italic;">Washington Post</span> did. He is a mix with some greyhound, terrier (e.g., pitbull), and God only knows what else in him. I have more pitbull in me some say, and I am half Scot and half French, but most know me as an American. If you are going to tag a label on Sidney, call him a Brooklynite. In the meantime, we are especially interested in constructive comments that will help us strengthen the entire process that brought this matter to where it is today to prevent every aspect of it from happening in the future, going back to July 4th, 10:29 p.m. and a dark street in Adams Morgan.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br />SOME ARTICLES OF INTEREST<br /><br /></span>Those wishing to read two articles related to the case or the subject of the case, please go to:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/27/AR2007072700423.html">Washington Post Article on the case of July 27</a><br /><br />You may find some of the comments on the Washington Post site of interest, both positive ones and negative ones. Please add your own. (As mentioned above, what the writers of the negative comments do not know, perhaps because they are not attorneys, is that the negative comments actually help Sidney's case.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/us/23dogs.html?ex=1342843200&en=51709438f452f8f7&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss">New York Times Article (July 23) on Dangerous Dogs</a><br />The above article is about the situation in Virginia.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/29/AR2007072901009.html"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Washingtron Post article (July 30) on Policies on Adopting/Adotping Pitbulls in the Washington Area.</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:lucida grande;" ><br />T<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">he Washington Post </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">ran a hearbreaking but somewhat hopeful story today on the plight if pitbulls in the Washington area, "The Rap on Pit Bulls Revisited - Odds Improving for the Good Ones at Area Shelters" By Bill Brubaker, Washington Post Staff Writer, Monday, July 30, 2007; B01. It does support what many people have said about how it's not the dog, but the handler that makes or breaks the dog, and that goes for more than just pitbulls or large dogs. Incidentally, the policy as stated for the District was correctly stated as we understand it: </span><i style="font-family:georgia;"><span style=";font-size:12;color:black;" ></span></i><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:12;color:black;" > The District tries to adopt out every dog that is adoptable (and I think I heard that it succeeds at that.) However, because there are so many pitbulls coming into that shelter (Did I hear 30 percent of the dogs are pitbulls or mixes and that animal control takes in 12,000 dogs are year? You do the math.), they do not put them through any temperament-behavior testing to determine if they are adoptable (for funding reasons). Therefore, they all are euthanized (but not, of course, those who are claimed by their owners. (A clear catch 22.) It is our hope that this will change with the new executive director, who owns a pitbull herself. We also know that if they started a program here where people could sponsor (i.e., pay for) the behavioral testing of one (or more) pitbull(s) a year (or whatever), we would probably would be the first to sign up. But for political reasons (e.g., one Councilman, Jim Graham, is adamantly against allowing pitbulls in DC), such a program might not be workable. In the meantime, we are totally against the current policy of discriminating on the basis of breed as it is stated and carried out (again, for funding reasons).<span style=""> </span>If there is a problem with people out there, we need to go after that problem, not kill the good dogs that do not deserve to die.<span style=""> </span>The good news is that people (including our animal control people --- are working to resolve these problems, but we are a long way off from a final solution.</span><br /></span><br /><br />There are two other article I am still trying to track down and will post links when I find them:<br /><br />One article is on how some cities are beginning to rehab unwanted pitbulls for use as police dogs. The second one is called "Why Pitbull [and large dogs in general] Owners are Terrified of Small Dogs." Sidney's case may explain why. (Of course, Sidney is not a pitbull, only half)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other DC cases We Found.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://oah.dc.gov/oah/frames.asp?doc=/oah/lib/oah/pdf/information/orders/case/2001/80075.pdf">DC Case 1: </a><br /><br /><a href="http://oah.dc.gov/oah/frames.asp?doc=/oah/lib/oah/pdf/information/orders/case/2001/80083.pdf">DC Case 2: </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jerrypournelle.com/alt.mail/altmail6.html">DC Case 3:</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Thank you for visiting Sidney's site.</span><br /><a href="http://www.jerrypournelle.com/alt.mail/altmail6.html"> </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-32086031599034055512007-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:002007-08-02T16:03:41.444-07:00About this Blog<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This blog*, which deals only with Sidney's case and no others, was started and maintained by concerned citizens of DC with the consent of Sidney's guardians, Eric and Belinda Blum.<span style=""> </span>The interests of the bloggers, however, go beyond those of just Sidney and deal with issues which should be of concern to all citizens of DC, whether dogs owners or not.<span style=""> </span>Nevertheless, because its first focus must remain on freeing Sidney, the Blums have been given the option of suggesting changes in matters on this blog that bear directly on his case.<span style=""> </span>We wish to do nothing that interferes with that.<span style=""> </span>For better or for worse, however, we have to and will observe, raise and perhaps interpose ourselves into the broader issues now because those issues will remain and affect all of us in DC after Sidney's fate is decided and the Blums leave town, with or without him.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size:85%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Please understand that this blog is also not a matter of Molly v. Sidney, big dogs v. small dogs, or pitbulls in DC, as one DC Councilman is trying to use it for.<span style=""> </span>What happened on the evening of July 4th and the aftermath, happened.<span style=""> </span>There is nothing anyone can do about that now.<span style=""> </span>Molly is well on her way to recovery and we wish her well.<span style=""> </span>If Dr. Stillions, an anesthesiologist, needed funds to help with her medical bills, to be fully fair to issues here, we would have immediately launched an effort to seek those funds or suggested that he seek help from The Humane Society's Sophie's Funds, </span><span style="font-size:85%;">which is set up precisely for this purpose and </span><span style="font-size:85%;">to which we have contributed in the past. But this, as it turns out, is not the case.<span style=""> </span>So there is nothing more any of us can do for Molly except wish her well.<span style=""> </span>And we do.<span style=""> </span>So, what this blog is all about is giving Sidney his fair process, a process that was already seriously jeopardized in getting the case to where it is now. We know that for a fact. <span style=""> </span>(This reference to "jeopardy," by the way, in no way is meant to refer to the process that is now underway in the courtroom of Judge Goode.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size:85%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The above having been said, if anyone has any additional factual information or corrections to the facts as stated herein, please feel free to suggest them.<span style=""> </span>But also, although we welcome ALL comments (and will pass along ALL comments to appropriate individuals) please understand that any comments offered to any posting here that are not consistent with the fundamental purposes of this blog will be ignored.<span style=""> </span>All other comments will be considered for publication. And please also understand that we expect to publish few comments because of time and other constraints.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size:85%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;">One more comment.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, as <i>The Washington Post</i> reported on July 27th, Dr. Stillions is still adamant about putting Sidney to death (for his "first bite"). Moreover, all indications are to he may not have understood that he assumed great risk by walking his two very small dogs on two separate 5-foot leashes within 6 feet of Zomai and Sidney, whom he saw, but acknowledged that they did not see him.<span style=""> (The math alone was working against him.) Also, since he is not an attorney, he may </span>have no understanding of how any adverse ruling against Sidney on procedural grounds or the merits will affect all of those in DC who own dogs, all dogs and not just big dogs (see recent articles in <span style="font-style: italic;">Washington Post</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">New York Times </span>on this.) . Because of this, and because he is able to use his local connections to have the process short-circuited, while the Blums have no such connections since they are from New York, we citizens who will be affected not only by Sidney's fate but perhaps our own dogs' fates in the future must get involved.<span style=""> </span>Please put aside any emotions you feel about the case and just ask yourself, What if Sidney were my dog?<span style=""> Just imagine what those people must be going through. They cannot even leave town for fear of what would happen, considering what has happened so far. </span>Would you want someone to help you?<span style=""> </span>That's why we are involved. But also because if anything happens to Sidney and a precedent is set, we can assure you that some of us <i>WILL</i> be in their place. <span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size:85%;">Again, thank you for visiting this blog and for caring about the dogs and people involved.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">* Note: This blogger is not connected with the incident or case, and never saw or met any of the parties or dogs involved until the hearing. Our interest is solely in terms of the legal implications to all citizens in DC and, of course, for the welfare of all of the dogs involved, Molly and Sidney equally. We believe that guardians of all dogs, large and small, have an obligation to keep their animals from doing harm to others as much as they have an obligation to protect their animals from being harmed by others. Fortunately,most people know that<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Technical notes:<br />This blog encountered a problem on Monday July 30 and was out for several hours. Goggle cleared the problem and restored the blog as it was. Because it was <span style="font-weight: bold;">fully </span>cleared , precautions to prevent this in the future have been incorporated.<br />This Date/Time stamp on the blog is used to management the arrangement of postings and does not necessarily reflect the actual Date/Time of the posting or revision. The latest news will be reported in the first Read This posting. Other postings, of course, might have changed in the meantime.<br />Those wishing to make comments without having them posted, please include this in your comment and we will respect that. This is important because some comments are actually posted by Blogger under our signature where the comment belongs.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-75975533074613395212007-08-02T06:30:00.000-07:002007-08-02T15:38:58.192-07:00Appendix (1) HSUS's Model Dangerous Dog Act<p class="MsoNormal">Below is the HSUS's (Humane Society of the US) Model Dangerous Dog Act, which is only a model suggested for jurisdictions wishing to implement one. DC has two Subchapters in Title ? on animals, Subchapter ? on Animal Control and subchapter ? on Dangerous Dogs. The latter does not appear to be based on the Model Act but has similar elements. It appears to be drastically different in one important respect relevant to this blog, however, in that the DC law allows a dog to be seized by a warrant OR consent (in DC, about 50 dogs a year are seized by consent and only 2-3 by warrant.) A warrant is much more difficult to obtain, a discussion I will leave to some other time.<br /><br />One point I wish to make about the Act is this. I asked the HSUS is they have something that I am calling for want of any other term the "Model Procedures for Jurisdictions to Make Sure That Truly Good Dogs That Really Do Not Belong Under the Sweep of the Dangerous Dog Act Do Not Get Pulled into it and Perhaps Euthanized only for their First Bite," and the answer was No. That is precisely why this blog has been created. If Sidney's case is an omen, everyone who owns a dog in DC needs to think about this issue. More on this later.<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wish to be clear about one thing.<span style=""> </span>There is a problem with dog bites against people in this country.<span style=""> </span>With more than 65 million dogs here, my guess is that there were more than more than 4 million dog bites against people last year causing medical expenses totaling more than $40 million.<span style=""> </span>Who knows how many cases there were of dog bites against dogs, but my guess is that it would be a similarly overwhelming number.<span style=""> </span>This is a problem we all have to think about and do whatever we can to solve, including contributing to those organizations trying to solve the problem and controlling our own dogs, regardless of their size, breed, gender or number. As sad as it is, I reluctantly recognize that there are few solutions people have come across yet for solving the truly dangerous dog problem, the pet overpopulation problem, and animal cruelty problems, among others, and having funds left over for other equally important animal control tasks. Enough said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here's the HSUS's Model Dangerous Dog Act (again, not relevant in DC, yet anyway).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">he Humane Society of the United States - Model Dangerous Dog Legislation</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>1.<span style=""> </span>Definitions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >For purposes of this section, the term:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a)<span style=""> </span>"Dangerous dog" means any dog that:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(1)<span style=""> </span>Causes a serious injury to a person or domestic animal; or<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(2)<span style=""> </span>Has been designated as a potentially dangerous dog and engages in behavior that poses a threat to public safety as described in paragraph (f) of this section.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(b)<span style=""> </span>"Serious injury" means any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations that require multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(c)<span style=""> </span>"Proper enclosure" means secure confinement indoors or secure confinement in a locked pen, fenced yard, or structure measuring at least 6 feet in width, 12 feet in length, and 6 feet in height, capped if there is a dog house inside or if dog can climb fence, with secure sides, which provides proper protection from the elements for the dog, is suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and is designed to prevent the animal from escaping while on the owner's property.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(d)<span style=""> </span>"Owner" means any person, firm, corporation, organization, or department possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having control or custody of a dog.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(e)<span style=""> </span>"Impound" means taken into the custody of the Animal Control Authority or the organization authorized to enforce the dangerous dog law of this jurisdiction.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(f)<span style=""> </span>"Potentially dangerous dog" means a dog that may reasonably be assumed to pose a threat to public safety as demonstrated by any of the following behaviors:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(1)<span style=""> </span>Causing an injury to a person or domestic animal that is less severe than a serious injury;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(2)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Without provocation, chasing or menacing a person or domestic animal in an aggressive manner;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(3)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Running at large and impounded or owners cited by the Animal Control Authority two (2) or more times within any 12-month period.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(4)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Acts in a highly aggressively manner within a fenced yard/enclosure and appears to a reasonable person able to jump over or escape. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 56.25pt; text-indent: -20.25pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(g)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >"Responsible person" means a person at least 18 years old who is familiar with the<span style=""> </span>dog and has the size and experience to be able to keep the dog under complete control at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>2.<span style=""> </span>Determination of a potentially dangerous dog<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a)<span style=""> </span>After an investigation, which must be initiated within [xx number] days after the situation becomes known to the Animal Control Authority, the Animal Control Director or his/her designee is authorized to make a determination whether a dog is potentially dangerous based on the factors listed in § 1(f) and shall notify the owner of the dog in writing by certified mail or hand delivery with signature of that status within five (5) days after the completion of the investigation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(b)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Following notice to the owner, if the Animal Control Director or his/her designee has probable cause to believe that a dog is a potentially dangerous dog and may pose a threat to public safety, the Animal Control Director or his/her designee may obtain a search warrant pursuant to this jurisdiction's Rules of Civil Procedure and impound the dog pending disposition of the case or until the dog owner has fulfilled the requirements of <span style="">§<b> </b>6</span>.<span style=""> </span>The owner of the dog may be liable to this jurisdiction for the costs and expenses of keeping the dog.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(c)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Upon notice, the owner may, within [xx number] business days after a determination that a dog is a potentially dangerous dog, bring a petition in this jurisdiction seeking review of the determination.<span style=""> </span>A decision by this jurisdiction overturning the Animal Control Director or his/her designee's determination shall not affect the Animal Control Director or his/her designee<a name="OLE_LINK1">'</a>s right to later declare a dog to be a potentially dangerous dog or a dangerous dog, or to determine that the dog poses a threat to public safety, for the dog's subsequent behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>3.<span style=""> </span>Determination of a dangerous dog<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a)<span style=""> </span>After an investigation, which must be initiated within [xx number] days after the situation becomes known to the Animal Control Authority, the Animal Control Director or his/her designee is authorized to make a determination whether a dog is dangerous based on the factors listed in § 1(a) and shall notify the owner of the dog in writing by certified mail or hand delivery with signature of that status within five (5) days after completing the investigation.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(b)<span style=""> </span>Following notice to the owner and prior to the hearing, if the Animal Control Director or his/her designee has probable cause and believes the dog to be a dangerous dog and that the animal poses an imminent threat to public safety, the Animal Control Director or his/her designee may obtain a search warrant pursuant to this jurisdiction's Rules of Civil Procedure and impound the dog pending disposition of the case or until the dog owner has fulfilled the requirements of <span style="">§<b> </b>6</span>.<span style=""> </span>The owner of the dog shall be liable to this jurisdiction for the costs and expenses of keeping the dog if the dog is determined to be a dangerous dog.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style=""> </span>(c)<span style=""> </span>The owner may, within [xx number] business days after a determination that a dog is a dangerous dog, bring a petition in this jurisdiction seeking review of the determination.<span style=""> </span>A decision by this jurisdiction overturning the Animal Control Director or his/her designee's determination shall not affect the Animal Control Director or his/her designee's right to later declare a dog to be a dangerous dog or to determine that the dog poses a threat to public safety, for the dog's subsequent behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; page-break-after: avoid;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>4.<span style=""> </span>Exceptions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in; page-break-after: avoid;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >No dog shall be declared a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog if:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >The dog was used by a law enforcement official for legitimate law enforcement purposes;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(b)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >The threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(1)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Who was committing, at the time, a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises lawfully occupied by the owner of the dog;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(2)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Who was provoking, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or who can be shown to have repeatedly, in the past, provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog; or<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(3)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Who was committing or attempting to commit a crime; or<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>(c) The dog was:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(1)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Responding to pain or injury, or was protecting itself, its offspring; or<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(2)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an attack or assault.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>5.<span style=""> </span>Consequences of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog determination<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a)<span style=""> </span>If the Animal Control Director or his/her designee determines that a dog is a potentially dangerous dog under § 2, the owner shall comply with the provisions of<span style=""> </span>§§ 5 and 6(a)(d) and any other special security or care requirements the Animal Control Director or his/her designee may establish.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(b)<span style=""> </span>If the Animal Control Director or his/her designee determines that a dog is a dangerous dog under § 3, the owner shall comply with the provisions of §§ 5 and 6(b)(c) and any other special security or care requirements the Animal Control Director or his/her designee may establish.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(c)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >The Animal Control Director or his/her designee may require impoundment of the dog until the owner of the dog has satisfied all the requirements of the certificate of registration holding permit.<span style=""> </span>The requirements must be met within thirty (30) days.<span style=""> </span>If, after thirty (30) days, the owner has not satisfied all the requirements of the holding permit, the animal may be humanely euthanized on the thirty-first (31) day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>6. Dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog registration and handling requirements<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a)<span style=""> </span>The Animal Control Director or his/her designee shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a potentially dangerous dog if the owner establishes to the satisfaction of the Animal Control Authority that:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(1)<span style=""> </span>The owner of the potentially dangerous dog is 21 years of age or older;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(2)<span style=""> </span>A valid license has been issued for the potentially dangerous dog pursuant to jurisdiction;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(3)<span style=""> </span>The potentially dangerous dog has a current rabies vaccination;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(4)<span style=""> </span>The owner has a proper enclosure to prevent the entry of any person or animal and the escape of said potentially dangerous dog as described in <span style="">§ 1;</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(5)<span style=""> </span>The owner has paid an annual fee in an amount to be determined by the Animal Control Director or his/her designee, in addition to regular dog licensing fees, to register the potentially dangerous dog;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(6)<span style=""> </span>The potentially dangerous dog has been spayed or neutered;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(7) The potentially dangerous dog has been implanted with a microchip containing owner identification information.<span style=""> </span>The microchip information must be registered with the animal control authority of the jurisdiction; and<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(8) The potentially dangerous dog owner shall enter the dog in a socialization and/or behavior program approved or offered by the jurisdiction.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style=""> </span>(b)<span style=""> </span>The Animal Control Director or his/her designee shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a dangerous dog if the owner, in addition to satisfying the requirements for registration of a potentially dangerous dog pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, establishes to the satisfaction of the Animal Control Authority that:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(1)<span style=""> </span>The owner of the dangerous dog has written permission of the property owner or homeowner's association where the dangerous dog will be kept if applicable;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(2)<span style=""> </span>The owner will maintain the dangerous dog exclusively on the owner's property except for medical treatment or examination; and<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 1.3in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(3)<span style=""> </span>The owner of the dangerous dog has posted on the premises a clearly visible written warning sign that there is a dangerous dog on the property with a conspicuous warning symbol that informs children of the presence of a dangerous dog.<span style=""> </span>The sign shall be very visible from the public roadway or 50 feet, whichever is less.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(c)<span style=""> </span>The Animal Control Director or his/her designee may order the immediate impoundment or humane euthanasia of a dangerous dog if the owner fails to abide by the conditions for registration or confinement or handling of a dangerous dog.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(d)<span style=""> </span>If any dog previously determined to be a potentially dangerous dog has not exhibited any of the behaviors specified in § 1(f) within the thirty-six (36) months since the date of the potentially dangerous dog determination, then that dog is eligible for a review of the determination with the potential for lifting the requirements of this section; provided, however, then that same dog may again be declared a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog if it again exhibits any of the specified behaviors. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>7.<span style=""> </span>Dangerous or potentially dangerous dog owner responsibility<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.8in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >It shall be unlawful to:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Keep a dog determined to be dangerous or potentially dangerous without a valid certificate of registration issued under § 6;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(b)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Permit a potentially dangerous dog to be outside a proper enclosure unless the potentially dangerous dog is under the control of a responsible person as defined in § 1, muzzled, and restrained by a lead not exceeding four (4) feet in length; The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent it from biting any human being or animal;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(c)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Fail to maintain a dangerous dog exclusively on the owner's property as required except for medical treatment or examination.<span style=""> </span>When removed from the owner's property for medical treatment of examination, the dangerous dog shall be caged or under the control of a responsible person as defined in § 1, muzzled and restrained with a lead not exceeding four (4) feet in length.<span style=""> </span>The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent it from biting any human being or animal;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(d)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Fail to notify the Animal Control Authority immediately upon escape if a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog is on the loose, is unconfined, has attacked another domestic animal, has attacked a human being; within five (5) business days if the dog has died; and within twenty-four (24) hours if the dog has been sold or has been given away.<span style=""> </span>If the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog has been sold or given away, the owner shall also provide the Animal Control Director or his/her designee with the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner of the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(e)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Fail to surrender a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog to the Animal Control Director or his/her designee for safe confinement pending a disposition of the case when there is a reason to believe that the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog poses an imminent threat to public safety; or<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(f)<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Fail to comply with any special security or care requirements for a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog the Animal Control Director or his/her designee may have established pursuant to the finding that the dog was potentially dangerous or dangerous.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >§<span style=""> </span>8.<span style=""> </span>Penalties<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent3"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(a) An owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog who violates the provisions of § 6<span style=""> </span>and § 7 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both, for a first offense and not more than $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both, for a second offense.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent3"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(b) An owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog that causes serious injury to or kills a human being or a domestic animal without provocation shall be fined up to $10,000.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent3"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >(c) Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as alternative sanctions for any infraction of the provisions of this act, or the rules issued under authority of this act.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Revised Date May 2004<o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:black;" ><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-74112199007540525102007-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:002007-08-02T15:39:46.939-07:00Appendix (2) A Dog's Space<p class="MsoNormal">Last update August 1, 2007</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The incident of July 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> discussed in the blog was a terrible incident, for the dogs involved, their guardians, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DoH</span> and Animal Control, and for the compassionate citizens of Washington. While it is still not over as of this writing, the reason why we are involved <i>(as outsiders, since we have no connection with the parties or incident)</i> is principally for the future, for the protection and welfare of all our dogs in DC, and people as well.<span style=""> </span>But the incident could have been much worse, and still could be since Sidney's fate has yet to be determined under the Dangerous Dog Act, and the fact is that that Act could result in his death. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What happened on July 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> happened, and there is nothing that is not already being done that can be done to change that.<span style=""> </span>Looking to the future, there are two huge gaps that this case opened up, one dealing with the incident itself, and the other dealing with the aftermath. This posting and whatever emerges from it, will deal only with the former, and to try to come up with ways to prevent this thing from happening again, in DC anyhow.<span style=""> </span>Although there are numerous dog-bites-dog cases in DC each year (we estimate 1700 based on national statistics), only a small minority of them get reported, and very, very few ever get as far as this case did, and none that we have found this fast and in this fashion (for reasons that will be explored elsewhere by us for our own dog's protection).<span style=""> </span>Last year, in a park right outside our home, a dog was killed by another dog of almost equal size, and the grief-stricken owner of the dog that was killed responsibly recognized her own responsibility for putting her dog in harm's way (even though the dog that killed the other one had no record of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">aggression</span>), and moved on.<span style=""> </span>It is unfortunate that she learned her lesson the saddest way possible, but she did.<span style=""> </span>Others learned a lesson too.<span style=""> </span>That may not always be best solution for everyone, but in this case the facts warranted it.<span style=""> </span>The whole issue needs to be explored in an emotion-less environment, where established principle of law are what apply and not emotions or contacts.<span style=""> </span>That is why we are involved (on the periphery), to make sure that those safeguards are there.<span style=""> </span>Most people are not aware of what is going on today with such things as the Dangerous Dog Act.<span style=""> </span>You can gain the proof for that by walking on the street and watching how some people walk or run their dogs.<span style=""> </span>If everyone knew what we knew, there would be no dogs on the street today.<span style=""> </span>Until jurisdictions learn how to apply the good elements of those Dangerous Dogs Act intelligently and fairly, every single dog living in a jurisdiction that has adopted it faces the same fate as Sidney, who, according to the facts, responded the way most dogs would if two dogs of any size entered his space without any warning to him or his handler whatsoever.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The scenario I'd like to use in this discussion is not the fact pattern of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sidney</span> case, but one I encounter weekly myself as I sit with my dogs in a popular <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">outdoor</span> cafe near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dupont</span> Circle that permits dogs to sit with you on the open sidewalk. As I sit there, buried in my reading or talking with friends, with my two large dogs tied up directly to my chair with no more than 4 feet of leash space (the law gives them 6 feet), more often than not, when another person with a dog approaches, even if they know me they give us wide berth and walk around us. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Occasionally</span>, someone will do as I do if they know I do not see them and signal me somehow so that I can take <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">precautions</span> and rein in my dogs if need be, which I always do, as do they. If I see them first, I always rein my dogs in. But every now and then, perhaps once a week, someone with one or more dogs, dogs of any size, will come walking right up to me from behind knowing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">darn</span> well I did not see them without giving me any warning that they are coming and walk well within the space I would need if I had my dogs on 6-foot leashes. One hundred percent of the time, when there is no warning for me to get my dogs under control, my dogs, provoked into defending their space, will charging the other dog(s) that came within their space. Fortunately, there has never been a contact because I've gotten to it in time or there was no leash-overlap to allow a melee. Whenever this happens though, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">always</span> politely tell the other person <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">afterwards</span>, "I hope you know you assumed a big risk by doing that." My fear, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">however</span>, is there is going to be a leash overlap some day and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">since</span> my dogs have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">never</span> had the opportunity to make contact with another dog, I have no idea what my dogs will do, again, if there was no warning given to me. If this happens and it's another big dog, my guess is that it will be a draw. If it is a small dog (like the lady who owns two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">miniature</span> Yorkshire terriers who always walks them within 6 feet of me within warning me), those dogs will be history. Most people know that. That's why people <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">joke</span> when they pick up their small dogs walking near me saying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">cute</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">things</span> like, "No breakfast this time, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">doggie</span>." This is what dogs have done for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">thousands</span> of years, to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">other</span> dogs or to prey animals. In our world, we people have the obligation to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">control</span> our dogs, and that's why there are leash laws and rules of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">etiquette</span>.<br /></p>This is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">scenario</span> I address where needed in the below questions.<br /><br />By the way, if you want to see the above scenario unfold dozens of times in the space of an otherwise pleasant evening, leave your own dog at home and go to the Humane Society's Bark Ball each year. A dog "confrontation" of one sort or another seems to break out from one corner of the ball room (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">brawlroom</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">would be</span> a better word) or another every so often. Fortunately, most owners have their dogs on very short leashes and are constantly on guard, and so I never recall any serious injury taking place there and it turns out to be a fun time for all and good for the Humane Society too.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Using the above scenario, the main questions to be explored here will be: (a) Whether or not a reasonable person who walks his or her dog(s) up behind and within leash-range range of another person standing still with his or her leashed dog(s), and does not give that other person warning, assumes the risk of the foreseeable consequences? (b) Is invading a dog's space tantamount to provocation from the perspective of a dog?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are many intermediate questions that have to be addressed before you can arrive at answers to the above questions.<o:p></o:p><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <span style="">More to come. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Thoughtful</span> comments would be welcome in the meantime. If they are not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">thoughtful</span>, they will not be published. <span style=""><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-22594103116925510632007-08-02T05:00:00.000-07:002007-08-02T19:28:09.604-07:00Appendix (3) A Message We Received<span style="font-size:10;"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >A friend received the below e-mail and sent it to us.<span style=""> </span>Because we received it and because it refers to this blog in general terms, albeit incorrectly, we have decided to publish it unredacted (except for the e-mail lines and the name of the original sender). But we have also decided to publish it because we wish to make it abundantly clear, if we have not already done so, that this blog is not about how good the people involved in this incident are, or their dogs for that matter, or to have people think that we do not have sympathy for the little dog that was bitten, which of course we do. But there is nothing any of us can do about that now.<span style=""> </span>Those facts are behind us now. Our focus is purely on the process aspects of this case because any adverse decisions against Sidney, on procedure or the merits, other than what might have been decided had this case been handled by the usual means (but for political pressure on DoH), will surely affect all dogs in the District of Columbia, for better of for worse, no matter on which side of the case your sympathies fall.<span style=""> </span>We have also decided to publish it without further comment regardless of any inaccuracies, omissions, difference of opinions, or mischaracterizations. The "story" to which the message refers, by the way, is </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The Washington Post</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" > story that appeared on July 27th about the hearing the day before, the transcript for which is available to everyone (see main posting for purchase information). And, again, we wish to point out that we have absolutely no connection to any of the parties (or dogs) in the case and never saw any of them until the hearing on July 26th.<span style=""> </span>We have interposed ourselves into this matter solely as DC residents concerned about the welfare of all animals. One final comment. Although we received about three --- what we would charactize as --- negative comments, just as it it would serve usful purpose to publish them, we have also chosen to not publish any opined links to Sidney's sad plight to the well-known case now in courts regarding abuse to pit bulls and other large breeds. However eggrregious the acts in that latter case might have been, the defendants are entitled to their day in court, and they are getting it. We do not need to stir up sympathies by posting photos of abused dogs. It is absue of process in the future that we are more concerend about, and to make sure that that does not happen.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;">-----------------------<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--></span></p>This story is about my friend Duane's dog Molly that was shaken for ten seconds and almost literally bitten in half by a pit bull while on a walk in Adams Morgan on July 4th.<br /><br />It's important to mention that Duane is DOCTOR Duane. Emergency room Pediatric Anesthesiologist Doctor Duane. He has spent his career helping children who have been through horrors that boggle the mind. For that altruism he has been repaid by first watching his 10-pound dog being crushed in the jaws of a 50-pound Pit Bull terrier, then by this careless article that subtly takes the side of the attacker and its duplicitous owners, even going as far as publishing the url created to save the beast and providing a public forum for their PR campaign.<br /><br />Never once is the victim mentioned... nor is the close to $30,000 that I'm told Duane has spent to keep his dog alive. When Duane is finally quoted it is not about himself or his dog or some tacky plea for money, but his concern for other animals and children even recognizing the sadness the family will feel, but stating that it is for the protection of us all. It speaks volumes about the type of person he is and the fact that he does not deserve something like this.<br /><br />When I was a child my Dad taught me that a dog only has one job in the world‹ NOT TO BITE. When they do they face the consequences. My own Welsh Terrier was the victim of a brutal mauling by a bull dog who's family fled Pennsylvania rather than face the consequence for that dog's biting of a child. 27 stitches on a 22-pound dog. TWICE! We had to listen to their little boy crying "Don't kill my dog!" but we made sure that what happened would NEVER happen again to anything else EVER again. It's the responsible thing to do. The dog faced the consequences of what he did.<br /><br />It's time Sidney did as well.<br /><br />If you disagree I invite you to remember playing childhood games where the counting of seconds is an element. Now imagine your child, or your dog, or your hand in the jaws of a violent animal with no intentions of letting go.<br /><br />One alligator.<br />Two alligator.<br />Three alligator.<br />Four alligator.<br />Five alligator.<br />Six alligator.<br />Seven alligator.<br />Eight alligator.<br />Nine alligator.<br />Ten alligator.<br /><br />Now please say a prayer for Molly and post a response to the article... and pass this on!<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to read this.<br /><br />ToddUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-22915247046095727142007-08-02T04:00:00.000-07:002007-08-02T15:41:06.348-07:00Appendix (4) What Blogger Thinks Should HappenDRAFT #1 -<br /><br />Here's what Blogger hopes happens, should happen and must happen, based on the facts that are known to us. (Of course, what Blogger thinks will not make any difference to the outcome of the current case. However, what Blogger <span style="font-style: italic;">does </span> and what you do ill make a difference on what happens in the future.)<br /><br />1- The small dog that was injured recovers quickly and fully (which, we understand, is happening).<br /><br />2- Sidney is permitted to go home to NY with his family now, but in the future, if his guardians intend to bring him into DC again for a visit (why they would want to is beyond me, considering this whole event and the loose process trap they feel into), they must notify the DoH that they are bringing him back to town and that while here the street he should wear a non-restrictive muzzle, and that they show proof of insurance. (By the way, these matters do not get to liability, because those things are outside of the reach of the DoH and are well covered by law, but someone needs to look closely at the issues of assumption of risk, contributory negligence, forseeable consequences, and the like before pinning the full blame on the large dog.)<br /><br />3- These things must happen<br />(a) Someone looks into why this case shot up to the DDA without the usual process being followed, a miscarriage that contributed to much unfavorable publicity for DC, an enormous waste of city resources that could have been put to better use, and an expenditure on the part of private citizens that was patently unfair consdiering the options.<br />(b) The "consent" option to seize a dog in DC is either removed from the DDA or DoH publishes very specific guidelines on what it takes to get it, e.g., material facts and reasons explained in writing, what is happening and why, clarify options, signatures, etc.<br />(c) Written guidelines for what the process is for processing dangerous dog complaints, to be used as much for getting a dog into out justifiably as keeping a dog who doesn't belong under it out if it.<br />(d) Education of public on what is proper protocol for walking dogs on city streets in places where there will be small and large dogs<br />(e) Exploration of what constitutes provocation of a dog bite, sufficient to get a dog into the DDA or keep a dog out of it. Perhaps GWU Animal Law Center can write a law review article on this.<br />(f) Training for police department on how to handle dogs (in view of the fact that the police officer almost shot Sidney long after the melee broke up)<br /><br />The fundamental question for the future is, What can we do to reduce the chances of all of this happening again in DC. We believe that every problem along the way was avoidable. The question is, How does the word get out?<br /><br />(f) That the noise some are making about pitbulls ends and that the city's time, energy, and money gets focused on the underlying problems and not just one breed. The underlying problems include the cruelty to animals, the inadequate funding of the animal control program, and the policies in place to work within that funding.<br /><br />Blogger --- and many others --- would also like to see DoH change its policy about not behavior-testing pitbulls and, therefore, automatically making them unadoptable, meaning their death. Until that policy changes, DC <span style="font-style: italic;">does not have</span>a no-kill policy and has, in effect, a ban on pitbulls, pitbulls that are unfortunate enough to end up in the animal control shelter. Of course, we recognize that the reason for this is that there are insufficient funds to behavior test all dogs, and we also recognize that they it would be irresponsible to forego the testing of dogs and just release them back into the public. But we also believe if people knew the facts (we know more than most and we know very little, I fear) perhaps the funding would be there from the public, not just to behavior test pitbulls (and pitbull mixes) but to go after the source of the real problems. If ever there was an opportune time, now is the time to do this. Just as ourperceptive mayor did with the city's school program, he needs to reach out to progressive communities to see what they have done, even if it means hiring away their leaders aware. DC cares about its pets I think as much as it does its children. DC, thanks in part to city council members and the Humane Society, has done some good things for animal protection, but we have a ways to go before we can say that we are a leader in this regard. We are the nation's capital; we should be the leader in this area.<br /><br />Perhaps all of this is in the 5-Year-Plan for Animal Control which Howard Nelson put forward before he left for Pennsylvania.<br /><br />Those are my thoughts. Any thoughts of your own? Feel free to post them. Of course, only intelligent, compassionate comments will be published.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-33328504231943555042007-08-02T03:30:00.000-07:002007-08-03T11:51:46.370-07:00Appendix (5) Should Most Pet Owners Be Required to Neuter Their Animals?<span style="font-weight: bold;">We thought that we would post a recent editorial from the NY Times by the elegant </span>VERLYN KLINKENBORG, "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Should Most Pet Owners Be Required to Neuter Their Animals?" because of its profound meaning to the current case. Sidney was a mutt rescued from the streets of the Bronx by Belinda and not purchased as a designer dog , and the first thing she did was to take him in to get him neutered. Now, the city wants to reward her for her responsibility by trying him under the Dangerous Dog Act for defending his space. Something is terribly wrong here, and that's why we started this blog. Maybe there are things we do not know, but I doubt it. As Edmund Burke said, "Evil happens when good people do nothing." (And, conversely, as we say, "Good things happen when evil people do nothing.")<br /><br />Here's </span>VERLYN KLINKENBORG's New York Times editorial of July 30, 2007:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Recently a controversial bill — Assembly Bill 1634 — was withdrawn from a committee of the California State Senate by its sponsor, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, a Democrat from Van Nuys. The bill would have required the mandatory spaying or neutering of all cats and dogs, applying statewide the kind of regulations that have already been enacted in some cities across the country.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> In its various drafts, Mr. Levine softened the basic provisions of the bill, changing the mandatory age of compliance from 4 months old to 6 months, allowing even later compliance if it was recommended by a veterinarian, and adding an amendment that would let local agencies issue “one litter” permits for the family pet. The bill would also have required breeders to obtain an “intact animal permit.”</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> None of these changes satisfied the bill’s main opponent, the American Kennel Club. The A.K.C. argues that this bill threatens “the right to own and breed dogs responsibly.” In fact, what the bill attacks is the habit of breeding dogs and cats irresponsibly.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> In California last year, 450,000 cats and dogs were euthanized. The real thrust of the A.K.C.’s argument is economic. Dog fanciers have been reluctant to bring their animals to dog shows in municipalities with mandatory spaying and neutering laws. The trump card politically? Loss of local and state revenue.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> There may be better ways than a statewide law to reduce the number of unwanted pets. But the opponents of mandatory neutering make it sound as though the problem can be solved mainly by teaching owners to spay or neuter their pets voluntarily. That might be true, if we thought more rationally about our pets. But keeping pets isn’t about rationality. When it comes to them, Americans are lost in a seemingly endless act of transference.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> It’s apparent in the obesity of our dogs and cats, and in our increasing spending on veterinary care and gourmet pet food and dietary supplements and everything else that helps us treat them as our superconsumerist equals.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> This transference extends to how we think about the sexuality of our pets, which is, all too often, a projection of our own.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Many owners feel a sense of implicit posterity, a kind of family-values virtue — think a litter of kittens in a warm corner of the kitchen — in the reproductive potential of their pets.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Others feel what, in America, is an even more basic emotion, the conviction that they have an absolute right to do with their property exactly as they like. But too often the result is the same: another cat joins the enormous tribe of feral cats, whose effect on the bird population is catastrophic, and another dog finds itself in jail awaiting execution.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> For humans, these are deep psychological waters. We expect to find as much innocence in our pets as we do in newborn children, which may be one reason why so few older pets are adopted from shelters.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> We want the pleasures of neoteny — the adorable sustained appearance of infancy — in part because it helps us forget how much responsibility is involved in owning and training a dog.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Americans are consumers of pets just as we are consumers of everything else. We expect gratification without responsibility. We see only the easy pleasure, not the work. The rate at which dogs are purchased and euthanized in this country is not a sign of our affection for them. It’s a sign of our indifference. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-12049078117932240702007-08-02T03:15:00.000-07:002007-08-04T07:59:23.507-07:00Appendix (6) A Letter Sent to DoH<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Chief Animal Disease Prevention Division<br />District of Columbia Department of Health<br />Washington DC<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Dear Chief:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">I am writing to you concerning the matter of the case of the dog, Sidney, whose fate, I understand, will be decided at an administrative hearing on Thursday, July 26th, before Judge Jesse P. Goode, upon petition of your Department (DC-DOH v Belinda Blum,<span style=""> </span>Respondent and owner of Sidney).<span style=""> </span>I am writing strictly in my own personal capacity as someone who has had dogs for 34 years and who is concerned about animal welfare matters. I did not witness the events leading to the hearing, have nothing to do with the case and know none of the parties or dogs involved. This letter is totally unsolicited and deals only with my own concerns of the chilling effect that <i>any</i> ruling adverse to Sidney will have on all dogs and their owners in the District of Columbia.<span style=""> </span>Although I did not witness the facts in the case, for purposes of my own limited concern the facts that I have learned through publicized sources (i.e., the internet and ABC7) and from the respondent are sufficient for me to express the main concern I do have about the case, especially since these facts are not in dispute between the two parties.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">I am also writing as someone who is mindful of how painful this whole experience must be for Dr. Stillions and his dogs Emma and Molly, for Sidney's owners and Sidney himself.<span style=""> </span>I cannot even imagine what they are going through and feel great compassion for all of them.<span style=""> </span>However, I have to set those feeling aside for this letter to express thoughts that have been of concern to me for some time, thoughts that bear directly on certain elements of this case, which is why I must speak up.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">I also must say that I do not envy you in your position of being required by law, upon the filing of a compliant, to petition the court in a hearing to declare an animal dangerous and, beyond that, at continued substantial risk to the community, meaning euthanasia.<span style=""> </span>My only guess is that this is a no-win situation for you in most cases if not all. However these cases are decided, especially where euthanizing any animal is involved (especially one who is as beloved as Sidney is), an animal that but for certain unfortunate circumstances would not have warranted death as punishment for something that was not its fault.<span style=""> </span>However, what little I do know about your involvement in animal welfare matters in the District of Columbia for improvement of our laws and regulations relating to animals leads me to believe that you take your responsibilities seriously and perform them fairly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">The single matter that is of concern to me in this case is the matter of what is involved in declaring a dog dangerous in the District of Columbia.<span style=""> </span>Although I admit that from a legal standpoint I am not intimately familiar with how sound the laws or the application of those laws are in the District of Columbia, my concerns relate to facts and not the law.<span style=""> </span>Again, as I understand the facts relevant to my concern, they appear to be undisputed by the two parties (although I also understand those facts are inconsistent with the report of the police officer on the scene who supposedly saw the whole incident from the start at some great distance away in the night as she sat in her cruiser).<span style=""> </span>My understanding of the facts is this:<span style=""> </span>Sidney was sitting by his handler's side on a short leash when suddenly, without any warning whatsoever, Dr. Stillions, with Emma and Molly's on two separate leashes, approached Sidney at very close distance from behind, startling Sidney, who then lunged at Emma and Molly and bit the two of them in the melee that followed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">My concern is this.<span style=""> </span>From all that I have seen over 34 years of handling dogs, I am amazed that some people, owners of both large and small dogs of all breeds, have no concept at all of a unknown dog's space (i.e., territory), the likely consequences of trespassing onto that space, and the simple measures that can be taken to avoid the inevitable confrontations as dogs do what dogs do to defend their space with the only means they have, their barks and their mouths.<span style=""> </span>This is what dogs do.<span style=""> </span>Most dogs owners know that. Most people, whether they have large or small dogs, provide other dogs with a comfortable distance as they walk around or approach them.<span style=""> </span>If a comfortable distance cannot be provided, most dogs owners (as I do)<span style=""> </span>try to catch the other dog owners' attention by alerting them that another dog is coming so that they have a chance to secure their dogs.<span style=""> </span>Most people can foresee the consequences to one dog or another if they do not.<span style=""> </span>Most people realize that they are assuming a great risk if they walk nonchalantly past a dog they do not know.<span style=""> </span>Most people know that when a melee breaks out between dogs, the bigger, stronger dogs will always come out ahead, although most people also know that dogs have no awareness of their own sizes relative to other dogs, although dogs do perceive bigger threats from multiple dogs of any size.<span style=""> </span>Most people, especially those with the last clear chance --- if not the only chance --- to avoid a confrontation, do so to protect their own dogs and the dogs of the other parties.<span style=""> </span>Finally, many people who walk two or more dogs on separate leashes know how hard it is to keep those dogs within their own space (just google "walking two dogs"<span style=""> </span>to read about this).<span style=""> </span>All of these things are common sense and most people I have encountered over 34 years know these things and take the necessary precautions.<span style=""> </span>(Just walk down any street with dogs on it and you will see what I mean.)<span style=""> </span>This is why there are far fewer confrontations between dogs than there otherwise would be.<span style=""> </span>But <i>most people</i> is not <i>all people</i>, and it seems to me that that is precisely what happened on the evening of July 4th when Dr. Stillions approached Zomai who was handling Sidney. Whether Dr. Stillions acknowledged it or not, his dogs were invading Sidney's space, and by not warning Zomai that his dogs were approaching at close distance he assumed a great risk and provoked a startled Sidney into doing what dogs do, defend their space.<span style=""> </span>If Dr. Stillions was unaware of Zomai's or Sidney's presence, than what took place was a terrible unavoidable accident and nothing more.<span style=""> </span>If Dr. Stillions <i>did</i> know of Sidney's presence, especially with his obvious and well-publicized hard feelings about "pit bulls," he did the equivalent of putting his hand in a tiger's cage and, as sad as the events that unfolded next were, negligently contributed to those events, breached the standard of care he owed to his own dogs,<span style=""> </span>or at least willingly assumed the risks.<span style=""> </span>This is not the same thing as if Sidney spontaneously had bolted from his handler and ran some distance to attack Emma and Molly without having been spooked into doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Incidentally, from all that I have read about the evacuation during Hurricane Katrina, this knowledge of how dogs react to each other when in close space is precisely what contributed to the deaths of tens of thousands of dogs (and some of their owners, who refused to leave them), when the Red Cross and others did not want<span style=""> </span>to bring dogs into such close contact with each other and people and, therefore, denied them access to buses and shelters.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">It seems to me then, that because Zomai did not even know Emma and Molly were approaching, Dr. Stillions had the last clear chance to avoid the confrontation that ensued and failed to do anything about it. My concern, then,<span style=""> </span>is that if Sidney is declared a dangerous dog or put to death because of something that Emma and Molly's handler had the last best chance to avoid, this will put a chilling effect on all those in the District of Columbia who own dogs, no matter what size dog we have or what their dispositions.<span style=""> </span>I plead with you, therefore to<span style=""> </span>factor all of this into the equation of whether or not there was constructive provocation here, or simply a terrible unavoidable accident.<span style=""> </span>Anytime anyone walked up behind me and my dogs in close range without warning me, I considered that provocation because I know what dogs will do to defend their space.<span style=""> </span>This obligation to warn falls on all dog owners, and not just owners of small dogs, who stand to be harmed the most in a melee.<span style=""> </span>Just as owners of dangerous dogs have an obligation to provide warnings, so too do owners of all dogs have an obligation to warn other owners of their dogs' imminent intrusion upon another dog's space unless it is patently obvious, as it is in most cases.<span style=""> </span>Dr. Stillions had an implied duty and standard of care to alert Zomai of his dogs' presence, which he did not fulfill. As sad as the consequences to his dogs were, he alone had the chance to avoid them. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">That's my concern.<span style=""> </span>I am concerned about the chilling effect an adverse ruling against Sidney will have on dog owners in the District of Columbia.<span style=""> </span>It will give<span style=""> </span>dog owners license to intrude another dog's space knowing that the law will relieve them of any duty of a last chance to avoid a confrontation or of any assumption of risk on their parts. (But why anyone would want to do this intentionally, I do not know.)<span style=""> </span>Granted, these things cannot be written into law, but my hope is that they can be factored into decisions on whether a dog is dangerous or a continued substantial threat to the community in a way that reflects reality (at least from the dog's perspective, if that is possible) because the consequences of a wrong decision in favor of euthanizing a beloved --- or any --- dog would not be acceptable to most caring people.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">There are other disturbing issues that I see involved with this case that will impact others of us in the District of Columbia too if the facts as I know them are correct, e.g., Emma and Molloy's handler using two leashes to walk two dogs when it is well known that it is difficult to control the movements of even small dogs that way, the apparent lack of a thorough investigation prior to Sidney's seizure, the police officer's failure to seek out impartial witnesses, the false reports of suspicious origin phoned into Animal Control about Sidney's past record,<span style=""> </span>the documented one-sided media attention that came out on this (thereby putting<span style=""> </span>great pressure on your office to resolve it in an unfair manner), the police officer's giving Sidney's handler a ticket for an unleashed dog after Zomai dropped the leash simply to stop the melee, putting himself at great danger in the process (after continuing to hold the leash would have been totally ineffective),the attempt by Dr. Stillions to characterize Sidney as a dangerous dog simply because of his mixed species background, and his vociferous calls for Sidney's death.<span style=""> </span>These issues I do not get into here (but some are surely for the City Council to take up).<span style=""> </span>Nor do I intend to purse the issue of the whether the police officer who filed the report had any training whatsoever in recognizing dog behavior, behavior that could very well bear on material facts in this case which she might have misinterpreted, but I can confidently conclude that she had <i>none</i><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7370776970291699786&postID=1204907811793224070#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Again, please understand my concern in this case.<span style=""> </span>To be sure, I am concerned for the dogs that were bitten by Sidney and for Sidney as well (<i>especially</i> Sidney whose breeds --- Greyhound and Pit Bull --- are getting a very bad deal these days from all of us and who was, from what I understand, miraculously rescued from the a less-than-fortunate life on the streets of the Bronx at a very young age and has been a model dog owned by caring people ever since, with a perfect behavioral record to boot).<span style=""> </span>But I am especially concerned about the chilling effect that declaring Sidney a dangerous dog or euthanizing him will have on all of those who own dogs in DC.<span style=""> </span>A terrible mistake was made by Dr. Stillions in approaching Sidney from behind at a close distance without any warning, provoking Sidney's attack.<span style=""> </span>If it wasn't a mistake, it was a terrible accident. In either case, Sidney --- or his owners --- should not have to suffer the punishment simply because he was the bigger dog and in the wrong place at the wrong time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I hope I have correctly reflected the facts and adequately expressed my concerns. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7370776970291699786&postID=1204907811793224070#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[1]<!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style=""><span style=""> </span>In 2005, I inquired with more than 40 police officers in the District about their training in dog behavior (i.e., "what dogs are trying to tell cops"). Not a single one reported any training whatsoever despite that fact that police officers are often called to work around dogs and numerous police jurisdictions are providing extensive training to their officers not only for the protection of the dogs but for the police officers own protection.<span style=""> </span>I have written the mayor and city council members on this very issue pleading with them to provide officers adequate training and funding after two dogs were</span><span style=""> </span><span style="">unnecessarily killed by police officers in the District in well-publicized cases in recent years, a fate that Sidney surely would have suffered had the police officer been five feet away and not 70. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> </div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-79883674302623413852007-08-02T02:30:00.000-07:002007-08-11T10:15:37.120-07:00Appendix (7) Some Letters/Messages to the Mayor (and a response)Below are several letters/messages that were sent to the Washington DC Mayor. The first one (July 24th) didn't quite work (the mayor never answered it) so the second one was sent (August 6th). He never answered that one either, so a third letter was sent (August 7th). Becasue he never answered that one either, a brief 4th one was sent on August 8th, inviting him to to send a letter to Oprah himself. He answered that one with the response shown at the bottom of this posting. More importantly, Sidney was freed six hours later.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Here's the July 24th letter: </span><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;">Dear Mayor Fenty:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:10;">There is a matter of utmost importance to many citizens of the District I plead with you to have your staff involve themselves with. It involves the case of the 8-year-old greyhound/terrier mix, Sidney, on a visit to DC from New York, who is on a track be sentenced to death (a) because he is a dog, a "pitbull" according to at least one City Council member and (b) the political pressure some are putting in your Department of Health to use Sidney as their poster child to ban pitbulls from the city.<span style=""> </span>I will leave it up to your staff's resourcefulness to find out the facts, but they can go to <u>www.SaveSidney.blogpsot.com</u> for the facts.<span style=""> </span>If this case is decided adversely against Sidney in any way, it will give DC a black eye in the eyes of many outsiders and have a chilling effect on all of those in the District who own dogs, let alone what it will due to "due process."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:10;">Without getting into the substantive issues that will be taken up in Judge Jesse Goode's courtroom today (at 12:30 p.m.), here are the questions that should be of interest to you as you try to find out who from the outside is pressuring your administration to put Sidney on a track that could lead to his death.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;">(1) Why was a shoddy investigation undertaken?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;">(2) Why was Sidney seized without a warrant and without competent consent?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;">(3) Why wasn't there at the end of the investigation (it never really started) a time for a<span style=""> </span>fair conclusion to be reached as to whether or not the city needed to waste precious resources on this matter?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;">(4) Why did not the Department of Health follow the usual process of sitting down with the parties to discuss mutually agreeable measures to resolve this matter?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:10;">The list goes on, but I think you have enough to conclude yourself that the Department of Health is being unfairly pressure to pursue this matter as a poster child case for banning pitbulls (which Sidney is not; I am more like a pitbull than he is) from the city.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:10;">Please do what you can to let Sidney go free. Use your enormous authorities to rename him "Scooter" and give him a pardon if you have to.<span style=""> </span>Run him out of town and tell him never to return.<span style=""> </span>Speaking of running, <i>you</i> run this administration, single City Council members do not. Please do what you can to let Sidney's owners go home to New York now with him.<span style=""> </span>Please think about what you would do if Sidney were your dog.<span style=""> </span>For God's sake, all Sidney did was what most leashed (as he was) dogs would do if two other dogs entered their space without warning.<span style=""> </span>Why is the city wasting precious resources on this matter?<span style=""> </span>Sidney is not a dangerous dog. Sidney is not a danger to the community.<span style=""> </span>Sidney is a dog, a good dog. Be a good mayor, let Sidney go free.<span style=""> </span>If you can kill the Whitehurst Freeway project, you can surely save Sidney from being killed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;">Thank you for reading this letter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Sincerely,<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >And here's the August 6th Letter:</span><br /></span></span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dear Mayor Fenty:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I have been a resident of the District for 31 years and never before have I seen such inhumane and unethical behavior on the part of our city government as I am seeing now.<span style=""> </span>The matter of which I speak concerns the case of the 8-year-old greyhound/terrier mix, Sidney, who was - and still remains - illegally impounded by Animal Control on July 5th after biting a dog whose owner carelessly and recklessly walked his dogs, without giving any warning, behind and close to Sidney, who was properly leashed and otherwise under his handler's control.<span style=""> </span>Although a judge ordered the Department of Health and Sidney's owners to work this matter out between themselves, Sidney's fate still has yet to be determined as he sits languishing in the pound and as his owners, who were visiting here form NY, remain stranded here. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">You, sir, are the only one who can end this nightmare for the couple from NY and their dog and order your Department of Health to release the dog on the condition that he not be brought back to the city.<span style=""> </span>Anything more than that or any further delay of this matter will be a continuation of this inhumane and unethical treatment. But it is much more than that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As you might imagine, cases such as Sidney's,<span style=""> </span>especially where there was gross negligence and recklessness on the part of the person whose dog was bitten as was clearly the case here, are usually handled expeditiously and humanely by Department of Health officials, who I assume have far more important things to worry about than a single dog being bitten.<span style=""> </span>This case was not, and it has resulted in one of the most <u>egregious waste and abuses of resources</u> I have seen, not to mention inviting adverse publicity for the city, dividing the city, and raising fear and concern in citizens for their own pets' safety from city officials and the powerful jaws of the Dangerous Dog Act. When I inquired with Department of Health officials why this case was allowed to go to such ludicrous and inhumane lengths, I was told without equivocation, "<i>because of the pressure of [a city councilamn] who wants to use this as his poster child case to ban pitbulls from the city.</i>"<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">You, sir, run this administration, not individual city council members working behind your back to achieve their pet projects.<span style=""> </span>Please, take charge of your administration and order you Department of Health to end this abuse of resources and power by ordering the dog from the city, thereby removing any real or imagined threat anyone might see.<span style=""> </span>Sidney did what most dogs would do in his situation when he was approached suddenly and closely from behind by two dogs.<span style=""> </span>Now it is your turn to do what ethical people would do and stop this unethical saga from continuing and permitting Sidney's owners to return to NY with their dog.<span style=""> </span>Any strictures other than that imposed by the Department of Health will be construed as simply covering their tracks for allowing this waste of resources to occur, as they seek to appease a city council member behind your back under the ruse of protecting the public.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Sincerely,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> P.S.<span style=""> </span>I am not connected with this case or any of the parties to it in any way.<span style=""> </span>My interest is solely for the ethical treatment of the impounded dog and his owners.<span style=""> </span>However, I am also deeply concerned abut the chilling effect this case will have on all of us in DC who own dogs.<br /><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Here's the letter that was sent on August 7th.</span><br /><br /></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">August 7, 2007<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Dear Mayor Fenty:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been reading about the petition filed by your administration to declare Sidney, the 8-year-old greyhound/pitbull mix dog from New York, a dangerous dog --- which could result in his death --- for biting another dog who entered his space on July 4th.<span style=""> </span>I plead with you to reconsider your petition for the following reason.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The DC law says that a dog cannot be declared a dangerous dog if there was provocation or other circumstances.<span style=""> </span>The Model Dangerous Dog Act specifically says that "No dog shall be declared a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog if<span style=""> </span>the dog was protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an attack or assault." Sindey was standing close by his handler's side, properly leased, when another man approached him at close range from behind with his two small dogs without any warning whatsoever. To a dog, that meant an imminent attack.<span style=""> </span>Sidney did what many dogs would do, he defended his space and his handler.<span style=""> </span>Dogs have no concept of size, but they do know when they are outnumbered.<span style=""> </span>Dogs have only one way to defend themselves and their handlers and that is with their barks and mouths.<span style=""> </span>The other man said he knew he was taking a risk but went ahead anyway, deciding that he did not want to interrupt Sidney's handler's conversation.<span style=""> </span>It is sad that his own little dog was injured, but he had the last clear chance to avoid this injury and was negligent in not warning Sidney's handler.<span style=""> </span>At a minimum, he had a duty to warn Sidney's handler that he was coming.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I<span style=""> </span>am happy that the small dog that was injured is recovering, But please do not let your administration take revenge out on Sidney or his owners.<span style=""> </span>Sidney was only doing what dogs do. Sidney is not a dangerous dog, he is a dog.<span style=""> </span>Please let him go now. You are in charge of your new administration.<span style=""> </span>Please show your officials and citizens that you intend to do what is right.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Sincerely,<br /></span></p><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHEN NONE OF THE ABOVE LETTERS WORKED, THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE WAS SENT TO THE MAYOR ON AUGUST 8TH, INVITING HIM TO SEND A LETTER TO OPRAH TOO:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;">Mayor Fenty,<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I just sent in a request to Oprah, as requested, to put Sidney's plight on her show. Many others have too, I understand. Please consider sending in a request yourself as Oprah would love to hear from you. Her web site is oprah.com.<br /><br />By the way, Oprah absolutely loves pit bulls.<br /><br />Thanks for helping to save Sidney.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A FEW HOURS AFTER THE ABOVE MESSAGE WAS SENT, THE "MAYOR" SENT THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO THE SENDER:</span></span><br /></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;">Dear <span style=""> </span>Madam,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.05in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;">I am writing to express my appreciation to you for taking the time to correspond with me.<span style=""> </span>I will continue to monitor Sidney's troubles and wish you the best of luck with your letters to Oprah.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -0.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;">For future concerns or comments please e-mail me at mayor@dc.gov.<span style=""> </span>In addition if you wish to speak to me please feel free to call 202-727-1000.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Sincerely,<br />Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >SIX 6 HOURS LATER, SIDNEY WAS A FREE DOG.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7370776970291699786.post-92222818137176777742007-08-02T02:00:00.000-07:002007-08-11T11:12:23.806-07:00Appendix (8) Suggested Letter to the Mayor<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >NOW THAT SIDNEY IS FREE, YOU MIGHT WISH TO SEND A LETTER LIKE THE FOLLOWING TO THE DC MAYOR. PLEASE ONLY INCLUDE IN YOUR LETTER THINGS YOU BELIEVE OR WISH TO HAPPEN.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Honorable Adrian M. Fenty<br />Mayor,<span style=""> </span>Washington DC<br />Fax: 202-727-0505<br />Call Center Phone: 727-1000<br />E-mail: adrian.fenty@dc.gov</p> <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p><span style="font-size:100%;">Dear Mayor Fenty:</span><span style="font-size:10;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Thank you for any role you had in asking your Department of Health to bring to a close the matter of Sidney's impoundment and trial and free Sidney.<br /><br />Although Sidney is free, my hope is that you will now direct your staff to turn their attention to what happened here to prevent future occurrences of this incident. From what I read or heard, this was a matter that could have been resolved quickly on July 5th. Instead, it consumed valueable city resources, caused great pain and suffering to visitors to your city, and Sidney himself, and brought much adverse publicity to Washington.<br /><br />Please do what you can to make sure this abuse of process does not happen again. There is no question but that the Dangerous Dogs Act can serve a useful purpose against truly dangerous dogs or irresponsible owners. </span></span><span style="">However, all precautions must be taken to make sure that only the cases that really need to go to trial make it that far. Something appears to have gone terribly wrong in Sidney's case, and I hope you take advantage of the fresh facts in this case to improve the process for the future.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />[Your name here]<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0