A Mt. Morris, Michigan, (Genesee County) animal control shelter killed the "wrong" dog. The shelter staff lethally injected a family dog that was being held only for observation.
The kill shelter has offered that the family adopt another dog from their shelter, and charge the family only for the spaying or neutering.
The Genesee County Animal Control staff can join others in The Dog House for their gift of adding insult to injury: essentially penalizing a family by having them reimburse the county for monies they wouldn't have had to spend if the county had not made a mistake in the first place.
Read the story at the WDIV web site.
Showing posts with label The Dog House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Dog House. Show all posts
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
River Rouge Animal 'Shelter' : Animals walk in and don't walk out
Here's an article forwarded to me by the people at ReGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets). It's about the fact that the so-called animal shelter in River Rouge, Michigan, destroys each and every animal that comes through its doors; there are no volunteers at this shelter, and no effort is made to adopt out the animals.
In fact, the animal control officer for the city, Ernest Bowling, seems to have taken it upon himself to make it a policy to not adopt out any animals. This after being told by the city to not sell animals to research (he had previously been selling all of them, it seems, to a specific licensed "breeder" that in turn would sell them to research).
Why the reactionary response by Mr. Bowling? Is he angry about not making a buck on the sale to one specific 'breeder'? Is he just an angry and spiteful person in general towards his employers? Does he just not care to put any effort into his work? My own feeling is that the guy should be fired and a new animal control officer hired, and at least make an effort to find homes for the animals; they should not sell to breeders or to research. If breeders are taking in stray stock, then they're obviously not concerned with genetics or characteristics or qualities, just with popping out another pup to sell.
Read the May 18 Detroit Free Press article Animal shelter is criticized. The original story, by Justine DePalma, is printed below the following update.
--------------------------------------------
UPDATE: May 21, 2008
Changes were made by the River Rouge City Council. Click on this link to watch a video at Fox News about the situation and the City Council meeting.
Read the Detroit Free Press article Animal shelter to stop using poisonous gas.
Here's an excerpt from the Freep story:
Officials also said at Tuesday night's meeting that they will consider getting a scanner to read pet identification computer chips and will talk with Dearborn's animal control about creating a volunteer system for the local pound.
The Worst Shelter in Michigan
Written by: Justine DePalma
Published May 2, 2008
One Michigan animal "shelter" does not need volunteers. Services such as petfinder to increase adoptions are useless at this shelter. City of River Rouge runs a no frills animal "shelter". The rules are simple, if a stray dog or cat enters the River Rouge shelter, he/she will die at the end of the stray time. There are no reprieves. The sweetest poodles, the most stunning purebred Afghan, the great family mutt all have the same fate when they enter that building, death by
gassing. Animals entering the River Rouge shelter have drawn the worst shelter in the state of Michigan. It is the only shelter that killed every single animal unlucky enough to enter its doors.
Why does River Rouge kills all of the animals that enter its pound?
Ernest Bowling is the animal control officer for River Rouge and he is just following orders. In 2001, Fox2 News reporter, Fanchon Stinger aired an undercover investigation of Hodgins Kennel, a USDA Class B Dealer. River Rouge sold dogs and cats to Hodgins at that
time. Because of the public uproar, the River Rouge City Council commanded that its animal shelter stop selling to research. According to Bowling "the only way I can 100% guarantee that I'm not adopting out an animal to research is to not adopt them at all". It
seems that Bowling takes things literally and he claims Fred Hodgins told him that about 1% of the animals the shelter would adopt to the public would end up in research labs, so Bowling decided the only way to comply was to not adopt any. So for all these years Bowling gassed
every single dog and cat that entered his shelter. Every single one.
Call to Arms
River Rouge's Mayor Michael Balder and its City Council have some explaining to do. However, they will not change a thing unless people stand up for the animals. Humans must be their voices. Quick action is necessary to end this hideous slaughter. This project will take a little effort. River Rouge is still in the dark ages without email or even a web page.
Please visit this link to read a City of River Rouge Animal Shelter 2007 State of Michigan Shelter Report.
Please consider attending tonight's River Rouge City Council Meeting TONIGHT.
Residents and River Rouge city officials will hear from animal activists Tuesday who claim the city's shelter euthanizes animals at an alarming rate and uses poisonous gas to put them down, versus cheaper more humane methods.
Send letters to or call by telephone:
Mayor: Michael D Bowdler
City Council: Patty Campbell, Karen Ward, Derek Perry, Malcolm Moulton, Mark
Pruneau, Anthony Laginess
City of River Rouge
10600 W. Jefferson Ave.
River Rouge, MI 48218
Telephone: (313) 842-5604
Shame on the City of River Rouge, Michigan. They can go live in The Dog House.
In fact, the animal control officer for the city, Ernest Bowling, seems to have taken it upon himself to make it a policy to not adopt out any animals. This after being told by the city to not sell animals to research (he had previously been selling all of them, it seems, to a specific licensed "breeder" that in turn would sell them to research).
Why the reactionary response by Mr. Bowling? Is he angry about not making a buck on the sale to one specific 'breeder'? Is he just an angry and spiteful person in general towards his employers? Does he just not care to put any effort into his work? My own feeling is that the guy should be fired and a new animal control officer hired, and at least make an effort to find homes for the animals; they should not sell to breeders or to research. If breeders are taking in stray stock, then they're obviously not concerned with genetics or characteristics or qualities, just with popping out another pup to sell.
Read the May 18 Detroit Free Press article Animal shelter is criticized. The original story, by Justine DePalma, is printed below the following update.
--------------------------------------------
UPDATE: May 21, 2008
Changes were made by the River Rouge City Council. Click on this link to watch a video at Fox News about the situation and the City Council meeting.
Read the Detroit Free Press article Animal shelter to stop using poisonous gas.
Here's an excerpt from the Freep story:
Officials also said at Tuesday night's meeting that they will consider getting a scanner to read pet identification computer chips and will talk with Dearborn's animal control about creating a volunteer system for the local pound.
Approximately 60 people, many of whom were pound volunteers from other cities, filled the second-floor courtroom in River Rouge City Hall to voice their concerns about the city's high euthanasia rate and the carbon dioxide used to kill strays.
Except for animals that died in their cages, escaped or were stolen, River Rouge has a 100% euthanasia rate, according to the city's file with the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
------------------------------------------The Worst Shelter in Michigan
Written by: Justine DePalma
Published May 2, 2008
One Michigan animal "shelter" does not need volunteers. Services such as petfinder to increase adoptions are useless at this shelter. City of River Rouge runs a no frills animal "shelter". The rules are simple, if a stray dog or cat enters the River Rouge shelter, he/she will die at the end of the stray time. There are no reprieves. The sweetest poodles, the most stunning purebred Afghan, the great family mutt all have the same fate when they enter that building, death by
gassing. Animals entering the River Rouge shelter have drawn the worst shelter in the state of Michigan. It is the only shelter that killed every single animal unlucky enough to enter its doors.
Why does River Rouge kills all of the animals that enter its pound?
Ernest Bowling is the animal control officer for River Rouge and he is just following orders. In 2001, Fox2 News reporter, Fanchon Stinger aired an undercover investigation of Hodgins Kennel, a USDA Class B Dealer. River Rouge sold dogs and cats to Hodgins at that
time. Because of the public uproar, the River Rouge City Council commanded that its animal shelter stop selling to research. According to Bowling "the only way I can 100% guarantee that I'm not adopting out an animal to research is to not adopt them at all". It
seems that Bowling takes things literally and he claims Fred Hodgins told him that about 1% of the animals the shelter would adopt to the public would end up in research labs, so Bowling decided the only way to comply was to not adopt any. So for all these years Bowling gassed
every single dog and cat that entered his shelter. Every single one.
Call to Arms
River Rouge's Mayor Michael Balder and its City Council have some explaining to do. However, they will not change a thing unless people stand up for the animals. Humans must be their voices. Quick action is necessary to end this hideous slaughter. This project will take a little effort. River Rouge is still in the dark ages without email or even a web page.
Please visit this link to read a City of River Rouge Animal Shelter 2007 State of Michigan Shelter Report.
Please consider attending tonight's River Rouge City Council Meeting TONIGHT.
Residents and River Rouge city officials will hear from animal activists Tuesday who claim the city's shelter euthanizes animals at an alarming rate and uses poisonous gas to put them down, versus cheaper more humane methods.
Send letters to or call by telephone:
Mayor: Michael D Bowdler
City Council: Patty Campbell, Karen Ward, Derek Perry, Malcolm Moulton, Mark
Pruneau, Anthony Laginess
City of River Rouge
10600 W. Jefferson Ave.
River Rouge, MI 48218
Telephone: (313) 842-5604
Shame on the City of River Rouge, Michigan. They can go live in The Dog House.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Chicago Embarrases Itself; Overturns Ban on Foie Gras
The Chicago City Council has chosen to embarrass itself, ironically by saying that it was an embarrassment to have a two-year city-wide ban on pate de foie gras (fatty - diseased - duck liver). Looks like I made a mistake by thinking that Chicago was a progressive-minded city and on the forefront of a fight against animal cruelty.
Want to see how the foie gras gets to your plate? Click on this link to YouTube - it's one of the easier to watch videos. (Heavy metal pipes are shoved down the throat of a goose, as it is force fed directly to the stomach. This happens several times daily the last 2 - 3 weeks of a goose's life. It's akin to rape.)
You can also purchase a copy of the ABC Night Line program, from March 2007, at their online store. Or, check out the web site No Foie Gras.
Read the Diners Jourrnal blog post Chicago Overturns Foie Gras Ban at The New York Times.
Shame on Chicago, and shame on the Chicago City Council. They're in The Dog House for preferring to condone animal cruelty rather than risk embarrassment by foie gras consumers.
Want to see how the foie gras gets to your plate? Click on this link to YouTube - it's one of the easier to watch videos. (Heavy metal pipes are shoved down the throat of a goose, as it is force fed directly to the stomach. This happens several times daily the last 2 - 3 weeks of a goose's life. It's akin to rape.)
You can also purchase a copy of the ABC Night Line program, from March 2007, at their online store. Or, check out the web site No Foie Gras.
Read the Diners Jourrnal blog post Chicago Overturns Foie Gras Ban at The New York Times.
Shame on Chicago, and shame on the Chicago City Council. They're in The Dog House for preferring to condone animal cruelty rather than risk embarrassment by foie gras consumers.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Endangered Species Act: Yellowstone Wolves
There are almost no words that I can say to convey the utter stupidity and audacious carelessness of our current presidential administration's policy to do away with our country's wildlife and eco-systems; it's as though we're rushing head first into ecological genocide. (But, hey, business is great.)
After successfully ridding most of the western part of this country and Yellowstone National Park of all wolves nearly a century ago, the government decided in the 1990's to transplant 66 Canadian wolves in the Park. Over those short years, the number of wolves has grown to about 1,300. They were protected by the Endangered Species Act.
While scientists say that to protect and encourage healthy genetic diversity the wolves should number over 2,000 before being de-listed. The federal government thinks otherwise, and in February took the wolves off the Endangered Species list. As a result, Park employees are allowed to kill wolves they deem a "problem," and any that step out of the park onto state land are allowed to be hunted by sportsmen and ranchers alike. Several wolves have already been killed, two as "trophies."
The following is from a New York Times article titled U.S. Ends Protections For Wolves In 3 States, which I suggest you read:
State management plans allow for wolf hunting, or outright eradication in some places — including most of Wyoming — with a target population of 150 in each of the three states.
There are over 330 million people in this country, and we want to limit the numbers of wolves to 150 in each state? I say let the ranchers lose a cow or bull once a month (the average loss) in exchange for keeping a species alive, thriving, and healthy. I also say let the hunters have less elk to eat and less trophies in exchange for keeping a species alive, thriving, and healthy. For keeping our ecosystem - and human life - intact.
A New York Times editorial says the exact words that I feel about this situation; please read When Protection Vanishes, published in today's paper.
During his 7-year tenure as President, Bush has listed less than 60 animals as Endangered Species. Both Clinton and the former President Bush each listed at least 60 animals annually.
Thanks to our selfishness, we are putting ourselves in a dangerous situation where one day our wildlife will be depleted to the point of (near) extinction - leaving us without natural resources, sport, food, and jobs. Without maintaining our natural ecosystems - and the lives of those with whom we share the earth - we'll be putting an end to our own lives.
Read the Washington Post 2004 story Endangered Species Act's Protections are Trimmed.
Consider the current federal government wildlife polices in The Dog House.
(See detroit dog's March 23 post about Yellowstone Bison.)
Update 4/12/2008:
Read the New York Times story In the West, a Fierce Battle Over Wolves. It explains the current situation between those that want to hunt and/or kill wolves and those that want wolves re-listed on the Endangered Species list. (10 wolves were killed the first week they were de-listed.) The de-listing of wolves will be contested by animal welfare/rights and environmental groups in a federal court on April 28.
Check the State of Wyoming Game and Fish web site for Wolf Information (links to Weekly Wolf Update and news releases, management plans, etc.)
Let's stop trophy hunting, and re-list the wolves for greater numbers and better genetic diversity.
After successfully ridding most of the western part of this country and Yellowstone National Park of all wolves nearly a century ago, the government decided in the 1990's to transplant 66 Canadian wolves in the Park. Over those short years, the number of wolves has grown to about 1,300. They were protected by the Endangered Species Act.
While scientists say that to protect and encourage healthy genetic diversity the wolves should number over 2,000 before being de-listed. The federal government thinks otherwise, and in February took the wolves off the Endangered Species list. As a result, Park employees are allowed to kill wolves they deem a "problem," and any that step out of the park onto state land are allowed to be hunted by sportsmen and ranchers alike. Several wolves have already been killed, two as "trophies."
The following is from a New York Times article titled U.S. Ends Protections For Wolves In 3 States, which I suggest you read:
State management plans allow for wolf hunting, or outright eradication in some places — including most of Wyoming — with a target population of 150 in each of the three states.
There are over 330 million people in this country, and we want to limit the numbers of wolves to 150 in each state? I say let the ranchers lose a cow or bull once a month (the average loss) in exchange for keeping a species alive, thriving, and healthy. I also say let the hunters have less elk to eat and less trophies in exchange for keeping a species alive, thriving, and healthy. For keeping our ecosystem - and human life - intact.
A New York Times editorial says the exact words that I feel about this situation; please read When Protection Vanishes, published in today's paper.
During his 7-year tenure as President, Bush has listed less than 60 animals as Endangered Species. Both Clinton and the former President Bush each listed at least 60 animals annually.
Thanks to our selfishness, we are putting ourselves in a dangerous situation where one day our wildlife will be depleted to the point of (near) extinction - leaving us without natural resources, sport, food, and jobs. Without maintaining our natural ecosystems - and the lives of those with whom we share the earth - we'll be putting an end to our own lives.
Read the Washington Post 2004 story Endangered Species Act's Protections are Trimmed.
Consider the current federal government wildlife polices in The Dog House.
(See detroit dog's March 23 post about Yellowstone Bison.)
Update 4/12/2008:
Read the New York Times story In the West, a Fierce Battle Over Wolves. It explains the current situation between those that want to hunt and/or kill wolves and those that want wolves re-listed on the Endangered Species list. (10 wolves were killed the first week they were de-listed.) The de-listing of wolves will be contested by animal welfare/rights and environmental groups in a federal court on April 28.
Check the State of Wyoming Game and Fish web site for Wolf Information (links to Weekly Wolf Update and news releases, management plans, etc.)
Let's stop trophy hunting, and re-list the wolves for greater numbers and better genetic diversity.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
In The Dog House: Ellen DeGeneres
This morning I watched the first few minutes of Ellen DeGeneres' show, and she had this to say about the Iggy the dog issue. "...it's gotten out of hand.... I want nothing, nothing more than that dog returned to that family. But you don't resort to violence. So anybody out there, please stop that. Please don't threaten or do whatever." Then on to the next subject.
Gee, real strong words. Disappointing.
She's referring to the multitude of death and arson threats against the rescue group from which she'd adopted the dog "Iggy."
What gets me is that Ellen does not take responsibility for her actions, and blames the rescue group for the child not having the dog. Ellen did not abide by her contract, so the group reclaimed the dog as was their legal right; it was not her right to give away the dog.
More importantly, I believe, is that Ellen is not interested in what's best for the dog; she's interested in relieving the disappointment of her hairdresser's daughter. She doesn't say anything about what is best for the dog, and doesn't acknowledge that the rescue group, which is contractually responsible for the dog, is only doing what they believe is best for the dog - which is their mission. If Ellen DeGeneres hadn't made the mistake of giving the dog to her hairdresser, the kid wouldn't be upset; now the child has learned that it can hurt when someone gives you something that was not theirs to give.
Sobbing about all this on TV is really abominable. How could Ellen have been so thoughtless to believe that as a celebrity her public plea - which could only be to exert public pressure on the group (she could have kept this a private matter, without the media hype) - would not have negative repercussions for the rescue group? Since I can't believe that she's actually that stupid, I'd have to say that she was stupidly manipulative. And having a long, drawn out drama about the situation can't be in the best interests of the child.
Tough lessons.
Ellen DeGeneres moves into The Dog House, a place where several weeks ago I'd never have believed she'd reside.
Gee, real strong words. Disappointing.
She's referring to the multitude of death and arson threats against the rescue group from which she'd adopted the dog "Iggy."
What gets me is that Ellen does not take responsibility for her actions, and blames the rescue group for the child not having the dog. Ellen did not abide by her contract, so the group reclaimed the dog as was their legal right; it was not her right to give away the dog.
More importantly, I believe, is that Ellen is not interested in what's best for the dog; she's interested in relieving the disappointment of her hairdresser's daughter. She doesn't say anything about what is best for the dog, and doesn't acknowledge that the rescue group, which is contractually responsible for the dog, is only doing what they believe is best for the dog - which is their mission. If Ellen DeGeneres hadn't made the mistake of giving the dog to her hairdresser, the kid wouldn't be upset; now the child has learned that it can hurt when someone gives you something that was not theirs to give.
Sobbing about all this on TV is really abominable. How could Ellen have been so thoughtless to believe that as a celebrity her public plea - which could only be to exert public pressure on the group (she could have kept this a private matter, without the media hype) - would not have negative repercussions for the rescue group? Since I can't believe that she's actually that stupid, I'd have to say that she was stupidly manipulative. And having a long, drawn out drama about the situation can't be in the best interests of the child.
Tough lessons.
Ellen DeGeneres moves into The Dog House, a place where several weeks ago I'd never have believed she'd reside.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
In the Dog House: Whoopi Goldberg & The View, in w/Vick
Whoopi Goldberg and The View have just bought real estate in The Dog House. They've just set up permanent residence. How'd they find the neighborhood?
Actress Whoopi Goldberg, on her first day as co-host with Barbara Walters' show The View, decided to defend Mike Vick and, essentially, dog fighting. Goldberg defends his actions, saying "He's from the South.... This is part of his cultural upbringing." Goldberg also says, "...this is a kid who comes from a culture where this is not questioned."
It's about more than not appreciating something. It's about being angry that there are people out there like Vick and Goldberg that think it's perfectly legit to breed animals specifically for the purpose of killing each other for human entertainment.
And one more note: according to American law, Vick isn't a "kid." He hasn't been a "kid" since his 18th birthday. He doesn't need to grow up - he is grown up.
I can live a life without Whoopi Goldberg and The View. I'm sure they can live a life without me, too.
detroit dogs's advice: dump The View and dump Goldberg. Life is better without those that defend murder for sport.
To read the article on Reuters, click on this link.
To read the AP article on The Washington Post, click on this link.
Actress Whoopi Goldberg, on her first day as co-host with Barbara Walters' show The View, decided to defend Mike Vick and, essentially, dog fighting. Goldberg defends his actions, saying "He's from the South.... This is part of his cultural upbringing." Goldberg also says, "...this is a kid who comes from a culture where this is not questioned."
- So it's fair to say that Southerners murder animals for sport?
- And it's OK to perpetuate illegal and abusive behavior if it was part of the "culture" that you grew up with? (If it is, then I think there's a very good case for a good deal of our prison population.)
- If dogfighting is "not questioned" in that culture then why it has been outlawed?
It's about more than not appreciating something. It's about being angry that there are people out there like Vick and Goldberg that think it's perfectly legit to breed animals specifically for the purpose of killing each other for human entertainment.
And one more note: according to American law, Vick isn't a "kid." He hasn't been a "kid" since his 18th birthday. He doesn't need to grow up - he is grown up.
I can live a life without Whoopi Goldberg and The View. I'm sure they can live a life without me, too.
detroit dogs's advice: dump The View and dump Goldberg. Life is better without those that defend murder for sport.
To read the article on Reuters, click on this link.
To read the AP article on The Washington Post, click on this link.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Irish Soccer Star Gerard Cavlan Leader of Dogfighting Ring
According to Associated Press, Irish Soccer player/star Gerard Cavlan has been found to be "Director" of a dogfighting organization. Cavlan is co-owner of a facility titled Bulldog Sanctuary Kennels; he was filmed by a BBC program talking about his dogs and describing one of the dogfights. Over a dozen fighting dogs were confiscated from his kennels during a raid; when officials returned the next day to confiscate an additional three dogs, they were found "missing". His partner is said to be a drug trafficker.
The AP article states that Cavlan was fined earlier this year for owning a dangerous dog (which he claims, when asked about the dog's scars, that he didn't know was used for fighting purposes since it was imported from Finland for an unnamed friend).
Demand Cavlan's expulsion from the Gaelic Athletic Association. Cavlan is breeding violence.
Gerard Cavlan joins Mike Vick in The Dog House.
To read the story at clickondetroit.com, click on this link. To read the article at thenewstribune.com, click on this link. To visit the Associated Press site, click on this link.
The AP article states that Cavlan was fined earlier this year for owning a dangerous dog (which he claims, when asked about the dog's scars, that he didn't know was used for fighting purposes since it was imported from Finland for an unnamed friend).
Demand Cavlan's expulsion from the Gaelic Athletic Association. Cavlan is breeding violence.
Gerard Cavlan joins Mike Vick in The Dog House.
To read the story at clickondetroit.com, click on this link. To read the article at thenewstribune.com, click on this link. To visit the Associated Press site, click on this link.
In The Dog House: Port Orchard, WA: Dogs to be euthanized for killing cat
The City of Port Orchard, Washington, is set to euthanize four dogs because they killed a neighbor's cat.
While it's easy to understand being angry because your cat was killed, it's rather over-reaction to put down the dogs for doing what most dogs do: act on their prey drive. Some dogs don't have one, others have them fierce. This seems like it was akin to chasing down a squirrel or rabbit, which dogs do.
I suspect the City wants to put down the dogs because they are part pit bull, specifically pit bull and husky. Is this not over the top? When the City Animal Control showed up, the dogs sniffed the truck and jumped in of their own accord. That's a sign of a vicious dog?
How did this story make the news? Because the owner "broke the dogs out of jail," so to speak, and has been arrested.
What might be a better reaction by the City is to enforce that the dogs be confined to their yard, or the neighbor's cat be confined to it's home.
The dogs are set to be killed tomorrow. Write Port Orchard City Hall at this email address: cityhall@ci.port-orchard.wa.us
You can put these obtuse people (City Animal Control) in The Dog House.
Read the article on KIROTV.com by clicking on this link.
While it's easy to understand being angry because your cat was killed, it's rather over-reaction to put down the dogs for doing what most dogs do: act on their prey drive. Some dogs don't have one, others have them fierce. This seems like it was akin to chasing down a squirrel or rabbit, which dogs do.
I suspect the City wants to put down the dogs because they are part pit bull, specifically pit bull and husky. Is this not over the top? When the City Animal Control showed up, the dogs sniffed the truck and jumped in of their own accord. That's a sign of a vicious dog?
How did this story make the news? Because the owner "broke the dogs out of jail," so to speak, and has been arrested.
What might be a better reaction by the City is to enforce that the dogs be confined to their yard, or the neighbor's cat be confined to it's home.
The dogs are set to be killed tomorrow. Write Port Orchard City Hall at this email address: cityhall@ci.port-orchard.wa.us
You can put these obtuse people (City Animal Control) in The Dog House.
Read the article on KIROTV.com by clicking on this link.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Rapper DMX - Dogs Dead/Abused (Vick?)
Here's one to watch closely. (I wonder if perhaps Mike Vick 'spilled the beans' on this guy.)
Associated Press reports that the home of rapper DMX (real name Earl Simmons) was raided by Maricopa County (AZ) sheriffs on Friday after not taking action on the care of his dogs (previous visit found the dogs were not being fed or watered).
DMX claims to have been out of town for a couple of months and that the 'caretaker' is responsible. Sheriffs confiscated 12 pit bulls "tied up" in the backyard, and found other dogs buried there, including one that appears to have been burned.
You know, I 'get it' (just barely) when people find they are having a tough time taking care of an animal. But when people with money can't adequately take care of their pets, there is something really wrong. I lived in NYC for 13 years, and even the homeless there made sure their dogs were fed first. Yes, a lot of people on the street, with dog in tow, begged for dry dog food; poor, but responsible.
Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be quite the case with DMX. Twelve dogs 'tied' and others buried (including one burned to death)? And "those dogs are practically his family"? Let's hope the guy never has kids.
I'll be following up on this. DMX can share The Dog House with Mike Vick (it's getting crowded in there.) In the meantime, to read the AP story on Comcast - click on this link.
Associated Press reports that the home of rapper DMX (real name Earl Simmons) was raided by Maricopa County (AZ) sheriffs on Friday after not taking action on the care of his dogs (previous visit found the dogs were not being fed or watered).
DMX claims to have been out of town for a couple of months and that the 'caretaker' is responsible. Sheriffs confiscated 12 pit bulls "tied up" in the backyard, and found other dogs buried there, including one that appears to have been burned.
You know, I 'get it' (just barely) when people find they are having a tough time taking care of an animal. But when people with money can't adequately take care of their pets, there is something really wrong. I lived in NYC for 13 years, and even the homeless there made sure their dogs were fed first. Yes, a lot of people on the street, with dog in tow, begged for dry dog food; poor, but responsible.
Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be quite the case with DMX. Twelve dogs 'tied' and others buried (including one burned to death)? And "those dogs are practically his family"? Let's hope the guy never has kids.
I'll be following up on this. DMX can share The Dog House with Mike Vick (it's getting crowded in there.) In the meantime, to read the AP story on Comcast - click on this link.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
In The Dog House: NBA Knicks' Stephon Marbury
New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury is defending Michael Vick and dogfighting, and equating dogfighting with hunting.
Somebody please kick Marbury out of the NBA on the grounds of stupidity while defending acceptance of inhumanity. Or just stupidity. In the meantime, give the guy a dictionary.
Hunting deals with the pursuit, capture, and killing of wild animals for the purpose of food/clothing and the like and which are supposed to have an opportunity for escape. (Sport; except in cases where jerks partake in "canned" and internet-aided 'hunting,' which is known to use domesticated animals; see 'Obtuse People' label in sidebar for examples.)
Dogs used by hunters are for the purpose of retrieving game.
Fighting is for the purpose of physically overpowering (as in win-lose). Put the word "dog" before the word "fighting" and there you have it: two dogs pitted against each other for the purpose of one dog "winning." (Generally, for the purpose of gambling humans.)
What's really sick about Marbury's statement is that the sentiment is popular and shared by those that are otherwise portrayed as role models of 'success'. (To say nothing of populations that are neither famous nor affluent.)
Marbury can keep Vick company in The Dog House.
ugh.
Want to send Marbury a message? Click on this link to send an email to his booking agent at All American Talent & Celebrity Network.
Somebody please kick Marbury out of the NBA on the grounds of stupidity while defending acceptance of inhumanity. Or just stupidity. In the meantime, give the guy a dictionary.
Hunting deals with the pursuit, capture, and killing of wild animals for the purpose of food/clothing and the like and which are supposed to have an opportunity for escape. (Sport; except in cases where jerks partake in "canned" and internet-aided 'hunting,' which is known to use domesticated animals; see 'Obtuse People' label in sidebar for examples.)
Dogs used by hunters are for the purpose of retrieving game.
Fighting is for the purpose of physically overpowering (as in win-lose). Put the word "dog" before the word "fighting" and there you have it: two dogs pitted against each other for the purpose of one dog "winning." (Generally, for the purpose of gambling humans.)
What's really sick about Marbury's statement is that the sentiment is popular and shared by those that are otherwise portrayed as role models of 'success'. (To say nothing of populations that are neither famous nor affluent.)
Marbury can keep Vick company in The Dog House.
ugh.
Want to send Marbury a message? Click on this link to send an email to his booking agent at All American Talent & Celebrity Network.
Friday, August 3, 2007
In The Dog House: SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference)
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) has declared that it will honor federal indictee Michael Vick. Looks like The Dog House is getting a little crowded.
In yet another attempt, in this case by state and national "civil rights" and "Christian" organizations, to deny the possibility of animal abuse by the famous and wealthy, the SCLC has joined the NAACP and Mike Vick in The Dog House.
They are all missing the point.
The point is that a federal indictment reflects probable cause. Why is the public correct in feeling that Michael Vick is even peripherally involved in dog fighting? Because there is probable cause. Contrary to SCLC and NAACP announcements, no one has claimed Mike Vick guilty. What has been claimed is that there is probable cause; based on probable cause, it is reasonable to ask for suspension of contracts in which Vick is to serve as a role model.
So, why pick on Mike Vick? Because there is probable cause to incite outrage. Because Mike Vick seeks, via his football and endorsement contracts, to portray himself as a role model - and there is probable cause that he should not be a role model. Because Vick owned and developed the property in which the dog fighting ring operated, there is probable cause that he knew what was going on there. Because Vick is a licensed dog breeder of pit bulls and cane corsos, there is probable cause that he had access to large numbers of specific-breed dogs used for fighting. Because Vick's kennel (www.vicksk9kennels.com) is registered as being located at the same address as the house that was raided and over 60 fighting dogs were found, there is probable cause. Because Vick refers both to his birthplace and kennels as Bad Newz, and that is the same name as the dog fighting ring located on his property, there is probable cause to suspect that he might be involved. Therefore, we the public have been presented, seemingly on a silver platter by Mike Vick, with probable cause to suspect that he is guilty. It is not unreasonable for people to act on suspicions. Therefore, I suspect that Mike Vick is guilty. And I have no problems acting on my suspicions.
In yet another attempt, in this case by state and national "civil rights" and "Christian" organizations, to deny the possibility of animal abuse by the famous and wealthy, the SCLC has joined the NAACP and Mike Vick in The Dog House.
They are all missing the point.
The point is that a federal indictment reflects probable cause. Why is the public correct in feeling that Michael Vick is even peripherally involved in dog fighting? Because there is probable cause. Contrary to SCLC and NAACP announcements, no one has claimed Mike Vick guilty. What has been claimed is that there is probable cause; based on probable cause, it is reasonable to ask for suspension of contracts in which Vick is to serve as a role model.
So, why pick on Mike Vick? Because there is probable cause to incite outrage. Because Mike Vick seeks, via his football and endorsement contracts, to portray himself as a role model - and there is probable cause that he should not be a role model. Because Vick owned and developed the property in which the dog fighting ring operated, there is probable cause that he knew what was going on there. Because Vick is a licensed dog breeder of pit bulls and cane corsos, there is probable cause that he had access to large numbers of specific-breed dogs used for fighting. Because Vick's kennel (www.vicksk9kennels.com) is registered as being located at the same address as the house that was raided and over 60 fighting dogs were found, there is probable cause. Because Vick refers both to his birthplace and kennels as Bad Newz, and that is the same name as the dog fighting ring located on his property, there is probable cause to suspect that he might be involved. Therefore, we the public have been presented, seemingly on a silver platter by Mike Vick, with probable cause to suspect that he is guilty. It is not unreasonable for people to act on suspicions. Therefore, I suspect that Mike Vick is guilty. And I have no problems acting on my suspicions.
Monday, July 30, 2007
In The Dog House: Atlanta/Georgia NAACP
News has it that Michael Vick's co-defendant in the federal indictment for dog fighting, Tony Taylor, has pleaded guilty, and will face sentencing in December. According to news reports, Taylor admits to being a co-founder of the Bad Newz Kennels and to being the location scout for the enterprise, as well as being part of the organization through 2004. To read the Washington Post story, click on this link.
Most unfortunately, however, the NAACP has stepped in and made this a racial issue. (To read the ESPN story click on this link.) The recent uproar about dog fighting was never was a racial issue, it is an issue about the ugliness and illegality of dog fighting and those who participate in it. Vick put himself in the position of becoming the face of dog fighting. Mike Vick is not being treated any differently in "the court of public opinion" than anyone else that's indicted by a federal grand jury. By the (Atlanta) NAACP holding a press conference they've made this a racial issue.
According to news reports, Atlanta NAACP President R. L. White asked that the public "Be restrained in your premature judgment until the legal process is completed." Additionally, Georgia NAACP President Edward Dubose concurs. How damned insulting. Neither White nor Dubose is restraining personal premature judgment; they've just made it public that they judge this as a racial issue, thereby making it so on a societal level. Both White's and Dubose's professional involvement in this issue is racially divisive, and therefore appalling and disgusting. And, in a show of support for only the wealthy (as relates to this case, at least), the NAACP, at last read, has not come to the defense of Vick's co-defendants.
The national NAACP just lost my current and future support. Certainly the Georgia and Atlanta NAACP chapters are well deserved residents of The Dog House.
Most unfortunately, however, the NAACP has stepped in and made this a racial issue. (To read the ESPN story click on this link.) The recent uproar about dog fighting was never was a racial issue, it is an issue about the ugliness and illegality of dog fighting and those who participate in it. Vick put himself in the position of becoming the face of dog fighting. Mike Vick is not being treated any differently in "the court of public opinion" than anyone else that's indicted by a federal grand jury. By the (Atlanta) NAACP holding a press conference they've made this a racial issue.
According to news reports, Atlanta NAACP President R. L. White asked that the public "Be restrained in your premature judgment until the legal process is completed." Additionally, Georgia NAACP President Edward Dubose concurs. How damned insulting. Neither White nor Dubose is restraining personal premature judgment; they've just made it public that they judge this as a racial issue, thereby making it so on a societal level. Both White's and Dubose's professional involvement in this issue is racially divisive, and therefore appalling and disgusting. And, in a show of support for only the wealthy (as relates to this case, at least), the NAACP, at last read, has not come to the defense of Vick's co-defendants.
The national NAACP just lost my current and future support. Certainly the Georgia and Atlanta NAACP chapters are well deserved residents of The Dog House.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Vick plea, suspended endorsements/sales
To read the Washington Post article about Mike Vick entering a Not Guilty plea to federal indictment charges related to felony dog fighting, click here; to read the BBC story, click here.
Re Michael Vick: Nike suspends foot-ware endorsement; Reebok suspends retail sales of Vick Jersey #7; collectible trading card company Donruss omits Vick card from remaining 2007 releases. To read the story on MSNBC, click here.
I thank these businesses for suspending their relationships with Vick.
While the law says "innocent until proven guilty," at the very least Vick must have known what was transpiring on his own property; therefore, he must have been part of a conspiracy. He said he rarely visited his property - which means he was there sometimes. Sixty-plus emaciated and/or severely scarred and chained or kenneled dogs is not something easily overlooked (or unheard) during a visit; he must have known something. Additionally, since he owned the property and everything on it was built after his purchase, and with his money, you'd think he'd have known that fenced "kennels" and doghouses were built there.
eep.
More later....
Re Michael Vick: Nike suspends foot-ware endorsement; Reebok suspends retail sales of Vick Jersey #7; collectible trading card company Donruss omits Vick card from remaining 2007 releases. To read the story on MSNBC, click here.
I thank these businesses for suspending their relationships with Vick.
While the law says "innocent until proven guilty," at the very least Vick must have known what was transpiring on his own property; therefore, he must have been part of a conspiracy. He said he rarely visited his property - which means he was there sometimes. Sixty-plus emaciated and/or severely scarred and chained or kenneled dogs is not something easily overlooked (or unheard) during a visit; he must have known something. Additionally, since he owned the property and everything on it was built after his purchase, and with his money, you'd think he'd have known that fenced "kennels" and doghouses were built there.
eep.
More later....
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Mike Vick: Morals or Cash?
You would hope the choice would be decency; you would hope the choice would be morals.
Direct from www.atlantafalcons.com:
The Atlanta Falcons issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court indictment of Falcons QB Michael Vick Tuesday evening:
"This situation has been troubling to many people, including our fans, during the last few months. With today’s news, our club and team will continue to be tested as Michael works through the legal process toward a conclusion.
We are disappointed that one of our players – and therefore the Falcons – is being presented to the public in a negative way, and we apologize to our fans and the community for that.
Obviously, we are disturbed by today’s news from Virginia. However, we are prepared to deal with it, and we will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for and training camp opens next week. Our plan is to continue to do everything we can to support our players and coaches."The Falcons still don't get it. Michael Vick is presenting himself - and the Falcons - negatively; no one else is presenting him that way, he did it by himself. The Falcons should seriously reconsider what they believe to be "the right thing" for their club and start thinking about acting on humane morals rather than cash.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
In The Dog House: Michael Vick
The Atlanta Falcons' Mike Vick has The Dog House all to himself. Earlier today NFL pro Vick and three "associates" were indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on charges related to dog fighting and gambling.
I'd say Mike Vick is a sick fuck, but the words are too good for him.
Here's a paragraph from the story on the CNN web site:
According to the indictment, dogs that didn't show enough fighting spirit, or that lost matches, were put to death by a variety of methods, including shooting, drowning, hanging and electrocution. Prosecutors allege that on one occasion earlier this year, Vick participated in killing eight dogs.
To read the full story on CNN, click here.I'd say Mike Vick is a sick fuck, but the words are too good for him.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Presidential Contender Kennels Dog on Car Roof; Goes for 12-Hour Drive
And he calls it a prime example of "crisis management."
There's a new resident in The Dog House.
Just when there's hope of a Presidential "reprieve," along comes a presidential contender that is thoughtful enough to bring the family dog on vacation - by strapping its kennel to the roof of the car.
WHAT?
Yes, 2008 presidential hopeful Mitt Romney admits to the 1983 incident in which his family dog, Seamus, traveled from Boston to Ontario in a kennel (crate) strapped to the roof of the family car. Seamus, of course, was scared shitless (literally). Romney says the dog enjoyed it. (What dog doesn't like bouncing around on a car roof for 12 hours at 55 miles per?)
Click here to read the article. (ugh)
Or, try this American recipe for presidential jerk (only 12 hours to make!)
There's a new resident in The Dog House.
Just when there's hope of a Presidential "reprieve," along comes a presidential contender that is thoughtful enough to bring the family dog on vacation - by strapping its kennel to the roof of the car.
WHAT?
Yes, 2008 presidential hopeful Mitt Romney admits to the 1983 incident in which his family dog, Seamus, traveled from Boston to Ontario in a kennel (crate) strapped to the roof of the family car. Seamus, of course, was scared shitless (literally). Romney says the dog enjoyed it. (What dog doesn't like bouncing around on a car roof for 12 hours at 55 miles per?)
Click here to read the article. (ugh)
Or, try this American recipe for presidential jerk (only 12 hours to make!)
- Put a presidential contender (preferably Mitt Romney) in a kennel
- Strap the kennel to the car roof
- Go!
- When you notice crap flowing down the back window, pull into a gas station
- Hose down the car and the presidential candidate
- Continue on your way
- Half-bake for 12 hours at minimum 60 mph
Saturday, May 26, 2007
In The Dog House: WDIV & WXYZ TV
This past week has been National Dog Bite Prevention Week. (See post below.) What a wonderful opportunity to educate the public on how best to treat or respond to dogs so as to avoid personal injury.
However, our ABC and NBC affiliates instead, every night this week, chose to sensationalize dog bite injuries by running week long campaigns on "vicious dog" attacks. Instead of educating people, they chose to do this:
However, our ABC and NBC affiliates instead, every night this week, chose to sensationalize dog bite injuries by running week long campaigns on "vicious dog" attacks. Instead of educating people, they chose to do this:
- Have your reporter stand next to a fenced yard and say "Thank God this dog is behind a fence." The dog is a collie and snooping for something in the grass, with its hind-end facing the reporter.
- Have a cameraman stare down a pit bull, until the dog lunges at the camera. Lesson? Look how vicious dogs can be if all you do is look at them. (Why bother to say "don't continue eye contact with dogs that are scared or dominant or are strays.)
- Take your leashed dog for a walk (don't bother teaching it to walk properly on-leash) past a yard with an unleashed dog that barks but never leaves its yard. Call the unleashed dog vicious. (Don't bother to say that it's protecting its territory or that it's trained well enough to not leave its yard, or that it just appears to be "talking" to the dog passing by.)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
In The Dog House: City of Detroit
The Detroit Animal Control almost made it into The Dog House.
Local news reports tell of a coyote captured yesterday in downtown Detroit by Detroit Animal Control. Seems they planned to "euthanize" (kill) the coyote. However, the latest news is that the coyote's life has been spared. Read The Free Press article. The coyote was given to the Michigan Humane Society Detroit Shelter, which is giving the coyote to an external wildlife rehabilitation facility in Oakland County's Oxford, Michigan (seemingly the only one in Michigan that does rehab coyotes).
Thank goodness for the people of Detroit and the metro area that objected to the euthanizing of a healthy and harmless animal. If people hadn't intruded in its territory, it wouldn't be intruding on us.
Also, California has made coyote hunting illegal. It's about time the State of Michigan did the same.
To learn more about coyotes, check out this web site: www.coyoterescue.org
To learn more about Michigan licensed (wildlife) rehab facilities, click on: www.michgandnr.com/dir/
Local news reports tell of a coyote captured yesterday in downtown Detroit by Detroit Animal Control. Seems they planned to "euthanize" (kill) the coyote. However, the latest news is that the coyote's life has been spared. Read The Free Press article. The coyote was given to the Michigan Humane Society Detroit Shelter, which is giving the coyote to an external wildlife rehabilitation facility in Oakland County's Oxford, Michigan (seemingly the only one in Michigan that does rehab coyotes).
Thank goodness for the people of Detroit and the metro area that objected to the euthanizing of a healthy and harmless animal. If people hadn't intruded in its territory, it wouldn't be intruding on us.
Also, California has made coyote hunting illegal. It's about time the State of Michigan did the same.
To learn more about coyotes, check out this web site: www.coyoterescue.org
To learn more about Michigan licensed (wildlife) rehab facilities, click on: www.michgandnr.com/dir/
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