Pets in the paper – puppy mill bill fails
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Anglers find dead alligator. (Broken Bow)
- Senate rejects puppy mill measure. (state capitol)
- PBS special touts Canine Assistants. (nationwide)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Supreme Court OKs dog fighting videos
Sooo … the Supreme Court has decided that videos of illegal animal fights aren’t illegal. Long story short, they don’t want to affect hunting and fishing television shows, which show legal actions, and nature documentaries. The court decided that everything is protected as free speech. As a fan of free speech, I understand that argument, but it’s still unfortunate.
Animal cruelty is illegal, so the filming and dissemination of that material should be also. To make a crude comparison, it’s like pornography. We’re able to distinguish between illegal child pornography and legal adult pornography. I think the Supreme Court should have looked at it that way. But then again, maybe that’s why I’m not on the Supreme Court.
Hopefully idiots will continue to tape these illegal activities. That way they’ll put themselves and their buddies in jail.
You can read more about the ruling here.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Grand jury indicts Tahlequah man on dog fighting allegations
We got this press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office. I put the dog fighting part in red.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today the results of the April 2010 Federal Grand Jury.
“The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Statutory maximum punishments are in parentheses. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable”.
GARY EUGENE THOMPSON, age 53, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
The Indictment alleges on or about February 8, 2010, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, the following firearm, one High Standard model Double Nine, .22 caliber pistol. The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) (Not more than 10 years in prison and up to $250,000.00 in fines)
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson
JERRY RAY MILLER, age 48, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Conspiracy, Sponsoring or Exhibiting Animals for Participation in an Animal Fighting Venture, and Possession of Animals for Participation in an Animal Fighting Venture
The Indictment alleges in Count One that from at least on or about January 9, 2009 to on or about July 8, 2009, the defendant unlawfully, wilfully and knowingly conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to sponsor and exhibiting Pit Bull Terriers in an animal fighting venture. Count Two alleges that on or about January 17, 2009, the defendant knowingly sponsored and exhibited Pit Bull Terriers in an animal fighting venture. Count Three alleges that on or about July 9, 2009, the defendant was possessing Pit Bull Terriers for use in an animal fighting venture. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General.
The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 49 and 2 and Title 7, United States Code, Section 2156. (Not more than 5 years in prison and up to $250,000.00 in fines)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Puppies dumped in Norman
We just got this press release from the Norman Police Department. Long story short: if you see someone being a horrific jerk, call the police! I mean seriously. Look at these puppies! Good gravy!
Norman Animal Welfare is asking for your help.
Every spring the number of unwanted dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens increases in Norman. On Monday an abandoned puppy was turned into the shelter. The puppy was found at a convenience store located at 36th NW and Robinson. Just two to three weeks old the puppy will need to be bottle feed to survive. On Tuesday another abandoned puppy was turned into the Animal shelter. This one was found next to a dumpster at Classen and Constitution. Appearing to be a litter mate of the first puppy, this second one is two to three weeks old and needs to be bottle feed.
These two are lucky, and that is why we need your help. They were found and turned into the shelter and a foster home was immediately available. They could have just as easily been run over, starved to death, killed by another animal, poisoned, or abused by others in the area. Animal Cruelty is the charge that Animal Welfare Officers will file if the person responsible for abandoning these puppies is found.
How can you help? Call the Norman Police department immediately if you see someone dumping unwanted pets. A description of the vehicle, including the tag, make and model, and individuals involved would be very helpful. If you have a reason to suspect that someone is abandoning their pets call the Norman Animal Welfare at 292-9736
Another way to help is to have your pet spayed or neutered. This will help ensure that your pet does not have an unwanted litter of puppies or kittens.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – ruffled feathers
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman -
- Two men jailed in animal cruelty. (Oklahoma City)
- Panel to study dog park. (Midwest City)
- Tyson verdict divides growers. (Idabel)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – pet rule moves on
Check out this animal story in The Oklahoman today -
- Bill updates: Pet breeders. (statewide)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
No word on what will happen to dogs
There is an awful story today out of Oklahoma City. Here’s a little bit:
An Oklahoma City man was arrested on complaints of cruelty to animals and neglect by a caretaker after the home he shared with his mother and nine dogs was found filled with animal waste.
A home at 2812 NW 16 was condemned after it was found full of animal waste, officials said. One woman was removed from the home and a man arrested on complaints of animal cruelty and neglect by a caretaker.
David Pilcher, 44, was arrested Wednesday after police, DHS and county health officials went to the home at 2812 NW 16. His mother, 64, was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
I asked the reporter about the dogs, which are reportedly pit bull terriers, and he said Animal Welfare has taken them. We aren’t sure yet what has happened to the dogs or what will happen to them eventually. We’ll keep you up to date as we know.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – Razzle Dazzle Dogzzles
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Euthanasia prompts department to re-examine law. (Missouri)
- Plants ease antibiotics’ risk to farms. (Missouri)
- Dog show produces a little Razzle Dazzle. (New York)
- Whalers hold activist. (Australia)
Staff Writer Carrie coppernoll
Rescue group robbed, dogs stolen
A dog rescue group is looking for help after someone robbed their Doggie Care Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
The group, led by Tammara Josselyn, keeps all its rescue animals in the center while they are nursed back to health so they can be adopted. Josselyn’s niece, who lives in an apartment above the center, came down to check on the dogs when they wouldn’t top barking in the middle of the night.
She was confronted by the robbers, one of whom pulled a knife and cut her. The woman was treated at a nearby hospital. The robbers made of with 14 dogs. Twelve were dobermans, one was a labrador retriever and one was a miniature pinscher. Some of the dogs have special medical needs.
Animal advocates in the area fear the robbery could be the work of a local dogfighting ring. There has been a strong of break-ins at shelters recently, with thieves taking large breeds known to be used by dogfighters, along with declawed cats, puppies and small dogs.
The small animals are used as bait to test the larger dogs’ fighting instincts. They are often mauled and killed. As the owner of a miniature pinscher mix, this story is particularly disturbing to me.
Supporters have set up a Web site with the full story along with photos and contact information for anyone who might be able to help bring these dogs home.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pets in the paper – Gotebo’s the tops
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Zoo’s goat-naming contest makes Gotebo a top draw. (Oklahoma City)
- Sonic to use cage-free eggs, pork. (Oklahoma City)
- Pet Tales: Basset hound feels his castigation “cruel, unusual.” (Oklahoma City)
- Blog: When animals attack. (Oklahoma City)
- Study reqeusted in giraffe’s death. (Tulsa)
- Roving hippo returns to zoo. (Montenegro)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
