Grimes Arrested for Helping Dying Chained Dog - Trial Update
As Dogs Deserve Better continues its 5th Anniversary Celebration, we realize our trials and tribulations are far from over.
With
the recent news of the brutal killings of dogs found on NFL Atlanta
Falcon's Quarterback Michael Vick's property, we are shocked back to
the reality of the horrors inflicted upon these chained dogs.
During
this time of legal conflict and critique of our insufficient animal
laws, we are also reminded of the trial of our founder, Tammy Grimes
for saving a dying dog's life. During this time of revelation one must
ask: whom would you convict? Michael Vick for fighting, torturing and
killing dogs or Tammy Grimes for saving a dying dog's life when no one
else would come forward to help? It is difficult to conceive that both
are on trial because of dogs when their positions are so opposite. One
of the major differences in these cases, besides the obvious, may be
that Tammy Grimes is not asking for forgiveness; she is asking for
justice.
DDB Founder, Tammy Sneath Grimes' trial over rescuing a dying dog has been a long hard road with a lot of U-turns! If we have learned anything from the Doogie Trial, it's that court appearance is subject to immediate or not so immediate change.
8.27.07
Grimes showed up for her jury selection, only to find out that the
trial had been continued again. The DA requested another continuance,
and was granted one by the judge, even though Grimes attorney objected.
The paper newsletter that are just coming out state the trial is
September 13th...please disregard that! We did warn everyone...seems
nothing is as you think it will be when it comes to this trial. We will
update again as soon as we know more. In the meantime, please continue
to call the DA's office and tell them to stop postponing the hearing.
They do so love to hear from our supporters!
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio, Esq.: 814.693.3010
Address: 423 Allegheny St. Suite 421, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
PLEASE CROSS POST EVERYWHERE MAKE A PETITION SUBMIT THIS TO THE NEWS CALL CNN!
Here is the background info:
We got a call from Kim Eicher in East Freedom 9/11/06, crying because Doogie hadn't gotten up since Saturday. (the dog was lying on the ground in the drizzling rain for 3 straight days) She had been calling the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society since Saturday to no avail. We told her we aren't law officers, and she needed to call the Humane Officer. We told her to make sure she left a message, very clearly, about the problem. Then we got another call about the same dog, from another person who passes him every day. At that point we called Kim back to see if she'd heard from the Humane Officer. She had not, was very, very upset and we were very worried about him, so we promised her we'd go out and see what we could do.
When we arrived, we took photos and video of Doogie. We initially thought he was dead, as he was not moving and his back was to us. We found out that the people were not home to talk to about him, so I made the decision that I would not leave him lying there on the cold wet ground for one moment longer, and I would accept all consequences of my decision.
Kim Eicher has agreed to testify as to the animal cruelty perpetrated against Doogie.
The vet documented his general negligent condition, low weight, sores, missing fur, and took xrays of his back and hips. He determined that he has very bad back spurs that are causing him a lot of pain and are most likely responsible for his inability to walk. He also saw an undetermined mass near his hip on the xray. He gave him a shot for pain plus some B vitamins for energy, so that perhaps he could have even one good day or a few good hours. He wrote a letter stating his condition.
As we got to the vet, the CPHS Humane Officer Gotshall was just leaving, and he stopped us. He was about to go out to the residence. When he found out we had Doogie with us, he was not happy. I volunteered to take Doogie back and he could pick him up instead. He refused that, and stated that I should get him the vet care he needed, and to call him afterward on his cell.
When I later called him, he did not answer, I left a message asking him what he wanted me to do with Doogie, he never called back.
Shortly after we got Doogie to my home, situated, bathed%u2014had to, the stench was too bad%u2014and fed and watered an Officer Flaig called from the Freedom Township Police Department (Freedom, isn't that ironic?). He wanted me to return Doogie, which I refused to do. I explained that I had video and photos documenting the animal cruelty, and the neighbor was willing to testify; why didn't he pursue that as they were the perpetrators of the crime, and should be charged? He refused, and was not interested in seeing my evidence.
He and three other police vehicles arrived at my home at approximately 9:30 p.m. As I refused to hand Doogie over to be returned to death on a chain, and would not tell them where he was, I was taken into custody, transported to the East Freedom police office, and charged with theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. I was released on $50,000 unsecu I was released on $50,000 unsecured bond and ordered to appear at a preliminary hearing September 21, 2006.
I was treated like a common criminal, especially by Chief Reilly, who called me a 'freakin' idiot', 'incompetent', and I overheard him telling Officer Flaig that if I ever came near his dog I would have a slug in my a**. Again, there was no interest in any evidence that the dog had been abused or criminally neglected. As far as they were concerned, the dog's safety or condition was not even an issue.
I was released after seeing Judge Aigner, where Chief Reilly asked that I be not given bail but incarcerated for my failure to cooperate. It was 2:00 a.m., and I had no ride home, over 30 miles away. I had to walk to a local all-night store to call and get a cab, because there was no concern over how I would get home. Their attempt to dehumanize me didn't work. I held my head high and still do. I looked Chief Reilly square in the eye at every opportunity. I will not be broken.
I could never look myself in the eye again, much less sleep at night, had I left Doogie there dying, shivering in the dirt.
3/3/07. Doogie died Thursday morning, March 1st, at the home of his foster mother.
Doogie's body was returned to Altoona, Pennsylvania, where an autopsy is being performed, and where it has been confirmed by the vet to be the same dog examined September 11, 2006.
CLOSING IN ON ONE YEAR AFTER THE RESCUE & GRIMES ARREST......
8.27.07 Grimes showed up for her jury selection, only to find out that the trial had been continued again. The DA requested another continuance, and was granted one by the judge, even though Grimes attorney objected. The paper newsletter that are just coming out state the trial is September 13th...please disregard that! We did warn everyone...seems nothing is as you think it will be when it comes to this trial. We will update again as soon as we know more. In the meantime, please continue to call the DA's office and tell them to stop postponing the hearing. They do so love to hear from our supporters!
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio, Esq.: 814.693.3010
Start Calling/writing the D.A.s office at:
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio, Esq.: 814.693.3010 423 Allegheny St. Suite 421, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
To e-mail: blairda@keyconn.net
Grimes Arrested for Helping Dying Chained Dog - Trial Update
As Dogs Deserve Better continues its 5th Anniversary Celebration, we realize our trials and tribulations are far from over.
With
the recent news of the brutal killings of dogs found on NFL Atlanta
Falcon's Quarterback Michael Vick's property, we are shocked back to
the reality of the horrors inflicted upon these chained dogs.
During
this time of legal conflict and critique of our insufficient animal
laws, we are also reminded of the trial of our founder, Tammy Grimes
for saving a dying dog's life. During this time of revelation one must
ask: whom would you convict? Michael Vick for fighting, torturing and
killing dogs or Tammy Grimes for saving a dying dog's life when no one
else would come forward to help? It is difficult to conceive that both
are on trial because of dogs when their positions are so opposite. One
of the major differences in these cases, besides the obvious, may be
that Tammy Grimes is not asking for forgiveness; she is asking for
justice.
DDB Founder, Tammy Sneath Grimes' trial over rescuing a dying dog has been a long hard road with a lot of U-turns! If we have learned anything from the Doogie Trial, it's that court appearance is subject to immediate or not so immediate change.
8.27.07
Grimes showed up for her jury selection, only to find out that the
trial had been continued again. The DA requested another continuance,
and was granted one by the judge, even though Grimes attorney objected.
The paper newsletter that are just coming out state the trial is
September 13th...please disregard that! We did warn everyone...seems
nothing is as you think it will be when it comes to this trial. We will
update again as soon as we know more. In the meantime, please continue
to call the DA's office and tell them to stop postponing the hearing.
They do so love to hear from our supporters!
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio, Esq.: 814.693.3010
Address: 423 Allegheny St. Suite 421, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
PLEASE CROSS POST EVERYWHERE MAKE A PETITION SUBMIT THIS TO THE NEWS CALL CNN!
Here is the background info:
We got a call from Kim Eicher in East Freedom 9/11/06, crying because Doogie hadn't gotten up since Saturday. (the dog was lying on the ground in the drizzling rain for 3 straight days) She had been calling the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society since Saturday to no avail. We told her we aren't law officers, and she needed to call the Humane Officer. We told her to make sure she left a message, very clearly, about the problem. Then we got another call about the same dog, from another person who passes him every day. At that point we called Kim back to see if she'd heard from the Humane Officer. She had not, was very, very upset and we were very worried about him, so we promised her we'd go out and see what we could do.
When we arrived, we took photos and video of Doogie. We initially thought he was dead, as he was not moving and his back was to us. We found out that the people were not home to talk to about him, so I made the decision that I would not leave him lying there on the cold wet ground for one moment longer, and I would accept all consequences of my decision.
Kim Eicher has agreed to testify as to the animal cruelty perpetrated against Doogie.
The vet documented his general negligent condition, low weight, sores, missing fur, and took xrays of his back and hips. He determined that he has very bad back spurs that are causing him a lot of pain and are most likely responsible for his inability to walk. He also saw an undetermined mass near his hip on the xray. He gave him a shot for pain plus some B vitamins for energy, so that perhaps he could have even one good day or a few good hours. He wrote a letter stating his condition.
As we got to the vet, the CPHS Humane Officer Gotshall was just leaving, and he stopped us. He was about to go out to the residence. When he found out we had Doogie with us, he was not happy. I volunteered to take Doogie back and he could pick him up instead. He refused that, and stated that I should get him the vet care he needed, and to call him afterward on his cell.
When I later called him, he did not answer, I left a message asking him what he wanted me to do with Doogie, he never called back.
Shortly after we got Doogie to my home, situated, bathed%u2014had to, the stench was too bad%u2014and fed and watered an Officer Flaig called from the Freedom Township Police Department (Freedom, isn't that ironic?). He wanted me to return Doogie, which I refused to do. I explained that I had video and photos documenting the animal cruelty, and the neighbor was willing to testify; why didn't he pursue that as they were the perpetrators of the crime, and should be charged? He refused, and was not interested in seeing my evidence.
He and three other police vehicles arrived at my home at approximately 9:30 p.m. As I refused to hand Doogie over to be returned to death on a chain, and would not tell them where he was, I was taken into custody, transported to the East Freedom police office, and charged with theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. I was released on $50,000 unsecu I was released on $50,000 unsecured bond and ordered to appear at a preliminary hearing September 21, 2006.
I was treated like a common criminal, especially by Chief Reilly, who called me a 'freakin' idiot', 'incompetent', and I overheard him telling Officer Flaig that if I ever came near his dog I would have a slug in my a**. Again, there was no interest in any evidence that the dog had been abused or criminally neglected. As far as they were concerned, the dog's safety or condition was not even an issue.
I was released after seeing Judge Aigner, where Chief Reilly asked that I be not given bail but incarcerated for my failure to cooperate. It was 2:00 a.m., and I had no ride home, over 30 miles away. I had to walk to a local all-night store to call and get a cab, because there was no concern over how I would get home. Their attempt to dehumanize me didn't work. I held my head high and still do. I looked Chief Reilly square in the eye at every opportunity. I will not be broken.
I could never look myself in the eye again, much less sleep at night, had I left Doogie there dying, shivering in the dirt.
3/3/07. Doogie died Thursday morning, March 1st, at the home of his foster mother.
Doogie's body was returned to Altoona, Pennsylvania, where an autopsy is being performed, and where it has been confirmed by the vet to be the same dog examined September 11, 2006.
CLOSING IN ON ONE YEAR AFTER THE RESCUE & GRIMES ARREST......
8.27.07 Grimes showed up for her jury selection, only to find out that the trial had been continued again. The DA requested another continuance, and was granted one by the judge, even though Grimes attorney objected. The paper newsletter that are just coming out state the trial is September 13th...please disregard that! We did warn everyone...seems nothing is as you think it will be when it comes to this trial. We will update again as soon as we know more. In the meantime, please continue to call the DA's office and tell them to stop postponing the hearing. They do so love to hear from our supporters!
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio, Esq.: 814.693.3010
Start Calling/writing the D.A.s office at:
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio, Esq.: 814.693.3010 423 Allegheny St. Suite 421, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
We signed the "Dismiss Charges Against Tammy Grimes and Press Charges Against Animal Neglector/Abuser" petition!
# 3,940:
8:11 pm PST, Mar 1,Mary Barnes, Tennessee
# 3,939:
2:33 pm PST, Mar 1,Name not displayed, Virginia
PUNISH THE ABUSERS, NOT THE SAVIOR!! Are we living in Pizzaro World!!!
# 3,938:
8:38 pm PST, Feb 29,Name not displayed, North Carolina
It is simply unfathomable that someone helping an innocent, defenseless creature in need could possibly be viewed as a criminal. Someone like Tammy Grimes should be revered as a hero and I applaud and support her actions. If I had been in her situation, I would have done the exact same thing with absolutely no regret.
Poor Doogie will never have the chance to live the life he should have had--as a cherished and well cared for member of someone's family. That is the true crime in all of this--not the actions of a caring and concerned person simply doing what any decent human being should do in such a situation.
This is a perfect example of the fact that just because something is a law does not make it right. Tammy Grimes broke no law. She simply did the right thing and owes no one an apology for doing so. We all have the responsibility to speak for and help those who are being abused and neglected--and especially when they cannot speak for themselves. Human or animal--we all feel pain and have the ability to suffer the same.
Thank you Tammy. My thoughts, prayers and support are always with you.
And to the person or persons responsible for doing this to Doogie: May you be treated exactly as you treated Doogie--and then afterward rot in hell where you so justly belong.
# 3,937:
7:23 pm PST, Feb 29,Michele Lee, Tennessee
As a former Animal Services Manager for Galveston County Animal Control, Texas City, Texas, I applaud Ms. Grimes for having the guts and heart to save a dying animal. The laws concerning animal welfare in this country are sub-par at best. What does this say about man kind??
# 3,936:
5:40 pm PST, Feb 29,Kim Herman, Virginia
Charge the torturers, not the rescuer.
# 3,935:
2:32 pm PST, Feb 29,Delaney Ulrickson, Montana
# 3,934:
10:26 am PST, Feb 29,Judith Manka, New York
# 3,933:
9:06 am PST, Feb 29,Donna Allaband, Pennsylvania
This is an unbelievable travesty of justice. Doogie's "family" should be the ones on trial - as should everyone else who ignored reports of the abuse and neglect. Tammy is a hero, and the world would be a better place if there were more people like her in it. Tammy and Dogs Deserve Better need and deserve our support!
# 3,932:
7:58 am PST, Feb 29,Elena Velasco, Virginia
Where is the just when the abuser is not held accountable for his neglect??
# 3,931:
6:47 pm PST, Feb 28,Matthew Dunn, Washington D.C.
i'm still confounded that something like this could befall a person whose only intention it was to offer aid to a helpless, mistreated sentient being.
# 3,930:
5:06 pm PST, Feb 28,Michael Gabel, Maryland
I hope mr consiglio will punish the abuser...and not Ms Grimes
# 3,929:
5:01 pm PST, Feb 28,Ted Howard, Alabama
This is the same as a good samaritan helping someone and then being sued by that person or their family. How ridiculous do things need to get before we see how inept and morally bankrupt humans have become. Shameful.
# 3,928:
3:51 pm PST, Feb 28,Jane Morse, Virginia
If you had been that dog - what would be your verdict?
# 3,927:
2:47 pm PST, Feb 28,Name not displayed, Ohio
# 3,926:
2:33 pm PST, Feb 28,Patricia Howard, Washington D.C.
A person who does the right thing should not be punished. Following the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law is not justice, but travesty.
# 3,925:
11:30 am PST, Feb 28,Joanne Hartough, Ohio
# 3,924:
11:04 am PST, Feb 28,Kathryn Graham, Connecticut
# 3,923:
10:18 am PST, Feb 28,Name not displayed, Massachusetts
She tried to save this dog's life, not steal him for her own enjoyment
# 3,922:
10:06 am PST, Feb 28,Amy Bitting, Pennsylvania
This does not make me proud to be a resident of PA. Tammy stepped up and saved a dying dog when no one else would do it. The videos and pictures tell the true story. She deserves to be praised for standing up for Doogie when he couldn't. In PA, we have breeders that have liceses revoked, but are allowed to continue business as usual, yet 100's of dogs suffer. Tammy saves a dying dog and is arrested. There is no justice for animls is in PA.
# 3,921:
9:53 am PST, Feb 28,Rachel Gogan, New Hampshire
# 3,920:
9:53 am PST, Feb 28,Gene Barnett, Maryland
It is insane that we have to have this petition to help defend someone who rescued an abused animal, while nothing is done to the abuser.
# 3,919:
9:52 am PST, Feb 28,Name not displayed, United Kingdom
Unbelievable. This should not be allowed to happen. Anybody would do this if faced with the same.
# 3,918:
9:19 am PST, Feb 28,Sarah Diemer, New York
In saving this dog's life, Tammy Grimes has done nothing wrong. I repeat - NOTHING. The people who did this to him should be the ones who get punished, not her!!!
# 3,917:
8:30 am PST, Feb 28,Neva Davis, Maryland
Please stop punishing people for compassion, but instead enforce the laws against abuse and neglect. This is a monumental miscarriage of justice to charge Tammy Grimes for saving a dog's life after his "owner" had left him to slowly die without any care or relief.
# 3,916:
8:24 am PST, Feb 28,Richard Peppin, Maryland
it is cruel to chain dogs. not unlike chained people. DROP CHARGES ON MS GRIMES! She is a hero!
# 3,915:
1:30 am PST, Feb 28,SIGROS LORINE, France
# 3,914:
10:07 pm PST, Feb 27,Name not displayed, Florida
# 3,913:
2:00 pm PST, Feb 27,Carla Jonathan, Missouri
It is unfortunate that offering a sweet, completely helpless canine death with dignity has been so misunderstood by the powers that be.
# 3,912:
1:54 pm PST, Feb 27,Eddie Montez, California
I love Dogs, my dogs name is Hercules he is a rat terrier/Chihuahua, I am a Fireman in the City of Los Angeles. Protect the Dogs don't hurt them. God Bless all those in the same camp as I.
# 3,911:
11:08 am PST, Feb 27,Ivana Soldic, Serbia And Montenegro
# 3,910:
11:05 am PST, Feb 27,Liz Hueg, California
Come on guys. Use your brain. The is not a case to prosecute. Put your energies elsewhere.
# 3,909:
10:32 am PST, Feb 27,Le strat Giséle, France
# 3,908:
9:56 am PST, Feb 27,Mary Anne Lawler, Pennsylvania
Fear and ego on the part of the Blair County law enforcement and judicial officials got in the way of justice for Doogie, Tammy and all the taxpaying citizens who expect quality, vision and enlightenment from our leaders. The sentence appears to merely be an oppportunity for money-grubbing for the government based on the DA's comments and quite honestly I believe the judge just didn't know what to do. Blair county citizens deserve better just like the dogs deserve better.
# 3,907:
9:34 am PST, Feb 27,Nachiket Bhat, India
Tammy should be free else the very basic principles of "humanity, ethics and compassion" would be questionable!!!
# 3,906:
8:39 am PST, Feb 27,Janice Polucha, California
The animal was in obvious distress. The neighbor was in obvious distress for obvious reasons, so why are there charges against the helpful people and not the owners? Someone is not doing their job responsibly.
# 3,905:
8:25 am PST, Feb 27,Deborah Kreutzkamp, California
We need more people like Tammy to help the voiceless be heard.
Good luck & God Bless.
# 3,904:
6:48 am PST, Feb 27,Hana Butter, California
i am so grateful for people like tammy, and how disgusting that she is being punished for helping a dying animal. what about the owners of this sweet dog who left him chained up outside to die, what about them, why are they not being punished for the abuse and neglect. no lets punish a woman for saving a dying animal and allow the people who starved and left this dog to die go with out punishment, WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUT SOCIETY?????????
# 3,903:
6:02 am PST, Feb 27,Brenda Frahn, Missouri
Had I been in Tammy Grimes place, I would have acted to save the dog's life. Be it in any way possible I would put the dog in my car and taken him to the vet. It is that I am living in pain as the poor dog, so I know how much it means to have someone show a little bit of kindness. It is a shame that there are so many crass people in one location. I beg of you to stop postponing the hearing. Tammy deserves her day in court (if she has to have one)
# 3,902:
2:52 am PST, Feb 27,Rachel Cook, United Kingdom
# 3,901:
9:53 pm PST, Feb 26,Adele Mirshak, Texas
What kind of a world do we live in where abusers are set free and people with ethics and kindness are arrested, tried, and sentenced? Our judicial system has gone mad and is completely out of control! God help us all, because we can't expect "justice" from our "justice system".
