Follow the Story of DENALI, the Pit Bull Sentenced to Death and the Animal Rights Defender that is trying to save his life

Athens, Georgia has MANY ADOPTABLE PITS!

Greetings,

One of our members pulled a couple of Siberians from a kennel in Waynesville area this week. She reports a very sweet, loving Pit Bull  Terrier in need. Black and white , male, intact, possible  crytporchid?? Not sure, she was not allowed into his run, but then  she was there for Sibes. May only be a large left over scotum sack.   He did give her kisses.    The kennel pulls from the Waynesville Kill Shelter and tries to get  them into rescues. They board free of charge.  Would someone please contact them - if you cannot pull, maybe a  cross post? I know they would appreciate the help.

Duke's Pampered Pets
828-235-1345
http://www.dukespamperedpets.com

kennel owner/operator name is Helen McCloud
Cathy is a volunteer with the shelter and New Canine Concepts Rescue
( a referal rescue) and works at the kennel.

Thanks much,
Donna
CSR

 

 

From:   rbabcock@wallaceklormann.com (Robert Babcock)
To: casadeltoropitbullrescue@insightbb.com, Gocbwatchdog@aol.com

The Wasco County Court denied reconsideration and ordered Denali killed.
Orders arrived in this morning's mail.

The Wasco County Commissioners proved their commitment to needless killing by denying sanctuary placement for Denali and ordering her senseless death. They  provided no reasons, deliberating this matter on Wednesday and sending their  decision by mail.

Karissa Ball has ten days from last Wednesday, September 8, 2004, within
which to appeal to the Wasco County Circuit Court, giving one a sense of how
likely success will be. Karissa Ball has no job and no money.

Please protest these actions to the press and to the Wasco County  Commissioners. They do not live in a vacuum. As they vote, so is Oregon known throughout  this country. Wasco County is a tourist destination and includes wind surfing on the  Columbia River and Kah-Nee-Ta Resort as examples. Citizens come from all over to  visit this tourist area. Their agricultural export includes orchards that supply  fruit through out the country. 

The commissioner designated judge (no legal training), Dan Ericksen, is an  orchardist.  To kill an animal when humane alternatives exist just to prove that you can  is shocking behavior incompatible with the values of this country.  

Subj:   UPDATE ON WASCO COUNTY'S DECISION TO KILL A YOUNG PITBULL FOR  SCRATCHING A CHILD
Date:   9/7/04 1:20:21 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From:   Gocbwatchdog

Update
 

On Tuesday, September 7, attorney Robert Babcock, filed a motion for  reconsideration with the Wasco County Courts of the death sentence imposed on Denali,  a young tan and white pitbull. Denali jumped upon a child when he came to the  door, scratching his chest and causing a minor (1/8 inch) puncture near his  thumb.  Laurie Adams of Casa Del Toro Pitbull Rescue, a respected pitbull  rehabilitation program in Franklin, Indiana, has offered sanctuary space to Denali.  Please write the Commissioners of Wasco County asking them to reconsider  Denali's death sentence and allow her to go the Casa Del Toro Pitbull Rescue.    The motion for reconsideration follows with contact information.  Motion for Reconsideration filed with the Wasco County Court, September  7.2004.  

"Karissa Ball requests that the County Court reconsider its oral determination that her dog "Denali" be destroyed as a public nuisance.   At the close of the original proceeding, counsel for Ms. Ball advised the County Court that there were alternatives to Denali's destruction that (a) would assure the public's protection from the dangers allegedly posed and (b) would prevent the needless taking of Denali's life.   Attached to this Motion is a copy of an e-mail from the owner of a Pit Bull rescue organization - Ms. Laurie Adams of Casa Del Toro Pit Bull Rescue in Franklin, Indiana - confirming the existence of that alternative.  Ms. Adams is available to be contacted by any members of the County Court to answer any questions or concerns about her organization and programs.   Even if one does not share the view that destruction should be the last resort for animal enforcement efforts, there at least three reasons why acceptance of Ms. Adams offer is in the county's interest.  

First, the hearing in this matter was held on the same day that the county's agreement to transfer management of its animal shelter to Home At Last was finalized.  Home At Last seeks to preserve animals' lives whenever possible through effective animal adoption and placement efforts.  Ms. Ball's offer provides the opportunity demonstrate that the county's humane shelter policies are consistent with its enforcement practices.   Second, the organization offering sanctuary to Denali is part of a nationwide animal welfare movement that can offer resources and opportunities - especially significant in the case of Pit Bulls - that would aid Home At Last's efforts.  Acceptance of Ms. Adams' offer would provide improved access to those resources and further enhance the reputation for humane programs that the county's agreement with Home At Last established.

Third, whenever a county aligns itself with organizations devoted to the protection of animals' lives, it becomes eligible for very substantial financial assistance (up to $1 million) from an organization - Maddie's Fund - headquartered in San Francisco.  Wasco County's contract with Home at Last is a first step in gaining that financial assistance.  Acceptance of Ms. Adams' offer and participation in the national programs would be important additional steps to obtaining that needed funding.  

By reconsidering its order to destroy Denali and accepting the offer from Casa Del Toro, the County Court can prevent an animal's needless death and improve its reputation and ability to continue the humane programs established by the arrangements with Home At Life.     Ms. Ball is willing to relinquish ownership of Denali and forego appeals if the offer is accepted.[1]                 DATED:  September 7, 2004 Respectfully Submitted,       Robert E. Babcock, OSB #70006 

1.  Because of some comments made by representatives of the District
Attorney's office, I would be remiss if I did not also note that killing
Denali because of Ms. Ball's inability to pay boarding and impoundment fees
in accordance with the "agreement" obtained at the time of Denali's seizure
appears to be inconsistent with Oregon law and a basis for civil action
against the county.

Brief Case Summary and contact information

On September 1, 2004, within minutes after signing a contract with Home at
Last Humane Society, a local progressive organization committed to ending
needless killing, the Wasco County Commissioners held a "public hearing" and
ordered a young female tan and white pitbull, Denali, destroyed for
scratching a child. The injuries included scratches to the chest accompanied by one minor puncture wound near the thumb compatible with either a tooth or toenail.  It  was a nonaggressive encounter and occurred when the childcame to the door of  Karissa Ball's house as she opened the door. No animal behavior experts were  included in the hearing.
 
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
 
Wasco County Court
Room 302
511 Washington Street
The Dalles, Oregon 97058-2237
 
Telephone: (541) 506-2520
Fax: (541) 506-2521
 
 WASCO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
 
Dan Ericksen, e-mail: DanE@co.wasco.or.us
(Mr. Ericksen is listed as a judge for county commission administrative
proceedings. This does not require a legal or judicial background. Mr. Ericksen is
an orchardist).

Scott McKay, e-mail: SMcKay2001@charter.net
 
Sherry Holliday, e-mail: SherryH@co.wasco.or.us
 
 
LOCAL PRESS
 
The Dalles Chronicle
P.O. Box 1910
The Dalles, OR 97058
 
Telephone News: (541) 296-2141
News Fax: (541) 298-1365
 
Letters to the Editor, e-mail: dspatz@eaglenewspapers.com
 
The Oregonian, Regional correspondent: Wendy Owen
Telephone: (541) 296-0606
Fax: (541) 296-0609
e-mail: wowennews@aol.com
 
WHEN  HUMANE EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES TO KILLING EXIST ANIMALS LIVES SHOULD NOT
BE TAKEN AS VENGEANCE TO PUNISH OWNERS.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
 
Gail O'Connell-Babcock, Ph.D.
Citizens for Humane Animal Legislation/Watchdog
16004 S.W. Tualatin-Sherwood Road, Box 508
Sherwood, Oregon 97140
 
Telephone: (503) 625-4563
Fax: (503) 925-8299
 
e-mail: gocbwatchdog@aol.com 

NOTE: Much of the recent retributory conduct toward American Pitbulls in
which excessive measures are taken for minor correctable behaviors (jumping)
appear driven by breed prejudice and sensational news stories.

PLEASE POST AND CIRCULATE WIDELY
 ONE LIFE SPARED CAN START A MOVEMENT