Woman possibly to be arrested for saving a dog: Help Tammy and Doogie!!

[ramanth]

I got this notice from adverse reactions group I joined after Kia had her issue with ProHeart 6:

http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/tammy.html

Email received from Tammy Grimes


OK, everyone, if you're getting this e-mail it means the police
followed through on their threat to put me in jail for taking Doogie today.

Here is the background info:

We got a call from Kim in East Freedom this morning, crying because Doogie hadn't gotten up since Saturday. 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.

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, so we promised her we'd go out and see what we could do. When we got there, 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 he could not lay there on the cold wet ground for one moment longer, and I would accept all consequences of my decision.

The neighbor Kim has agreed to testify on my behalf if necessary. She cried the whole time we were there, you can hear her on the video.

I think once you see the video and pictures, you'll understand why I made this decision.

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 in case we needed it.

Shortly after we got Doogie to my home, situated, bathed (had to, the stench was too bad), and fed and watered an Officer Flag called from the Freedom Township Police Department (I know, Freedom, isn't that ironic?). He wanted me to return Doogie, which I refused to do.

Here's what I need from you all. View the videos and photos, below. I think you'll agree with me that this is NOT acceptable in ANY kind of humane society, and we cannot allow this kind of animal abuse. We MUST stand up and STOP accepting this to be ok for people to do to their
dogs, and STOP jailing those who are trying to help them.

I could never look myself in the eye again, much less sleep tonight, had I left Doogie there dying, shivering in the dirt. I will spend the rest of my life in jail as opposed to handing him over to be abused further by these people.

Please, contact ALL media with these photos and videos. Get justice, for Doogie and for me. Do NOT allow this treatment of those who are here to help, and who actually care. Call the Pennsylvania Humane Society and tell them you expect them to stand with me against this kind of abuse.

Doogie laying on the ground, neighbor crying in background:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9t1rv4pj4

Doogie after vet at Grimes house:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8wxGP1N7QQ

Officer Flag: Cell 814.201.0149
Freedom Township Police Headquarters: 814.695.8545
Pennsylvania Humane Society: 814.942.5402
Humane Officer Paul Gotshall: 814.942.3780

Altoona Mirror: 800.287.4480; [email protected];
[email protected]
WTAJ-TV10: 814.944.1414
WJAC-TV 6: 814.255.7600

All national media! Make sure to send them links to the video, it's very compelling. My best friend, Tracy, has the video and hi-resolution copies of the images for print. She can be reached at [email protected]

Don't stop until there is Justice for Doogie and ME! I'm just not tolerating this kind of treatment, for either of us. No one should.

Tammy

(Ed Note: This has been verified by Tracy.)

(After watching the video,there are doubts if anyone would have done any differently)

[JenBKR]

Oh my gosh. I was sick and crying after watching that first video. Not to mention How could someone let their dog get to that point. I will be making some phone calls soon, as Doogie simply can't go back to that house and Tammy should NOT be in jail because of this. Thanks for letting us know.

[CathyBogart]

X-posted...

[Reachoutrescue]

I am over whelmed by this. How can they consider giving back this poor dog to the old owner. This outrages me to no extent!!

[moosmom]

Tammy,

Bless your heart for saving that baby's life. He'd surely be dead if it weren't for you. Shame on the cops for making a bad decision. I'm with you 100% girl!!

[zoey]

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the dog has been neglected. What is wrong with people? Send a sick dog to a bad *home* to die???
No. I think not. What you're dong is right, Tammy. And anyone with a heart and conscience knows that.
God Bless you in your endeavor!!

[LilacDragon]

There are two sides to this story, you know. And I am not talking about the owners.

Tammy refuses to let law enforcement see the dog and from the information that I have gotten elsewhere (which I have found to be VERY reliable in the past) she refuses to release any information about the vet that attended the dog. Maybe if she offered more evidence to the dog's condition she wouldn't be in such a pickle.

Don't get me wrong - I have removed dogs from yards while the owners were away to - but it is STEALING in the eyes of the law and you have to be ready and willing to except the consequences of your actions.

But.....this sure is getting her organization plenty of "air time" and I am sure donations.

[Cataholic]

I tend to lean towards liliacdragon's comment. If she had been arrested, it is kind of doubtful she would have been 'locked up'. More likely, arrested, and either posted bond, released OR, or, arraigned the following day. Then, she gets to go before a Judge and explain the situation. IF, IF it is a serious as she said, then, it seems the charges would be dismissed. Something doesn't sound quite right here.

[flip195]

I tend to lean towards liliacdragon's comment. If she had been arrested, it is kind of doubtful she would have been 'locked up'. More likely, arrested, and either posted bond, released OR, or, arraigned the following day. Then, she gets to go before a Judge and explain the situation. IF, IF it is a serious as she said, then, it seems the charges would be dismissed. Something doesn't sound quite right here.

Both the humane Society and the AC and police were contacted several times over the weekend, this is a matter of record... none of them responded which is why on Monday Tammy Grimes did what she did.
http://www.animal-law.org/statutes/penn.htm
Quote:
(c) CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.--A PERSON COMMITS A SUMMARY OFFENSE IF HE WANTONLY OR CRUELLY ILLTREATS, OVERLOADS, BEATS, OTHERWISE ABUSES ANY ANIMAL, OR NEGLECTS ANY ANIMAL AS TO WHICH HE HAS A DUTY OF CARE, WHETHER BELONGING TO HIMSELF OR OTHERWISE, OR ABANDONS ANY ANIMAL, OR DEPRIVES ANY ANIMAL OF NECESSARY SUSTENANCE, DRINK, SHELTER OR VETERINARY CARE, OR ACCESS TO CLEAN AND SANITARY SHELTER WHICH WILL PROTECT THE ANIMAL AGAINST INCLEMENT WEATHER AND PRESERVE THE ANIMAL'S BODY HEAT AND KEEP IT DRY. THIS SUBSECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO ACTIVITY UNDERTAKEN IN NORMAL AGRICULTURAL OPERATION.

Quote:
(i) POWER TO INITIATE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.--AN AGENT OF ANY SOCIETY OR ASSOCIATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH, SHALL HAVE THE SAME POWERS TO INITIATE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS PROVIDED FOR POLICE OFFICERS BY THE PENNSYLVANIA RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. AN AGENT OF ANY SOCIETY OR ASSOCIATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH, SHALL HAVE STANDING TO REQUEST ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENJOIN ANY VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION.

Quote:
(l) SEARCH WARRANTS.--WHERE A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION IS ALLEGED, ANY ISSUING AUTHORITY MAY, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ISSUE TO ANY POLICE OFFICER OR ANY AGENT OF ANY SOCIETY OR ASSOCIATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS DULY INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH A SEARCH WARRANT AUTHORIZING THE SEARCH OF ANY BUILDING OR ANY ENCLOSURE IN WHICH ANY VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION IS OCCURRING OR HAS OCCURRED, AND AUTHORIZING THE SEIZURE OF EVIDENCE OF THE VIOLATION INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ANIMALS WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF THE VIOLATION. WHERE AN ANIMAL THUS SEIZED IS FOUND TO BE NEGLECTED OR STARVING, THE POLICE OFFICER OR AGENT IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE SUCH CARE AS IS REASONABLY NECESSARY, AND WHERE ANY ANIMAL THUS SEIZED IS FOUND TO BE DISABLED, INJURED OR DISEASED BEYOND REASONABLE HOPE OF RECOVERY, THE POLICE OFFICER OR AGENT IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE FOR THE HUMANE DESTRUCTION OF THE ANIMAL. THE COST OF THE KEEPING, CARE AND DESTRUCTION OF THE ANIMAL SHALL BE PAID BY THE OWNER THEREOF AND CLAIMS FOR THE COSTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A LIEN UPON THE ANIMAL. IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PENALTY PROVIDED BY LAW, THE AUTHORITY IMPOSING SENTENCE UPON A CONVICTION FOR ANY VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION MAY REQUIRE THAT THE OWNER PAY THE COST OF THE KEEPING, CARE AND DESTRUCTION OF THE ANIMAL. NO SEARCH WARRANT SHALL BE ISSUED BASED UPON AN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION WHICH AUTHORIZES ANY POLICE OFFICER OR AGENT OR OTHER PERSON TO ENTER UPON OR SEARCH PREMISES WHERE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH WORK IS BEING CONDUCTED BY, OR UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF, GRADUATES OF DULY ACCREDITED SCIENTIFIC SCHOOLS OR WHERE BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS ARE BEING PRODUCED FOR THE CARE OR PREVENTION OF DISEASE.

PA's code of cruelty. I would like to point out this:
Quote:
AN AGENT OF ANY SOCIETY OR ASSOCIATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Being a member of a 501c association for the prevention of cruelty, even if its not a HS should be enough as this is the way it is worded in their code.
Those paragraphs indicate that the "agent" can start criminal proceeding and/or acquire a search warrant through legal channels. In other words, do the legal beagle stuff BEFORE trespassing and seizing.
The only thing tammy actually did wrong was she did not get a warrent... as time was of the essence here I believe it would have negligent to act any other way.

OK from a legal standpoint
Regarding the abuse

There is the owners admission in the first article in the mirror. Admitting the knew the dog was sick.
"Lori Arnold said her family had planned to euthanize the dog.
“But do you know how hard that is to do?” she said."

There are pictures
video's
witness'es
and the report of a quailified vet, not to mention NUMEROUS calls to the authorities, which went ignored.

I have seen ppl jailed with far less evidence.

I agree maybe Tammy did not do everything right, but time was of the essence here, the authorities had ignored the reports for long enough.

[Lady's Human]

There is normally a legal way to accomplish your goals. Once you step outside the law, you are responsible for the results of your actions. Maybe instead of trespassing she could have asked a sherrif to meet her there?

[flip195]

There is normally a legal way to accomplish your goals. Once you step outside the law, you are responsible for the results of your actions. Maybe instead of trespassing she could have asked a sherrif to meet her there?

The AC, The police, the Humane Society IGNORED the calls, the calls are a matter of record, when the law fails to be upheld by the people charged with upholding it there is a HUGE problem, Hicksville ... sorry Freedom PA is not exempt from the laws of the state.

The fact that the owners/abusers have not been charged speaks volumes.

[LilacDragon]

Whether or not they were contacted is irrelevant. What is relevant is that she removed the dog from the owner's property without the owner's permission. In 50 States in the Good Ole' US of A - that is called STEALING.

Now, I don't know about your police department - but where I live the police arrest people who steal. Then you go before a judge and things progress from there.

I stand by my original post. If Ms. Grimes had been forthcoming about information from the vet - then maybe the judge would have let her go home without posting bail. BUT, she is getting way more publicity this way.

I am all for animal rights and I don't think that animals should be chained up and neglected. BUT - I am not alright in using an animal for personal gain ie: for publicity purposes.

[Lady's Human]

Okay, AC, the local yokels and the humane society ignored the calls. There's the Sheriff, the state police, where were the calls to them? Escalate the issue until you get a response.

[flip195]

Whether or not they were contacted is irrelevant. What is relevant is that she removed the dog from the owner's property without the owner's permission. In 50 States in the Good Ole' US of A - that is called STEALING.

Now, I don't know about your police department - but where I live the police arrest people who steal. Then you go before a judge and things progress from there.

I stand by my original post. If Ms. Grimes had been forthcoming about information from the vet - then maybe the judge would have let her go home without posting bail. BUT, she is getting way more publicity this way.

I am all for animal rights and I don't think that animals should be chained up and neglected. BUT - I am not alright in using an animal for personal gain ie: for publicity purposes.

She offered the Video's, the pictures, the vet report, the witness statements to the police, they did not even want to look at them, they wanted her to return the dog to the abusers so he could die cold and alone on the wet ground on the end of a chain.
If we are going to talk about upholding the law lets talk of why the abusers have not been charged.

[flip195]

Okay, AC, the local yokels and the humane society ignored the calls. There's the Sheriff, the state police, where were the calls to them? Escalate the issue until you get a response.

Just how many calls do you make while the dog is in pain and dying?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9t1rv4pj4