Jay Baldwin is living proof...

[moosmom]

that the laws in CT protect criminals.

Irene Hudobenko and I have been trying RELENTLESSLY to serve small claims papers on Jay Baldwin for damages done after he pled guilty and was convicted of 10 counts of animal cruelty. By law, the victims are entitled to seek restitution from him. His former landlord is seeking the maximum by the state, $5,000. Irene is seeking damages for vet bills, 2nd necropsy and punitive damages.

She spoke with his parole officer who said she cannot divulge ANYTHING about Jay or she will lose her job. Nice, huh? The system protects this @$$hole after he tortured and killed MANY animals.

Right now we are at a standstill. We're holding off going to the media because we don't want to alert him that we're looking to serve him.

Basically, we've hit so many roadblocks, we've been told the only way to have him served is to hire a lawyer who will hire a private investigator to find him. Lot of $$$$ it'll take to serve him papers.

The system SUCKS!!!! Protecting a serial cat killer. What is wrong with this country??? Sorry for the rant, I'm just really pissed right now and the lack of cooperation the system shows for the victims.

[Medusa]

It's because it's about cats and not humans. I'm not saying it's right, just that it's my feeling that cats are considered to be unimportant, not even as property as dogs are. In this day and age, if you can't be found w/cell phones, email, pagers, Blackberries, etc., you don't want to be found. Bide your time, Donna, and he'll turn up again. It's unlikely that he's seen the error of his ways and, unfortunately, if other cats are missing or animal abuse is reported, you may be able to track him down that way. It's all so sad and infuriating but not uncommon for the law to turn a blind eye to cases such as this.

[moosmom]

Mary,

The problem with biding our time is that there's a statute of limitations of one year to file a small claims suit. That deadline is up either one year from June (the date he was caught) or one year from August (the date he was arrested). I've been on hold with the court clerk's office for the last 15 minutes, listening to a recording about how important my phone call is to them and my patience is wearing VERY thin at this point

[Medusa]

I didn't even think of a statute of limitations. Yes, I can see why it's so frustrating for you. Guess we'll just have to get out the doll and pins. KIDDING!

[Catty1]

Donna, have a look at this...at least contact them and see what they suggest. I think a lawyer is in their ranks, or they sure will know one!

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=150086

[moosmom]

Candace,

I spoke with my friend's husband who is a lawyer. He said we have plenty of time because the statute of limitations for criminal negligence in Baldwin's case is between 6 to years. That in itself is a relief.

I will look into the link. Thanks.