———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Oct 24, 2007 9:32 PM
Subject: Grimes in Court Monday, October 29th for Motion Hearing on DA Quest to Bar Evidence

PA Dog Rescue Case Goes to Motion Hearing October 29th
Blair County D.A. seeks to bar defense evidence from the courtroom

Please come to the hearing on Monday if at all possible, we need your support!

October 24, 2007, Altoona, PA-Dogs Deserve Better founder Tammy Grimes will be back in court October 29th at 9:00 a.m. for a motion hearing to defend against the Blair County DA’s attempt to bar her most-compelling evidence–video, photos, and vet testimony of the dog’s condition–from the courtroom. Grimes was arrested September 11, 2006 after taking a dog–unable to stand for three days–for veterinary care; then protecting him from returning to the abusive situation.

Grimes maintains that there were clearly Pennsylvania cruelty laws being broken for at least three days by the time she arrived on the scene, and charges should instead be filed against the Arnolds for abuse and neglect.

She states, “We need to take a serious look at a justice system that favors animal abusers, and I would ask what kind of example this is setting for our children. We have ample proof of abuse in this case: neighbor testimony, vet testimony, video and photo evidence. If we as humans see an animal or human dying and in need of immediate help, it is our moral duty to help that being and protect him/her from further harm. A system that instead requires an abused child or animal to be returned to the situation in which the abuse is occurring is corrupt, and must be questioned and examined if we are to evolve as a society.”

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For more on keeping your companion animals safe this Halloween, see also…

* ASPCA Offers Halloween Safety Tips For Pets at aspca.org

* NO SCAREDY CATS THIS HALLOWEEN: TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR PET PARENTS at aspca.org

* Guard Against Ghoulish Goodies: Keep Your Pets Safe From Halloween Hazards at aspca.org

* Halloween Safety at dogs.about.com

* A Safe and Sound Halloween for Dogs at Bella Online

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Oct 17, 2007 7:57 PM
Subject: Non-profit warns of Halloween dangers to chained dogs: Plus, Holiday Cards

Non-profit Warns of Halloween Dangers to Chained Dogs

Asks caretakers to keep dogs inside every night-especially on Halloween

Tipton, PA, October 12, 2007 — For dogs that are kept perpetually chained, a dark, autumn night is just another night to be cold, lonely and longing for affection. On Halloween, a chained dog may also have to fear for his life.

Halloween is a particularly dangerous time for dogs that are kept chained outside, warns Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit dedicated to ending the suffering endured by dogs that are kept perpetually chained or caged. At Halloween, the group frequently sees an increase in the number of dogs that are helpless victims of attack. Fireworks or rocks are sometimes thrown at them and more horrific crimes, such as dogs being set on fire, have occurred in recent years. In addition, chained dogs can easily become agitated by strangers in or near their yards. Dogs Deserve Better representatives have encountered incidents of dogs breaking free from their chains and attacking trick-or-treaters.

Dogs Deserve Better works on numerous fronts year round to change minds and laws, educating about the dangers 24/7 chaining pose, both to dogs and to people, who can become the victims of chained dogs that grow angry, frustrated, or aggressive from their constant confinement and exposure to the elements.

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Action Alerts

European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE): Help Us Stop Primate Experiments. For Good.
We currently have a real opportunity to get a ban on all primate experiments across Europe – but we need your help.

The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights (FTCR) / OilWatchdog: Stick It to Big Oil
Send a free fax to your U.S. Senator by clicking here, and ask him or her to support McCaskill’s “Fair Fuel” bill, S. 1997!

Four Paws: Join us in a protest against the ruthless dog mafia in Europe
FOUR PAWS wants to thwart the unscrupulous trade in puppies. Take part! Support our protest and sign our online petition.

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Get Tina and Jewel Out of the Circus
Urge USDA to send suffering elephants to a sanctuary now

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Ask Prosecutor to seek maximum sentencing for animal hoarders
Over 100 Animals Removed from Animal Hoarders’ Home; Supplies needed to care for 68 surviving dogs and cats

(more…)

Action Alerts

Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): Ohio Man To Get Abused Dog Back! Tell Prosecutors To Appeal Decision!
Otis Clark does not deserve to have China back – please help stop this injustice!!

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Veterinarian Charged With Cruelty to Animals
Urge State’s Attorney to Prosecute Woman to the Fullest Extent for Starving Dogs

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Federal Judge Bars Navy Sonar Blasting
Thank Judge Cooper for protecting endangered marine mammals

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Guess? To Stop Selling Fur in 2008
Tell Clothing Retailer You Won’t Buy While Animals Still Die

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Protect Yellowstone and the Greater Rockies
Tell the Bush administration to reject the proposed Desert Rock power plant.

(more…)

Action Alerts

Animal Protection Institute (API): Urge Congress to End the Trade in Bear Parts
The Bear Protection Act, H.R. 3029 would protect bears by prohibiting the import, export, and interstate commerce of bear gallbladders and bile

Greenpeace: Project Hot Seat: August 27-31: Week of Local Action
We need to deliver Project Hot Seat lobby packets in local offices across the country during the last week of August. And we need YOUR help to make it happen.

National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS): Federal: Animal Protection Measures included in House Farm Bill
Please call your U.S. Senators today in support of keeping animal protection provisions in the final version of the bill!

People for the American Way (PFAW): Tell Congress: End Warrantless Spying on Americans!
Tell your Representative and Senators to stand up to White House fear mongering and abuse of power!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Hold the Antibiotics!
Sign our petition to the nation’s top fast-food companies urging them to help end this dangerous practice.

(more…)

Action Alerts

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Federal: The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act Reintroduced in Congress

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Missouri: “Pet Friendly” License Plates Now Available

DawnWatch: MSN on budget and health benefits of vegetarianism 7/26/07

DawnWatch: Shocking poultry slaughterhouse footage on Fox and on A&E’s “The Two Coreys” reality show 7/25 – 7/29/07

DawnWatch: Adidas lobbies to overturn Supreme Court upheld Kangaroo shoe ban NY Times, LA Times, NPR — 7/24 -7/25/07

DawnWatch: NY Times lead story “Bringing Moos and Oinks Into the Food Debate.” 7/25/07

Earthjustice: URGENT: Stop the Countdown to Wolves’ Slaughter

Friends of Animals (FoA): Help Stop the Bush Administration’s Latest Debacle: Aerial Gunning of Greater Yellowstone Wolves

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Congress to stop oil drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Faces Felony Dog Fighting Charges / Urge the NFL to suspend Michael Vick from play under strong suspicion of criminal activity

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell Nike to Drop Vick NOW!

Rainforest Action Network (RAN): Tell Ontario to Stop First Nation Exploitation!

Save the Manatee Club: Ask Governor Crist to Appoint New FWC Commissioners / Ensure Balanced and Science-Based Leadership on Manatee Protection Issues

Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL): Contact Legislators on Behalf of Animals Used for Research NOW

The Wilderness Society: Help protect community forests and restore wildlife habitat

Working Assets / Act for Change: Tell Nike to Cancel Michael Vick’s Endorsement Contract

Campaign Updates, Press Releases, etc.

Bread for the World: Fairness Amendment to Farm Bill Fails in House; Fight For Meaningful Farm Reform Continues

Corporate Accountability International: Pepsi Agrees to Reveal Sources of Aquafina Bottled Water / In Response to Think Outside the Bottle Campiagn, Agrees to Print ”Public Water Source” on Labels

Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): Michael Vick & Dogfighting

Carnivals

Carnival of Hurricane Relief #98 (July 26, 2007 @ One Man Band)

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): News Alert, July 27, 2007

In Defense of Animals (IDA): eNews, July 25, 2007

Petitions

STOP PUPPY MILLS!!!

CLARK COUNTY DOGS DESERVE BETTER

Stop Cruelty Taking Place on the Water

Help save Giraffes

(more…)

UPDATE, 10/5/07:

Still adding to the post…

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UPDATE, 7/27/07:

I’ve been updating this post almost daily; newest links at the top of the link dump. Feel free to add to the roundup via the comments section.

—————————–

Unfortunately, the justice system don’t work thataway, so let’s hope for life six years (Six years! WTF!?!) behind bars.

Anywho, a number of animal rights/welfare groups have sent out alerts on this subject, so I’ve included a link roundup below. Links shall be updated as necessary. Also, after the jump, forwarded alerts that are not otherwise available online. (Keep up to date with the latest news via teh Google.)

* DawnWatch: Vick dogs on NY Times front page, and Los Angeles votes for spay-neuter 2/2/08

* Best Friends Animal Society: eNews: December 14, 2007 (Preparing for the Michael Vick dogs)

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Vick Received Federal Sentence–Demand Tough State Prosecution Now!

* DawnWatch: Michael Vick sentence on AJC front page and in many other papers 12/11/07

* Last Chance for Animals (LCA): Michael Vick Sentenced Today, Mon 12/10

* The Petition Site: Keep Michael Vick Out of the NFL!

* Best Friends: Vick dogs cleared to come to Best Friends

* Kinship Circle: Vick’s Dogs/ YOU Helped Save Their Lives

* Kinship Circle: OCT. KC DIGEST – Killing JFK Cats, Shot Iraq Dog, Petitions… (Parts 1 & 2) [Section 9, "Ensure Vick’s Dogs Are Spared, As Promised"]

* Kinship Circle: UPDATE/ Vick’s Dogs: Clemency For All But One

* American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): eNews Alert: October 5, 2007 (Update on Michael Vick Case/Dog Health Chat Today!)

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Michael Vick Takes Empathy Course at PETA HQ

* Kinship Circle: LETTER/ Vick Teammate Faces Unrelated Cruelty Charges

* The Petition Site: Stop Dogfighting Now!

* The Petition Site: To the NFL: Help Pitt Bulls while Punishing Michael Vick!

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Give Vick Dogs a Fighting Chance at Life

* Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF): Congressman Garrett sides with dogfighters — speak out at rally next Wednesday

* Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): “Falling Star, Rising Son: The Football Player and the Pit bull” Art containing Actual NFL Football Tickets from Steeler/Eagles Game

* ROAR: Donate your VICK jerseys – you’ll never wear them again!

* Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare: Michael Vick: Now the Hypocrisy Begins

* Kinship Circle: [GULF COAST] Two Years And Still Counting (Section #9, Michael Vick Did NOT Adopt 14 Katrina Pit Bulls)

* Kinship Circle: LETTER/ Salvation For Vick’s Dogs?

* The Petition Site: Please help get Michael Vick’s fines donated to Pit Bull and other animal rescues

* Now if only Vick’s sentence was meted out in dog years… (easyVegan blog post, 8/27/07)

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Atlanta Falcons to Kick Vick Off of the Team

* Last Chance for Animals (LCA): 8/27 Michael Vick Update!

* American Humane Association Urges Severe Sentence for Michael Vick Appropriate to the Severity and Inhumanity of His Crimes; Historic Organization Seeks Prison Time, Fines, Banishment from NFL

* American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Michael Vick Pleads Guilty/ASPCA President Invites Letters of Thanks

* Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Vick goes before judge – now YOU be the judge

* DawnWatch: Michael Vick case spurs comments on other animal cruelty 8/22 — 8/26/07

* Best Friends Animal Society: The dogs in the Michael Vick case

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell the NFL to Recognize Animal Abuse as an Offense Warranting Suspension–and More

* Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSUS): Congressman Graves sides with dogfighters — speak out at rally on Monday (Kansas City)

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): What to Do if You See Animal Abuse

* The Petition Site: Save Vick’s Dogs

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Amazon.com to stop promoting illegal animal fighting

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Breaking News: Vick to Plead Guilty to Dog Fighting Charges

* Kinship Circle: No Deal For Sick Vick’s Dogfighting Crimes

* Last Chance for Animals (LCA): Michael Vick Admits Guilt, Plea Deal To Be Announced!

* Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Thank the U.S. Attorneys in the Vick Case!

* API: End Dog Fighting for Sport, Sign a Petition to Help Wildlife, and much more…

* Kinship Circle: [RELIEF GLOBAL] Flooded NY Shelter/ TX-KS Updates/ Left Behind In War Zone… (Section #5, 63 Kittens Used As Dogfighting Bait Dumped At Shelter)

* DawnWatch: NPR commentary on dog fighting and canned hunting 8/8/07

* DawnWatch: “‘Culture’ Argument Doesn’t Excuse Cruelty” — Richmond Times-Dispatch 8/6/07

* Kinship Circle: ACTION-UPDATES / The Vick Dogfighting Files

* Kinship Circle: LETTER / To NFL: Release Michael Vick Without Pay

* Michael Vick Blog Carnival #2 (August 2, 2007 @ Campaign to Sack Michael Vick)

* What do you think about the SCLC’s plan to honor Falcons player Michael Vick, who has been indicted on dogfighting charges? [Poll and story on AJC.com, 8/3/07]

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Sign the Statement Against Dogfighting

* The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Help Pass the Dog Fighting Prohibition Act

* The Petition Site: Ban Michael Vick From The NFL

* DawnWatch: Nike drops Vic plus NY Times spay-neuter column 7/30/07

* Michael Vick Blog Carnival #1 (July 28, 2007 @ Campaign to Sack Michael Vick)

* Campaign to Sack Michael Vick

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Faces Felony Dog Fighting Charges / Urge the NFL to suspend Michael Vick from play under strong suspicion of criminal activity

* Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): Michael Vick & Dogfighting

* Working Assets / Act for Change: Tell Nike to Cancel Michael Vick’s Endorsement Contract

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell Nike to Drop Vick NOW!

* The Petition Site/HSUS: Suspend NFL Quarterback Michael Vick for Dogfighting!

* The Petition Site: Petition to let the NFL know how stupid they look

* DawnWatch: “Warning on red meat and greenhouse gases” Australian, (and Vick update) Friday July 20

* DawnWatch: CBS stories, polls, and other coverage of Vick and dogfighting 7/18/07

* Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) -> NFL, Throw the Book at Michael Vick

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) -> Tell the NFL to Suspend Michael Vick!

(more…)

You can also read this press release online at www.dogsdeservebetter.org/chainoff2007.html.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes
Date: May 2, 2007 10:39 PM
Subject: Special Announcement: Chain Off 2007-Unchain the 50!

This Years 4th of July marks our 5th Annual Chain Off Event, and this Year we’re going Even Bigger than EVER, with a Goal of at least ONE PERSON per state living chained to a Doghouse for 8-24 hours in our Fabulous Unchain the 50 Campaign!

The Dogs Deserve Better Chain Off, held every July 4th for the past 5 years, has evolved from one woman chaining herself to a doghouse for 33 hours in Pennsylvania in 2004, to 11 contestants chaining themselves for as long as 13 days in 2006 to win a new car.

Along the way others have joined in the crusade, with last year separate events being held in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Maine.

This year we want to make it even easier to participate, and we need at least 50 people to join us! That’s right, at least ONE from every state. And here’s how we’ve made it easy for you…

Last year’s participant, Erin Blais of Maine, BLAZED a trail for you…She lived chained to a doghouse for 24 hours IN HER VERY OWN YARD! That’s right, no event to plan, location to get permission for, funds to raise…nothing. And the media STILL CAME.

Many of you have been telling us you want to do this for years, but when it came to planning the event, it proved to be too much for you. (We understand, it can be VERY daunting.) So this year, DON’T PLAN. Just get yourself a doghouse, let us know where and when you will be joining us, get a few friends to sponsor you on this hourly ‘sponsor sheet’ (like a walk-a-thon), and be done with it.

We will alert your local media and include your details on our website. Each person who chains her/himself for 8 hours or more will receive a FREE CHAIN OFF 2007 T-shirt, as well as brochures to hand out to any interested passers-by.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Apr 6, 2007 2:38 PM
Subject: Special Announcement: Please Attend the Rally for Grimes in PA!

Please Attend a Rally for Grimes April 17, Hollidaysburg, PA

Show America We’re Tired of Dogs Dying on the End of Chains, Tired of Abusers Walking

Courthouse · 423 Allegheny St. 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 17, 2007

On 4/17/07 there is a pre-trial motion hearing to dismiss all charges against DDB founder Tammy Grimes at the Blair County Courthouse at 10:30 a.m. Come to a pre-trial rally at the Hollidaysburg Courthouse to support Grimes and what she did for Doogie at 9:00 a.m. April 17th. We really need your help!

The first 100 supporters to arrive will receive a NEW I’m Standing Up for Doogie button, as well as a FREE Yard Sign, Calendar and Car Magnet. Coming in from out of town? To see Altoona hotels and motels, visit the Altoona.com site.

We can get a room discount at the Motel 6 if we have more than 10 rooms booked. If you’re coming and want to be part of the room block at Motel 6, please let Tammy know by calling her at 877.636.1408 by April 11th. If we don’t get 10 rooms reserved by then, we cannot block it.

The courthouse address is 423 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. Keep in mind that although we have this hearing, it does not mean the charges will be dismissed. There is still the very real possibility that we are going to a jury trial. We NEED to raise our voices and BE HEARD! It is absolutely ridiculous that in Pennsylvania one can abuse a dog despite existing cruelty laws, allowing it to lay chained, unable to stand, and on the ground for three days and NOT pay a price for that abuse.

It is unconscionable what this case is teaching our children. We must continue to fight, not only for Doogie, but for all chained dogs in Pennsylvania and around the U.S. And for our future’s children who may have to make the same choices Tammy has made; choices which no one should have to make.

Visit the updated Doogie page and read the Press Release.

Can’t come, but you’d like to support financially?

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The latest issue of Dogs Deserve Better’s eNewsletter (which does not appear to be available online) includes the the following items of interest:

Eight States are Hard at Work on Anti-Tethering Bills

Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Rhode Island

Maryland’s legislation is highest priority right now, if you live in Maryland, it’s critical for you to visit the site and start contacting your representatives to get the bill out for a vote. Most of the others are just getting started, and need all citizens help to progress. If your state is listed amongst these, please visit the link, below, and see how you get involved. If your state isn’t listed, visit the link anyway to see what kind of laws are being proposed this year, and get ideas for your state. It’s not too late for this legislative session!

More excellent legislative news: Troy City, Michigan, Middletown, Ohio, Texas City, Texas have all passed anti-tethering legislation in the past month! Lee’s Summit, Missouri, DeSoto, Tennessee, Denver, Colorado, Deerfield Beach, FL, New York City, Arkansas City, Kansas, and Austin, Texas are all considering anti-tethering legislation as we write as well.

Please visit DDB’s State Legislative Effort Page for current info and local calls to action.

Also, those in the PA area (specifically, Hollidaysburg) may want to attend the April 17 9AM pre-trial rally for DDB founder Tammy Grimes:

Come to a Rally for Grimes before the Motion to Dismiss Hearing April 17, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.

Can you come to a pre-trial rally at the Hollidaysburg Courthouse for Tammy Grimes at 9:00 a.m. April 17th?

The pre-trial hearing is at 10:30, so let’s be there at 9:00 a.m., sporting signs, listening to a few speakers, and in general showing support for Tammy and what she did for Doogie.

We’ll make sure we have new signs made from the Doogie material and buttons for everyone that comes. If you can come in from out of town, please try! The more people we have standing together, the better for our cause and for justice. To see Altoona hotels and motels, visit the Altoona.com site. If we have a lot of people who need rooms, we will see if we can get a cheap room block somewhere.

Background and additional info on the case is available here.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts DDB dogs deserve better tammy grimes PA Pennsylvania Maine Maryland New Jersey New York Nevada North Carolina Rhode Island tethering chaining anti-tethering anti-chaining legislation rally trial animal abuse cruelty to animals doogie Lori Arnold Steve Arnold dog canine pet companion animal