You guys won't believe this. I need serious legal advice.

[12 Volt Man]

Wow. I can't believe this is happening to me. I live in Utah (Davis County) and just moved in to a new house a couple of days before Christmas. I also have a little English Pointer puppy that is only about six months old. For those who have never seen an English Pointer, they are kind of skinny. I put up a 10x12 dog run under the back deck which is completely covered. I also have one of those "igloo" style dog houses. It has been very cold here so each night around 9 to 10pm I have been letting the dog into the garage to sleep in his dog crate. The crate has a blanket and cedar chips to keep him warm. I had been feeding the dog outside but started feeding him in the garage because the water kept freezing. I left two empty feeding bowls out in his dog run. I have two more in the garage where I feed him. I feed the dog Purina Pro plan. Approx 2 cups in the am and 2 more in the pm. I have not missed a day. The dog has never spent a night outdoors since we moved in to this house. Oh I also need to mention that his dog run was dirty with poop. I had not cleaned it yet since we lived there, and had planned to do it on my day off which was yesterday when this all happened.
So a couple days ago an electricial comes to install a light next to the dogrun that was left off. He came to the door while he was there and said to my sister in law (she was babbysitting our kids), "Your dog is cold and needs to come inside" It was probably close to 40 degrees that day. Then she left and took the kids to my daughters dance class. When my wife got home from work, there was a note from animal control on the front door saying they were investigating me for animal cruelty. She went to check on the dog, and it was gone. They took it. Yesterday morning I call Animal Control to find out what the deal is and they tell me. "We took your dog because it was near death, it would not have made it through the night." Then they say that I have to talk to the "officer" in charge of the case. Later he calls me, tells me that I need to come talk to them. I load up the kids and head to the animal control center. He sits me down and read me my rights. "you have the right to remain silent etc...." I could not believe it. It was like I was being arrested. Come to find out. I probably will.
He tells me that they had to take the dog to a vet and that the vets expert opinion is that the dog had not been fed in two weeks. That would mean that I hadn't fed the dog since I lived in the new house. Which is complete BS. I still had the empty cans of food in the garage from that morning and the night before. Which by the way, they never saw because they only say what was outside when no one was home. He would not come back to my house and see the dogs food and sleeping quarters. My Dad brought up a good point when he said. "if it hasn't been fed in two weeks, then where did all the poop in the pen come from". I called a casual aquaintance who is a vet and he agreed. These bastards are trying railroad me here. They tell me they are turning it over to the county prosecuter and they want to charge me with 3 counts of animal cruely. Which could carry up to a year in jail for each. 3 Class B misdemanors. WTF? I am only 30 years old, hard working I have two kids and another on the way. I just got in to this new house and I have maybe an extra 200 bucks a month after everything is paid for.
The facts are. The dog has been fed EVERY day. It has never spent a night outside. He was skinney. This breed is a skinney breed. They think I left it out there all day and all night for two weeks with no food or water. AAAAHHHHGHHHH! I am so frustrated about this. I can't believe it. If they send me to jail, I will lose my house job and everything. I can't afford an attorney, and I am afraid if I use theirs I will be hosed even worse.
And here is the other kicker I guess I would probably lose my CCW over this too. Any and all advice and your prayers would be extremely appreciated. Thanks.

Oh also I have never been in any trouble with the law whatsoever. And the night before this happened the dog was running around the garage fine and I was working on some commands sit, stay etc...

[StrkAliten1]

Burden of proof is on THEM.

If you cared for the animal properly as you stated , don't sweat a thing.

Take photos of everything & document everything in writing as this all develops.

I would contact the shelter & demand my dog back & threaten them w/ tresspassing & unlawful entry if they refused to return your dog.

I would also pay a 'discreet' visit to the narc sparky who stuck his nose into your families business.

Best of luck

[284]

Originally posted by StrkAliten1
Burden of proof is on THEM.
True, but often going to their dog and pony shows (court) can be expensive, both in time and money.
The bureaucracies know this...and depend upon it to force some sort "agreement" (plea bargain or off sheet settlement).

This is yet another example of letting some fsck on to your property and, as usual, people seem to have not a lot to do, thus take quite an interest in the lives of others.

I'd call back the eletrician and whoever else was involved and politely tell them to f*ck off and any equine thing they ride in on.

"Good Fences make Good Neighbors....if they're locked".

[zouavexx]

12 Volt Man

If I was you I would be talking to a good lawyer right now.

[Shadow Walker]

Are you aware that a .22 with suppressor is almost silent. O.K., I'm only joking.

However, I am reminded on occassion that some people just "need" to be taken out. Too bad it is against the law to bring punishment against them.

Contact the employer of the electrician who called the animal control office, and file a complaint against the employee. Better yet, let your attorney call the company. Filing unfounded charges against someone is against the law.

Save the empty dog food containers. If you have receipts for the dog food, as well as cancelled checks, set those aside also.

Then with evidence in hand, demand the return of your dog and an apology from the animal control.

You can also write the local newspaper with a complaint against the company the electrician worked for, warning other future customers of possible harrassment from their employees.

[Crazdgunman]

...or at least get a free hour of advice. The burden of proof is on the county, of course. But given the nature of jurys, who love to prove how compassionate they are when it comes to puppies, (abused or not), I would take this seriously.

Lawyer up, pal. There are free legal aid foundations, and you might call the public defenders office.

And if you are a thug (like the writer of the previous post), then you can assault the stupid electric company guy under cover of darkness.

If you are smart and decent, you won't.

[aviator]

Originally posted by StrkAliten1
Burden of proof is on THEM.




WRONG! they have already established their case by their vet determining that the dog in question was underfed, it was 40 deegres outside and the dog was unnatended.

I would seek a lawyer's help.

If you can not afford a lawyer, take your vet as a witness, (that casual aquaintance) and pictures of the poop, if you still have them, also cover the pen to make it look warmer before taking the pics. I hope you get an understanding judge.

[1 Patriot-of-many]

Only in America.....Dog Police........:rolleyes:
Are they heros too?

I feel for you, everyone of the fucks involved has a vested interest in keeping the crap moving except the asswipe electrician.

Taking pictures, reciepts ect like the other gent said would be a good first move.

Definitely call the electricians boss and give him an earfull.

Guess my neighbors here are criminals then, since they have dogs in an outside house all year round, they seem to be fine coming over and visiting even on the coldest days(waiting on the front deck at the front door till we open up and feed them dog bones :) (This is MN)...40 degrees?.Guess the dippy vet never heard of fur?

[Wolvie]

someone is out to get you get a lawyer NOW, once someone 'reads' you your rights you should NOT say a damn thing to them any further, it cannot help you in a single way to talk wihtout a lawyer. i'd also 'threaten' legal action of your own including a muti-million dollar lawsuit for the 'pain' your family and you are being put through

[Vampire]

My god, I hope you didn't talk to them after being read your rights. As others have stated, get to a lawyer now. Not tomorrow, not after dinner, now.

I would think someone(s) need to see your fresh cans of dog food and the output out back (proof of feeding). This would need to be done promptly as well I would believe.

May god help you. Just think, in a couple years when your kids enter govt. indoctrination camps (aka school) you get to deal w/ CPS as well.

Police state USA :mad:

Originally posted by 1 Patriot-of-many
Only in America.....Dog Police........:rolleyes:
Are they heros too?

All jbt's are equally 'hero's

[frodo527]

I mostly lurk on this forum but will pipe up on this one.

I am a lawyer. You need to (1) stop posting anything about this on the Internet, because it may be used against you, and (2) retain a local attorney who handles this sort of matter NOW.

[avanarts]

Find a good lawyer and counterattack now. Do it right away. Don't just defend yourself, put them on the defensive. Get anyone who knows you and how you treated the dog and to agree to testify.

[Festus]

Originally posted by frodo527
I mostly lurk on this forum but will pipe up on this one.

I am a lawyer. You need to (1) stop posting anything about this on the Internet, because it may be used against you, and (2) retain a local attorney who handles this sort of matter NOW.
What he said (from your friendly New York lawyer). You can afford it; beg or borrow, but your chances of being screwed big-time are increased several times over if you try to handle this yourself. Outside of small claims court, every judge I know presumes that people who come to court without a lawyer are whackos and/or ull of sh*t. You can't afford not to get professional, competent legal representation.

[American Rage]

Originally posted by frodo527
I mostly lurk on this forum but will pipe up on this one.

I am a lawyer. You need to (1) stop posting anything about this on the Internet, because it may be used against you, and (2) retain a local attorney who handles this sort of matter NOW.

Or option B: Deed the house over to the wife and kids, load up your toys, buy a coffin and go to your local anicmal control society for a "talk." Don't forget to stop and beat the shit out of the nosy electician on your way. (J/K, sorta, :D :p ;) )



Rage;) :D

Seriously, I'd demand that the electrician be fired, CALL HER EMPLOYERS TODAY. If you are found innocent sue her and her employer. Also, be sure to get a SECOND OPINION on the health and condition of your dog.

[Picti]

That animal control stuff for the most part, I think, is B.S. That dog is your property and I don't think you did anything wrong. What about pests, I just see them charging someone for having inadequate living conditions for rats, roaches, etc. :rolleyes: I have two pet mice in a dirty cage does that make me a criminal? How does this crap hurt anyone? I believe in taking care of animals, but I don't think it's anyone's but the owner's business. Those animal cops are made out to be heroes on Animal Planet, I think it's called Pet Detectives. I hate seeing abused animals, but I also have to think of freedom and right to privacy.

[Bullet]

I'm not a lawyer, but I think your kids would make great wittnesses of the dog being fed.

[jimmyjoebob]

get a little payback, have the electrician locked up for trespassing, after all it is his word against yours, but heck you have the proof that he was on your property. Also sue him in civil count for defamation of character. Definately hire a lawyer to beat the animal cruelty charge crap. I would also find out how long the "investigator" has been with the puppy patrol, make an issue in court to point out his lack for degrees/formal training, after all is he know the animal was in bad shape, why did he have to take it to a vet to get a 2nd opinion. And finally sue that vet as well, his interest is a biased on in favor of the county, I bet he has never seen your dog before. I call it my "slinging a dead cat" approach, sure most of the suits my get dismissed, but you can make their lives a royal pain and some of it will stick

[56s from the old days]

OUCH!
F-ing PETA, SPCA and the rest of the save the animals people.
We all know what PETA really stands for right? "People Eating Tasty Animals".
I too own a short hair APBT, ADBA/UKC registered and she can't even stay outside during the winter months. I live just to the west of you in NV, White Pine County and you must have been nailed hard like us with that Christmas snow storm that buried us with fron three to eight feet of the white stuff. The temps were and are still very cold. We raise chickens and ducks and twice daily must tend to their needs so they won't freeze to death.
You sound sincere and I know how just one so called concerned person can ruin you and your family.
Talk with a good lawyer and then tell the SPCA to start rounding up all the mean feral dogs and cats that they seem too ignore and leave you the hell alone!
Good luck and please keep us posted, OUT in...

[Secesh]

What a bunch of B.S.
I guess they need to arrest everybody in the south!!!!
I don't know anybody that brings their (outside) dogs inside for the winter.....
Them fuckers been watching too damn much animal planet shit!!!!!

Lawer up dude, you can't afford not too!!!!!!

[scalawag]

yea man you are being railroaded by people that want to make a name for themselves. i can tell you this. so listen. they obviously think you are a dumb person. not that you are, but thats what they think. otherwise like you said, why the poop? you had best do all you can to stop it, because if you dont you will go to jail over literally a pile of shit. they dont care about whats right, only making a name for themselves thats all. i already suspect some alterior motive on their part.

think about it. put a man in jail over shit?

[Igor]

12 volt man. I feel your pain. We had to pay $250 to get my dog back. WHY you ask?>! Wel... I'll tell ya,.

For the first 2 years that we had our house we didnt have a fence in the backyard. So we kept the dog on a long leesh so he could play on our yard and our driveway (those metal/plastic ropes, 30 ft long). One day I open the balcony door to let him in, and he had run away with the rope. This was the first time in 2 years. And he is a big dog, at that time he was 40 pounds. But he doesnt bite, and he is not aggressive, he want to lick everyone and lay down for a belly rub. He started running up and down the streets, I lost him for a half-an hour, I go inside to get the car keys and to go drive after him. I couldnt find him, then I get a call saying we need to pay $250 for dog at large.

Well... for the past year our neighberhood has 2 dogs that EVERY DaY, EVERYDAY!!! they run around without a leash. The dogs pee poison, because they have ruined our front yard and the yards of 5-8 of our neighbors. I have called animal control 7 times, yes 7 times. And they havent done shit!

So yeah get a good lawyer. And lock n load.

[Lesley]

Dude, I would take a bunch of pictures of the dog poo.
-- Be sure to include an easily dated NY times or something.

THEN

I would get your lawyer and march on down to these idiots "Vet" with a big bag of POOP.

Thats right....Your defense is the Poo.

Your dog can not be taking a nice normal healthy dump if it is not eating.....Nuff said.

Its all about the Poopmation!

Relax, get a lawyer that will work on payments or better yet one that will countersuit.
Don't sweat it....your golden.

[12 Volt Man]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep em coming. I appreciate the support. I am unsure of what to do still. I am going to call a couple of lawyers. If it is expensive I may have to part with my bushy m4gery. I cannot give up my SAR1 and SAR3 :( .
I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again.

[doog]

Originally posted by Bullet
I'm not a lawyer, but I think your kids would make great wittnesses of the dog being fed.

uh, i'm not a lawyer either; but i think once you present a witness, that witness is subject to cross examination by the opposing party. not something i would want to put my kids through. not sayin' anyone's not on the up and up mind you, but children can be easily steered to say what you want them to say, in a legal sense, if you understand my meaning. if i'm wrong, please correct me and accept my apologies.;)

[Wolvie]

i'd definately contact the nosey electricians boss an file a complaint an mention the words LAW SUIT. get that lawyer, and SUE everyone in sight, the dog poo police agent, the vet that looked at the dog, the person that got the dog from your garage, the electrician, that person's boss and the company they work for. when in doubt sue everyone in sight !!!

[*Motley Crue*]

Sue the electrician for "something" of charactor (i forget the exact term) your lawyer will know.
Something similar happened to a friend, all fees were paid and he walked with $10,000

[12 Volt Man]

OK here is an update. Things are looking up a little. I started the day making many calls that were unreturned. I called the head of animal control, the county commissioner and the county prosecutors office. I finally got a call from the supervisor of the "officer" working on this. I explained my side a little more and asked that they come inspect my property inside where the dog was fed and slept. We agreed to meet at my house. I also requested that my vet be able to examine the dog. They said aggreed to that as well. It did not seem to go anywhere when they came to the house. They were very aggressive and not very nice.
Then off to the vet. They said they would meet us there with the dog. when we got there the dog looked fine and was excited to see us. He was hyper as usual. My vet inspected the dog and found many things to verify my story. One thing of note was that he said the dog had a nice layer of fat on his belly that would not be there if the dog was not being fed. He also had great muscles in his front and back legs. There is more but I will save that info for when it is needed. He also has another vet that rents space in his building. He asked her to come give an assessment of the dog. He did not tell her anything of the story. They both came up with the same results. Exept the second vet decided to check the stool for worms. Turns out the dog had a type of worm (round worms I think) and they are passed on from the mother. This could contribute to the skinnyness of the dog too.
Animal control said that they were still going to keep the dog in their custody. I asked if my vet could board the dog if he agreed not to release it until they said. They agreed. My vet now has the dog and I feel better. I also feel like if they try to prosecute they don't have much.
Here is a pic I took at the vet. See for yourself. Thanks again for the support. Please keep any ideas coming.

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/17203cooper_010_001-med.jpg

Just for comparison. A pic of the sire of the dog.
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/17203Geronimoe333.jpg

A pic of the sire when he was young.
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/17203Youngmoe1.jpg

[308]

Your dog does look very lean. I notice his hip bones seem to protrude a bit more than I would be comfortable with, but the picture does not show everything...so it's just an observation on my part.

Being subjected to cold weather below 50 degrees with such a lean body and thin coat of hair, it would be reasonable to conclude that your dog may be quite uncomfortable outdoors for an extended period of time...even in a doggie igloo. Additionaly, he will need more food with a high fat & protein content to keep his body fueled up and producing heat.

I have a German Shepherd that is quite comfortable outside due to his dual coat, but with the recent low temps, (below freezing) even he gets uncomfortable when he is out too long.

Dog shit should be picked up every day.

[happyhooligan]

Originally posted by 1 Patriot-of-many
Only in America.....Dog Police........:rolleyes:
Are they heros too?

I feel for you, everyone of the fucks involved has a vested interest in keeping the crap moving except the asswipe electrician.

Taking pictures, reciepts ect like the other gent said would be a good first move.

Definitely call the electricians boss and give him an earfull.

Guess my neighbors here are criminals then, since they have dogs in an outside house all year round, they seem to be fine coming over and visiting even on the coldest days(waiting on the front deck at the front door till we open up and feed them dog bones :) (This is MN)...40 degrees?.Guess the dippy vet never heard of fur?

Yeah, I guess in MN you should invite all the local wolves and packs of coyotes into your home over the winter. :D People seem to forget that dogs and most ell animals and can live perfectly normal outdoors if they have some sort of shelter and food. They have been living outdoors for thousands of years. They grow a thicker coat during the winter.

[12 Volt Man]

OK I will be getting my dog back today :D

Late in the day yesterday I finally got a call back from the "officer" working on the issue. She said that they had been with the county attorney all day and they felt like they had enough to prosecute me. Then she stated that they were willing to make a deal. I said that it depended on what the deal was. She stated that I had to pay their vet bill $180.00. Also clean the dog run with bleach, get a heated dog dish, and insulate his dogloo better. This tells me that probably they DID NOT have enough to prosecute or they would have. It sucks to pay their crooked vet's bill, but it beats the cost of an attorney. I am sure they will be coming back from time to time to see what is happening with the dog.
Not sure of other plans from here on out other than I will document everything that happens with the dog and everything I buy the dog.
Anyone have any idea's on insulating a dogloo? I thought those houses were pretty warm to begin with. I could build a new house with actual insulation I guess.
Thanks to those who supported this little battle with the powers that be.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Lessons learned.

1. CYA. Save all reciepts pertaining to your animals care food etc.
2. Do not procrastinate vet visits for any reason.
3. Be very careful who you let on your property.
4. You guys in these forums are a great source of info and support!
5. Apparantly in the world of animal cops, you are guilty until proven innocent.
6. It is very hard to prove your innocence.
------------------------------------------------------------------

[aviator]

12Vman. I'm glad it got resolved without costing you the charges of a defense attorney. $180,00 plus the changes you do to the dog's quarters seems to be a lot cheaper. Plus no criminal record.

Good for you.

Now, next time take better care of that dog, will you!.

[War Dawg]

Congrads and Im sadden at the same time.While I know you can't out right afford an Attorney, realise they are still bending you over.And if you did have the funds it would be the public's best interest that you took them to court and put it up there a$$.They pretty much know you have them by the balls and figure if they HAD anough evidence they wouldn't offer you a way out.It's there way out of this mess. I see the show on Animal planet and agree with some of the abuse shows and get pissed at others because they are unrealistic about the animals.I live in the south and and while it ain't a snow playground down here, it does get below freezing and mine ( Bulldawgs ) still stay out side.I have the igloo's with alot of straw in it.They pile up and deal with it.If it got below 0 I would move them to the garage.But that ain't going to happen in my lifetime. LOL... They are still getting over on you but Im glad it's ending for you and your right they will be back and they are normally pricks.WarDawg

[DEMag]

Now that its resolved, I'd find the electrician and formally introduce him (or some of his property) to my Aluminum Easton. But thats just me. I fucking hate people that don't mind their own business.:mad:

[Noah Zark]

By War Dawg: "I see the show on Animal planet and agree with some of the abuse shows and get pissed at others because they are unrealistic about the animals."

12 Volt Man's experience is living, unfortunate proof of the flip side of such well-meaning and intended reality shows. Every electrician and other service tech type suddenly becomes a well-meaning and intended self-appointed "deputy" and goes home "feeling good" about helping a "poor, (apparently) abused animal." This is based on what the sheeple see on TV and their own perceptions of how an animal should be treated.

I believe I would visit the electrician's business and calmly speak to the owner about the consequences of his employee's well-meaning "involvement," and just how costly that electrical work turned out being. Then I believe that I'd tell the manager that with the unexpected and unnecessary animal control vet and boarding bill, you may have to stretch out the payment on the electrical work for several months, and would $5 a month be OK?

Finally, your dog's worm infestation may have been there when it was picked up, or it may have came from where it was kenneled while the AC had it. Not uncommon. Advice: Have your vet write a prescription for Interceptor (or similar) monthly wormer that takes care of intestinal worms as well as heartworm. Never worry about worms again.

I am very pleased to hear that you came away as you did, and I do share your thought that they did not have a case, and were posturing to cut the deal to minimize their costs.

Noah

[StrkAliten1]

I am glad you are happy with the outcome.

It's absolute bullshit that they can extort a $200 vet bill out of you though.

[Smegma]

As you say, you need serious legal advice. Get an attorney!

In the meantime, begin gathering and preserving evidence. Don't clean up the poop! Don't throw out the empty dog food cans! Ask around among your friends and neighbors to see if there are any who may have witnessed your feeding the dog. Find out from the weather service just what the temperatures were where you are during various times during the day/night in question. Get a second opinion on the dog's condition from another vet ASAP.

And, as in any and all criminal proceedings, do exercise your right to remain silent and speak with the authorities only upon the advice of, and in the presence of, your attorney. If you don't have an attorney or a tape recorder, what you say to the authorities will be whatever the authorities say you said to them - which creates possibilities ranging from simple misunderstandings to outright fabrications.

Get an attorney!

[jimmyjoebob]

are you frickin kidding me? ALL day and they have enough to prosecute you, but they won't? You are getting snowed once again. I will tell them shove that $180 extorsion fee up their ass. I would then tell them that you are reporting the DA to the Bar association, as well as filing extortion charges against the whole lot of them, and you will see them in court on your so called "animal cruelty" charges. And I would tell them as well, that once you kick their ass in your case, you WILL be suing them for malicious prosecution.

Finally, I would still sue the electrician for defamation of character and filing a false report( no charges were filed remember, they gave you a gift) Ask for $5000 in small claims court, heck he will probably settle it for $500. Boom your "fine" is paid to the state, by the asshole who started it all. Small claims court no attorneys are allowed. You can do this on your own, I would also include any costs incurred( filing fees, your vet's bill, time off from work, etc)

DO NOT pay that fine, you do it is admitting guilt, and unless they intend to give you a piece of paper saying that you are immune from prosecution,which they won't, they will come back after you. As you said you expect more "visits" in the future, why would that be if there is no pending case? Sounds like profiling to me. Take the advice you were given and get a damn lawyer, if not you are gonna screw yourself even worse.

Best bet is to lawyer up, shit for $500 for a lawyer to make a few phone calls, this will all go away, permanently. I would still sue the electrician, he has wronged you, with that $500 the lawyer will probably prep you for the small claims case.

Seriously, if you don't take the advice given about getting an attorney, it will bite you in the ass again down the road. Then in 6 months we get another " need legal advice thread" only this time there might not be a way out of it.

[Smegma]

I dunno that I can say that the electrician is liable.

He can make a very good case that he had reasonable grounds for suspicion, so he notified animial control.

Now, nobody likes a snitch. But I can't see sueing folks for compliants they make to the authorities in good faith - no matter how stupid an investigation shows that the complaint was.

The screwups begin with the animal control investigation (which should have found that you were doing with the animal what you had been doing and that the electrician's suspicions were unfounded).

[jimmyjoebob]

ahh but the electrician is not a Vet, nor is he qualified to make such statements to the dogs well being, it would be different if he watched the dog for a 1 week, not 15 minutes.
If the reasonable grounds were there, then 12 volt would be getting charged, sad fact is, this is putting the DA in a bad corner, thus why the threats of " we got enough to haul you in" If they did, he wouldn't be blowing air.

It is still defamation, because he filed a criminal complaint against 12 volt with the Puppy Patrol. If it was civil, he would be fined only. If he wants he can file a "filing a false report" charge on him, as well as the trespass one too,unless the course the electrical pole is attached to the doghouse.

My point it is easier to have him screwed civilly than criminally. All it takes is $35 to file a small claims case. And in this one 12 volt has all the evidence on his side, the electrician can't say " i was scared for the doggie" any normal judge will not by that, even more so when it comes to light, they 12 volt could have got jail time. He screwed with this man's way of life, its more than actionable

[Guinny_Ire]

If you haven't paid it yet I'd seriously consider all the above. I'm not a fan of attorneys but like tools they have their uses. I'd also go after the electrician if he/she's an independent or I'd go after the company that employs them. If you can go after animal control, sure why not.

[jimmyjoebob]

12 volt,review a simple timeline
LAST WEEK : this DA was wanting to put you in jail
THIS WEEK: DA says he can still do it, but if you pay him he won't

Do you really believe this person who for all purposes is " playing for the other team"? Jeez man,that like being told by Mussouini that Hilter was a great guy and believing it.

[1 Patriot-of-many]

Good points and typical of the "justice system". They have to save face and not admit they were wrong, so they "deal" where the only person admitting they are wrong and losing face is the "bad guy" who they see their chances of getting a conviction is ever decreasing.
I think today if it were me in your shoes, I'd seriously consider telling them to prosecute and get yourself a lawyer who will eat them up and spit them out. You have our dignity and honor to think about as well as your money. If you just simply cannot afford it, I understand though. Letting them save face by paying THEIR vet bill isn't the worst non punishment in the world.

Glad it's close to resolution though.

[AClay47]

Originally posted by zouave
12 Volt Man

If I was you I would be talking to a good lawyer right now.

DAMN RIGHT!!! Great Advice!!!

Sounds like those A-Holes have been watching too much Animal Precinct!!

I would have told them to bite their nuts!! Millions for defense, but not one red cent for tribute.

:mad:

[Bullet]

Originally posted by 12 Volt Man
My vet inspected the dog and found many things to verify my story. One thing of note was that he said the dog had a nice layer of fat on his belly that would not be there if the dog was not being fed. He also had great muscles in his front and back legs. There is more but I will save that info for when it is needed. He also has another vet that rents space in his building. He asked her to come give an assessment of the dog. He did not tell her anything of the story. They both came up with the same results http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/17203cooper_010_001-med.jpg
With that tell them to go fuck themselves. The dog looks a little lanky because its a puppy growing into a large dog, but anyone can see the brawd chest, large paws, legs, etc. If your dog had any more weight it probably would be overweigth. Don't do anything yet, stall them. See if you can get help from legal aid in your area.
'

On a side thought: If your dog's weight is within the range for a dog of its breed/age then I would tend to think thats proves you have been feeding your dog. Also, I'm thinking AC knows they are wrong too.

[Vampire]

Now I see 'em coming back this summer. Complaining you're keeping your dog in a doghouse that 'holds the heat in' and feeing him hot water.

Glad yer in the clear. Hope it's really finished.

[Wolvie]

i'd still go to the company that employees the dumbshit stick his nose in other ppl's bzness electrician an file a complaint, i'd also call in to every talk radio show an complain about this nitwit not minding his own business

[BigAl]

Tell them you were "leaning" it out, getting ready to eat it....I don't think there is a law against eating animals..

[Mr. Wonderful]

It's too bad the dog couldn't have come into a partitioned WARM part of your house, as Utah has highs below freezing lately...

Once I house trained my short haired dog, he was glad for the warmth & only craps outside now!

If you want an outside, or cold garage dog, it might be more 'humane' & a whole lot less legal fees to get a Husky, or other long-haired dog more able to tolerate Utah's winter temps!:rolleyes:

[Bloodhart]

It seems to me the reason the dog looks like it hip is sticking out is because of his leg extended the way it is. The dog does look a little skinny but not like it's been starved. Some people aren't used to the extremely lean look of a shorthair pointer. Unless an idiot is caught torturing an animal, it's a travesty that they would lock people up for such. If the animal is not being fed shoot the thing. Put it out of it's misery and move on.:rolleyes:
Glad it turned out allright for you.

[308]

Originally posted by 12 Volt Man
Anyone have any idea's on insulating a dogloo? I thought those houses were pretty warm to begin with.
Dogs are pack animals and really should be included in the family structure...which includes being in the house, with those whom he considers his pack, as often as possible.

If you insist on making it stay outside, consider that the only way the dogloo will heatup is via the BTUs radiating off your dog...he seems too lean to be able to generate much heat, therefore, one option that I have used in the past is to install an outdoor light fixture inside the doghouse. Use one similar to a vaporproof marine light so that the dog does not damage it or burn himself when he bumps it. A weatherproof j-box on the exterior with an externsion cord will finish that part off.

You'll probably be able to get a 60watt light going in there and it will give off some heat without getting too hot. A nice door flap to hold the heat in and keep the wind out.

[AClay47]

Dog looks good, healthy, and well-cared for.

[DorGunR]

Originally posted by 12 Volt Man
Anyone have any idea's on insulating a dogloo? I thought those houses were pretty warm to begin with. I could build a new house with actual insulation I guess.


I live in northern Maryland, and it doesn't get as cold here as it does in Utah. My two dog's stay outside all the time but they are Jindo's and have a coat like a Husky, an inner coat of very fine hair (Like fur) and an outer coat of coarse hair, they can handle cold weather without a problem, they don't like hot weather. Now with that being said, my dogs, dog house, is an 8'x8' utility house that I bought last year from Home Depot, I then installed R13 insulation in the walls and ceiling and panelled over the insulation and installed a "Pet-Safe" doggie door. the "dog house" is dry and tight (No wind) plus I also have 2" thick sleeping pads for the dogs to curl up on.
Your dog has a single coat of short hair, it's too cold for that dog to be outside all the time.......ask your Vet.
Good Luck.