Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum. Part IV: "I'll tell you when it's over."

[flvegan]

Corruption in authority emits a stench so vile, it doesn't linger. No, it seems to settle like an oily film on every surface in its midst. In this case, P*sco County Animal Control visited the property in question and cursed the name of the owner of these animals. Sadness, sickness and filth were everywhere.



He was to be charged, cited and the animals taken if he didn't/couldn't make things right by them.

It appears that after a good evening slumber, that changed. The VERY SAME officer has now stated that there's nothing wrong with the dogs, nor how they're kept. All the owner needs is a breeder permit, but even that can wait. All attempts to call them on their "flip-flop" go unanswered. I need a copy of the original report. "No." No? "No." It's public record. "No."

The P*sco Sheriff did a fine job, but this isn't their call. The Ag unit did their job. Animal Control, those backwoods hillbilly fuckwads...likely they thought I'd go away. Obviously, they believed that they could just tell me it was over. No, I'll tell you when it's over.

Yesterday, Thursday, I arrived at the property. I accessed the property next door, belonging to my friend, via a key he gave me (legal access, right to ingress/egress). I had the media with me. The local ClearChannel news agency came out with me. They're very interested in the story. From our fence, we counted the dogs and assessed their basic condition. Still too skinny, one didn't want to get up...looked older, arthritic. He took notes, lots of notes. We talked at length about the situation. We started to take one more count of the animals, and then...

The owner showed up. P (as we'll call him), his "little" brother and their friend came storming down their driveway. 600 pounds of asshole headed right for us. 3 of them, 2 of us. Cops 30 minutes away, at best. They were angry...and violent. They didn't dare cross the fence, but sorely wanted us to. Challenged us to...begged us to. Instead, we played the role of good reporters. Took their side of the story, all the while digging for information that he was more than happy to give. As much pitbull experience as I have, it was easy to get him to relate to me. We talked about how great and misunderstood a breed it is. How, when around their people, they don't bark, but cry (or "moo" as I call it). By the end, I had everything but his social...including an apology from all three of them.

Marks.

I told the reporter something I'd been suspecting since the AC Officer flipped his opinion and they started stonewalling us. I think we've stumbled onto something much bigger than mistreated dogs. He agreed with me, and he's going to dig into the animal control offices of all three counties in the area. I also have a friend at HSUS that's interested in where this is going.

My satisfactions in this so far are few. One, Code Enforcement is making him tear down the old mobile home on the property and construct something new. P says that it'll be kennels. Two, the dogs are now being fed. He's at least on the radar, so he has to take minimal care, lest we come sniffing around again. Three, the dog we took is absolutely thriving.



She's a daily reminder that we have to keep the heat on these folks. Fourth, it isn't over. The media is involved, and the reporter is a big-time animal person. Fifth, if this is part of something bigger, then maybe it'll escalate in priority for the officials before some jackass like me blows it for them. Sixth, and lastly, there is a date in the future to which we will arrive where this fool is going to lose, and hopefully take others with him. These animals, and possibly many others that I don't even know about, will then find peace.




Part I, Where it all begins:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=231x14600

Part II, A sort of homecoming:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=231x14689

Part III, Hope and expectations:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=231x14695

[Coventina]

1. thanks for the update, flvegan

My respect for you is beyond words.

[Chan790]

2. Incredible and inspiring story

Have you ever considered writing? If you can parse all four parts together and clean it up a bit, it seems very-publishable as a magazine article. There are too few people out there with the courage to do this kind of animal-rescue work...there is almost nobody writing about it, especially from an involved first-person POV. (There aren't a lot of people who can write as well as you wrote this.) It would bring a lot of attention to cases like this one...just an idea.

edit: Inspiring in your dedication, the result could be better, but will be in the end. People like this count on people getting tired and giving up.

[peacebuzzard]

3. Jeez I hate those fat bastards. You played it cool w/ the mfers

and that poor poor baby with the ball and chain around his neck. Those infected eyes!!! I have seen so much of that and it is never easy to sleep at night for me thinking of those poor eyes.

So few find relief. Your girl is so grateful, she will be eternally your little angel...

I am so proud of your fight for them, bro. I am cheering you every step of the way.....thank you thank you!!!

[LeftyMom]

4. Thanks for the update

When does the report make it to the media?

Oh and this is totally off topic, but is your hair getting darker or is it my computer?

:hug: