submission for the LOHV Ohio blog, on behalf of villagedeer.com

There is a sociology study to be made here on urban leadership choosing the easiest way to reduce their immediate pain. Their pain is complaints from residents about deer eating hostas, the easiest path is to shoot deer with the added benefit of looking like a tough hombre. It's the same strategy Bush used to address his crushing unpopularity and the nation's fear of terrorism: shoot Iraqis. It didn't matter that one wasn't connected to the other or that the solution creates even more complications. What mattered was that there was an immediate, aggressive response and that he look like a hero. Pat McGinnis and Jack Straub certainly want to look like heroes.

If you watched most of our meeting's video you probably saw a couple of people say they couldn't believe the "opposition" would put deer lives ahead of human lives. I say ultimately we're fighting the notion that killing is the best way to solve a problem, and we want to prevent our kids, if we can, from acclimating to violence as a solution. It's not such a long way from culling deer to invading countries. Both actions reduce complex issues to black and white, both are acceptable only when you devalue life. None of these actions solve anything, in fact the need to escalate the action is the inescapable, totally predictable outcome. Violence perpetuates more violence by giving comfort to the pretense that a somehow unsolvable core problem can be made to go away if we only use more firepower.

Heroic action doesn't always look heroic on TV. It takes more courage, more resolve, more patience and more skill than this to really solve these problems. Public servants? Why do they really want those jobs, anyway?


Rob Slater
villagedeer.com

Overcoming the “Farming Mentality” in Ohio

Focus on Harrison County in rural Appalachia

Harrison County, Ohio is a failure to thrive community. The population (15,000+) has changed little since the 1800's. Ranked by the State of Ohio the children living in poverty in Harrison County scored a whopping 26% on a scale of 5% - 35% in 2007.

The Harrison County Dog Pound is located in Cadiz, OH. It is located off a dirt road. Many residents were not even aware of the location, as it was poorly marked. This pound has been historically plagued with problems. It is a high kill county operated dog pound. In 2007 the kill rate was approximately 75%. The method used was a homemade gas box constructed by county garage workers. The compound consists of an old, cracked cement slab and wire pens. It has no exterior walls. Less than two (2) years ago, it did not even have a roof. On occasion, they would confiscate animals from a similar situation in someone’s backyard for inadequate shelter, and put them into a larger situation of inadequate shelter, with a seal of approval by the county. It sits on property directly adjoining a toxic waste site. It is most often unmanned during working hours. Despite food vaults being donated by a woman from Michigan, they were promptly given away. Food continues to be kept in rusty 55 gallon drums that held an unknown substance beforehand. It is difficult to get return telephone calls. Dogs are not permitted to be posted on the internet. Photos are prohibited. In other words, dogs check in but they don’t check out. In six (6) weeks of rescue, not one dog was put down in the fall of 2008. We fear the numbers have dramatically increased from the 75% kill rate in 2007 for 2009.

The warden, Carl Stewart, might "talk a good talk" when it comes to the walking part, he falls flat on his face. He personally told this author that he does not believe any family with a child or children should even own a dog! A man reported to me last week the warden said he does not get paid for it, he just "loves the dogs", to which I almost feel off my chair. He is a county employee and he gets paid. I know of five (5) entire weeks he took off in 2008 alone, two for “mental stress”. The man carries a gun and has possession of lethal drugs, and did not report this to the Department of Pharmacy, per Bill McMillen. He alienated those that offered to build a brand new facility. He announced to me that he is planning on running for County Commissioner in Harrison County!

I have lost many nights sleep worrying about the dogs in the rural Appalachian County, named Harrison. They are not a progressive minded county, and seem to have little regard for animals as well.

Recently, a dog living in a neighboring county was brought into Harrison County where it was "held down and castrated" by a non-vet. The prosecutor, T. Shawn Hervey, explained to the humane officer in Jefferson County (the county where the dog resides) he would not be filing charges, as he "grew up here and we are a farming community". The humane officer faxed him over the Ohio Revised Code showing it is illegal in the state of Ohio to do this, to no avail. It appears that it is fine to break some laws in this county. It has been reported the person doing the "dirty deed" was actually a Physician's Assistant, a para-professional that should, in my opinion, loose their license in this State and never be able to use it anywhere else. The Jefferson County Humane Society and the Ohio SPCA both have open files on this case. It should be noted that T. Shawn Harvey had been on the O’Reilly Factor regarding the first U.S. face transplant and the lax sentence for the offender, as well as recently being appointed in the Sarah Jessica Parker/Matthew Broderick surrogate scandal.

The Assistant Prosecutor, Michael Washington, was quoted in the Times Reporter newspaper having said that the dog warden only make an appearance at the pound once in 24 hours. Although it did say the "holding area", the pound has no "holding area" other than the shell of a dog pound facility, thus he was talking about the pound.

Newly elected Commissioner, Barbara Pincola, (her husband is the Public Defender, Adrian Pincola) personally approached me before the election saying how glad she was the dogs were on petfinder.com and even thanked me for it. Just like any politician, they love babies and animals when they are seeking election, but once elected, the horse changes colors. We were very excited about her being elected, only to be sorely disappointed after her "people do that all the time, we are farmers" comment which was made directly to me referring to the castrated dog from Jefferson.

In a nutshell, a crime was committed in Harrison and no action was taken. It is against the law, and I always say, the law is the law and if you don’t like it “change it”. Harrison County is why I write to the Governor, Senators and House of Representatives. I’ve seen no effort with Harrison County officials attempting to change the law to permit the neutering of a companion animal by a non-vet to date. Now, the Jefferson County Human Society and the Ohio SPCA both have open files, while the owner of the dog enjoys psychiatric treatment for her trauma.

It was reported to me that another commissioner, Bill Host, when asked about the position of yet another commissioner, now former commissioner Phil Madzia, Mr. Host responded that he "really didn't know him"! Mr. Madzia had personally told this author he didn’t “give a __it about the dogs while in office, but actually was end the end the most humane and offered positive suggestions. He is now sorely missed as he was most probably the best of the lot, being the most human and by far the most humane.

Mike Vinka is a full time farmer, part time commissioner that has little to say on the subject and does not return phone calls. He has received farm subsidies for years, records available online. He is not accessible therefore little mention of him can be made.

Bottom line, why is Harrison in this mess? In my opinion, it is due to government, (commissioners and prosecutor), as well as an uncaring dog warden that in my opinion, is neither competent to do his job, nor does not have the proper knowledge to do it. You can't just give a warden a set of keys, a gun, a badge and say "have at it". This man does not display any feelings for the animals whatsoever (unless there is press around), and does not know the law as he should. This is why the Ohio SPCA and the League of Humane Voters are so important in today's society. The Ohio SPCA has assumed the role of “dog pound police” in the state of Ohio by necessity and work so hard to reform substandard dog pounds in the State of Ohio.

The auditor, Patrick Moore, has some accounting as to the procedures in issuance of kennel licenses, as well via my email request. I have written to him asking him to discuss this and suggested he follow the Ohio Revised Code to the letter. I’ll let you know what his response is, if any. Matt Judy, in neighboring Tuscarawas County re-evaluated his procedures after my call and vowed to comply and offered positive solutions to an aged old problem. I’m hopeful Mr. Moore will follow suit, but time will tell.

Report failed attempts to rescue animals from any dog pound, Harrison or otherwise, to the state to OhioSPCA@verizon.net.

Some counties just do not evolve in society, whether it is due to the "farming mentality" or because they just don't like change. Statistics relative to agriculture do not place anywhere near the top in the State in farming, but to the contrary. They are not, in fact, big farmers. Try to reach anyone, including the secretary and clerk, at the County Commissioners office on a Friday. Try to reach any of the commissioners on any other day of the week too, other than on a Wednesday when they have their scheduled meetings. They do receive full time wages, however they keep part-time hours.

Keep your fingers crossed for HB446 which will require all wardens and deputy wardens to go for training, no matter how long they have had the job, and continue with yearly training. I've also asked the legislators to define "maintain a suitable dog shelter", specifically due to the problems in Harrison. It is substandard. If this bill passes with the present content, rescues will no longer be paying pull fees (although in most counties now, they are not charged as those counties would rather see the dogs get out, and it saves the taxpayers money from not having to kill them, which costs the taxpayers). Rescues would also be exempt from obtaining dog licenses in Ohio. We do try to keep the dogs out of the pound by cross-postings to rescues and via our petfinder site:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH790.html.

With the 2008 election, Pincola was newly elected, Host re-elected, the next election will focus on Vinka’s seat. Once candidacy is declared, you can bet your bottom dollar I will bet talking with them to see where their position is on humane matters. The prosecutor typically runs unopposed in Harrison. I believe it is time to see some new faces in Harrison County, Ohio.

This post was submitted by Robin McClelland, who states: "Since 1994 I have concentrated on rescuing internationally abducted children, utilizing the provisions of the Hague Convention on Civil Rights Aspects. I found myself thrown into animal rescue because of need, specifically in Harrison County, Ohio. I was the former Eastern Counties Coordinator for the Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Inc. (Ohio SPCA) and continue my work as an animal advocate."

An Important Message to Lawmakers: Send it NOW

Dorothy Richardson is a household name by now. She's the 75-year old woman in the Cleveland area who used a shovel to bludgeon to death a young fawn that had found its way to her garden. The cries from the dying animal were heard throughout the neighborhood. She's been charged with animal cruelty and has pled 'not guilty.' Her lawyers would argue that she deserves some sympathy from the court because she's old and frail. Truth be told, the lost young fawn deserves the sympathy -- for being young and frail, and innocently choosing to rest in the garden of a mean old woman.

This case affords the court system a unique opportunity to send a powerful message about animal cruelty. The case has gathered a lot of attention in the press and media; the eyes of the animal welfare community in America are on Judge Deborah Lebarron. This is what LOHV-Ohio is all about: educating voters about the actions or inactions of public officers when it comes to protecting animal life from abuse and neglect.

Age is no defense under the law. A killing is a killing, no matter what the age of the aggressor. Ms. Richardson's conduct (I mean misconduct) was as vicious and cruel as any recent case of animal harm in Ohio. She must become the "poster child" for animal abuse and appropriate penalty under the law. No plea bargain, no counseling, no probation. Jail-time is the rightful penalty.

Please take time to write a letter to the Judge at her address which is posted at the foot of this post. Let her know how you feel about this crime and the punishment which Ms. Richardson should receive. The press and media, and the rest of America for that matter, should know that there are civilized humans in Ohio who find Ms. Robinson's crime revolting -- people who will not sit idly by and accept the explanation that 'it was only a deer.' People who demonstrate this kind of anger have a problem. Study after study show that animal cruelty is the predecessor to violence against humans. Society can stop a lot of violence between human beings by getting on top of the horrible animal abuse that we all too often tend to excuse or minimize.

Hunting is bad enough. But at least it's regulated and controlled. This is different. This crime went against all the rules. If the court in any way excuses Ms. Richardson's deed, animal welfare in Ohio will take a giant step backward. Let's not let that happen. Get your pen and paper out and let the Judge know how you feel. Ms. Richardson should receive the maximum penalty under the law. Period!

Paul R. Leonard

Professor, Animal Law

Wright State University

WRITE TO:

Judge LeBarron

555 222nd Street

Euclid OH 44123

FAX (216) 289-8254

dlebarron@cityofeuclid.com

Welcome to the Ohio League of Humane Voters Blog!

"Bless The Beasts And The Children; For In This World They Have No Voice." That's the first line from a Carpenter's song made popular in the seventies. The good news is this. Ohio is now giving a "voice" to the animals of the world and it's being done through this Web Cite and the actions of the newest chapter of the League of Humane Voters. Welcome to our blog!!

We have a lot of work to do. Ohio's reputation in the animal-friendly community is not so good. We have a Legislature and a Governor who are playing catch-up with other states that have long ago become animal-friendly. Whether it's the challenge of outlawing puppy mills, or restricting the tethering of dogs in a backyard, or arguing that Ohio should ban the ownership and possession of exotic animals, LOHV Ohio is ready to go to work.

LOVH Ohio can only do so much. It is our mission to alert you---the reader---to things that are happening in the Buckeye State. It takes more. We all must join hands and take action. We have to be ready as voters to use the most powerful tool that we possess to influence the legislative direction of Ohio's government: our voices and our votes.

Next year is an important election year in Ohio. The Governor and other state office-holders are up for election. One third of the State Senate will also be up. As will all members of the House of Representatives. In other words, "we've got them where we want them." Next year, at least, they will need us and our votes as much as we will need them. So, now is the time to get involved in LOHV Ohio. Report animal abuse and neglect. Become a part of LOVH Ohio. And, let your local politicians know that you are a voter and his or her record on animal issues will make a difference in how you cast that vote on election day.

Thanks to all who came together and helped plan and implement the Ohio chapter of LOHV Ohio. A special "shout-out" to Lane Ferrante and her tenacity in forming and organizing this group. Join us and make a difference for those innocent creatures in the world who, at least until now, have had "no voice."

Paul R. Leonard

LOHV Ohio

(Paul Leonard is a former elected official in Ohio government; he teaches political science at the University of Dayton and teaches Animal Law at Wright State University. He is an animal rights attorney and is the immediate past Chair of the Animal Legal Defense Fund Board of Directors. The ALDF is based in northern California.)