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
Judge LeBarron
555 222nd Street
Euclid OH 44123
FAX (216) 289-8254
