Hon. Richard Consiglio, Esq., Blair County Office of the District Attorney: 814-693-3010
Blair County Courthouse, Suite 421 · 423 Allegheny Street · Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
email: blairda@keyconn.net
Freedom Township Police Headquarters: 814-695-8545
Officer Flag: cell: 814-201-0149
Freedom Township Police Department ··
Blair County Commissioners: 814-693-3030
423 Allegheny St., #142 ·
Blair County Chamber of Commerce
Joe Hurd, Executive Director: jhurd@blairchamber.com
Judy Juda, Program Director: jjuda@blairchamber.com
Cindy Cessna, Finance Director: ccessna@blairchamber.com
ph: 814-943-8151; general email: chamber@blairchamber.com
Central Pennsylvania Humane Society
Humane Officer Paul Gotshall: 814-942-3780
1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd. * Altoona Pa 16602
ph: 814-942-5402; fax: 814-942-8505; email: cphs@altoonarail.net
COPY: Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania: postmaster@humaneinpa.org
District Attorney Consiglio, Freedom Township Police, Blair County Commission and Chamber of Commerce, CP Humane Society:
People within your community and beyond are dismayed about the arrest of Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better and a respected advocate for animal protection.
On September 11, 2006 a dog appeared dead at the end of his chain in Steve and Lori Arnold's backyard in East Freedom, Pennsylvania. Too weak to lift his head, the German Shepherd-Black Labrador mix trembled against the cold mud, unable to rise. Neighbor Kim Eicher claims the dog had been non-ambulatory since September 9, the same day she began calling the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society (CPHS).
When no humane investigators had shown up by Monday, Eicher reported the dog's worsening state to Grimes. A second concerned citizen also called Grimes, who joined Eicher to observe the dog and speak to his caretakers. But the Arnolds were not home and humane officials were still unavailable.
Grimes made a responsible decision to seek prompt medical aid for the dog she calls Doogie. According to the veterinarian's notes, Doogie was underweight, with sores, bald spots, and painful back spurs that left him unable to walk. X-rays revealed a mass on Doogie's back and hips. The veterinarian injected Doogie with pain medication and B vitamins to ease his suffering.
An animal doesn't deteriorate this rapidly over 72 hours. Doogie's physical state indicates ongoing neglect. Where were the Arnolds, who now cry theft and demand the return of their dog "Jake?" Why did they let their dog languish on the ground?
Yes, Tammy Grimes allegedly removed "property" from the Arnold's backyard. But that breathing property constitutes a life protected under Title 18. Crimes and Offenses; 5511.Cruelty to Animals: "(1) A person commits [a summary] an offense if he wantonly or cruelly... neglects any animals as to which he has a duty or care… or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry."
Please charge the Arnolds with cruelty to animals. If convicted, I urge you to prohibit their "ownership, possession, control or custody of animals..." The Arnolds failed to provide Doogie adequate shelter and veterinary care.
I also respectfully ask you to drop misdemeanor charges filed against Tammy Grimes, including theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. Please read and listen to witness testimonial from both the attending veterinarian and the Arnold's neighbor. Please view video and photos that depict animal neglect. Grimes may have encountered Doogie on September 11, but the dog's physical state reflects long-term negligence.
Thank you,
