2 SAMPLE LETTERS IN THIS ALERT:
1.  TO: Sheriff Joe Arpaio
2.  TO: Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas

SAMPLE LETTER #1:
Sheriff Joe Arpaio
100 West Washington, Suite 1900
Phoenix, AZ 85003
ph: 602-876-1801
webmail: www.mcso.org/index.php? a=GetModule&mn=Contact_Us&p=pubcom

Dear Sheriff Arpaio,

Please accept my support for you decision to book Sergeant Thomas Lovejoy on animal cruelty charges related to the death of Bandit, the young Belgian Malinois locked inside a police cruiser from 9:00 a.m. to after 10:00 p.m. on August 11, 2007. The apparent negligence in Bandit's agonizing death from heat prostration merits arrest and prosecution for animal abuse.

I want you to know that many individuals around the world defend your efforts to hold alleged animal abusers accountable for their crimes, even when the offender is a law enforcement officer. I understand the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) and some police unions don't agree, and that you have been subjected to criticism for your actions.

Nonetheless, circumstances in this case add up to a crime. With outside temperatures at 109 degrees that day, Bandit suffered as Sgt. Lovejoy ran errands, napped, and dined out with his wife. When he finally discovered the lifeless dog in his back seat, Lovejoy contacted his commanding officer who removed the dog's body for prompt cremation. Normal procedure, I presume, is to keep the corpse as evidence in a case pending investigation. This never happened. Moreover, the Chandler Police Department failed to notify the Maricopa County Sheriff's office for three full days after Bandit died.

I was dismayed by the Chandler Police Department's decision to forego a criminal investigation and proceed with an internal inquiry only. Your call for a thorough investigation and Lovejoy's subsequent arrest are honorable actions. You did not overreact, as AACOP stated in its letter of "resolution." Conversely, you responded appropriately to the crime of animal abuse.

Thank you for making the right legal and ethical choice.

Sincerely,

SAMPLE LETTER #2:
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas
301 West Jefferson, Suite 800
Phoenix, AZ 85003
ph: 602-506-3411
webmail: www.maricopacountyattorney.org/contact.html

Dear County Attorney Thomas,

I am grateful your office is prosecuting Sergeant Thomas Lovejoy, the officer charged with animal cruelty in the death of a dog locked inside his patrol car from 9:00 a.m. to after 10:00 p.m. on August 11, 2007. The apparent negligence in the death of Bandit, a young Belgian Malinois who succumbed to agonizing heat prostration, merits prosecution for animal abuse.

I understand Sgt. Lovejoy was booked on misdemeanor charges and faces up to six months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. These penalties do not seem commensurate with Bandit's prolonged suffering and death. Still, I hope you'll hold Lovejoy accountable and seek maximum punishment under the law.

I want you to know many individuals around the world defend your efforts to prosecute animal abusers, even when the offender is a law enforcement officer. As you are aware, circumstances in this case add up to a crime. With outside temperatures at 109 degrees that day, Bandit waited as Lovejoy ran errands, napped, and dined out with his wife.

When Lovejoy finally discovered the lifeless dog in his back seat, he contacted his commanding officer who removed the dog's body for prompt cremation. Normal procedure, I presume, is to keep the corpse as evidence in a case pending investigation. This never happened. Moreover, the Chandler Police Department failed to notify the Maricopa County Sheriff's office for three full days after Bandit died.

Our justice system can never excuse blatant cruelty because victims are deemed undeserving of mercy. When society closes its heart to the suffering of others, it becomes capable of great brutality. Thank you for making the right legal and ethical decision to prosecute Sgt. Lovejoy. I look forward to your update about this case.

Sincerely,