Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Don't leave dogs to a cruel fate
Lewis and Ann Jeffries
The Jeffrieses live in Radford.
Re: "Judge upholds decision to return dogs," Dec. 18 news story:
In a travesty of justice, 63 dogs rescued from cruel conditions face the heartbreaking fate of being returned to puppy mill operator David Winesett of Carroll County. These dogs were seized on Nov. 13 to protect them from what state police described as "deplorable conditions."
They were raised in cages like chickens, and their purpose in life was to constantly produce puppies to make a profit for Winesett. These small dogs endured a lifetime of breeding in small chicken wire cages caked with feces.
These unfortunate dogs were turned over temporarily to the nonprofit organization Angels of Assisi, where they were treated for their physical and psychological ills.
Some had infected eyes that had to be removed. Many had infected ears, skin, teeth and gums. In fact, the organization has incurred thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses to start to restore the health of these dogs.
Also, it was apparent that the dogs had not received any human contact or love, so the Angels spent many hours socializing these unfortunates.
The cruel twist of fate is that the dogs have been ordered to be returned to their puppy-mill existence when the Carroll County General District Court dismissed the case on a technicality. (Ironically, Winesett's lawyer is Del. Terry Kilgore, who voted in favor of legislation to strengthen the standards of care at puppy mills.)
Subsequently, the county's Circuit Court of Appeals summarily dismissed the appeal. The only recourse now is if a third appeal goes to the Virginia Supreme Court.
That the dogs must return to their hell on earth is all the more cruel considering they have enjoyed the taste of freedom, restored health and love.
It is time for us to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
