Please help Local Advocate Arrested for Petting Dog

[Guest guest]

Hi folks,

 

I thought (hope) many of you would be interested in writing a letter to help

a local activist who was trying to help a neglected dog. Details and a

sample letter are below.

 

Cheers,

Tammy

 

 

 

christine

[christine]

Friday, February 20, 2004 9:12 AM

baarn

[baarn] Action Alert: Local Advocate Arrested for Petting Dog

 

 

Action Alert: Local Advocate Arrested for Petting Dog

 

On December 4, 2003, Tamar Sherman, a San Francisco Bay Area activist, was

arrested for checking on a neglected dog in San Jose. Over several months,

she investigated the dog's living conditions. She provided the dog with

water and much-needed companionship and social interaction. Sherman, a

long-time canine advocate, repeatedly observed the owners verbally abusing

the dog and confining the dog for prolonged periods of time. The dog was

fed adequately but was left alone outside night after night while the owners

were at home inside. Sherman provided the dog's owners educational

literature on humane treatment of canines. The owners did not take any

action to improve the living conditions of the dog after receiving the

literature from Sherman.

 

Sherman was arrested as she exited the property where the dog resided on the

evening of December 4. Apparently, the dog owner's car had been burglarized

recently. There were undercover police stationed across the street. Sherman

was charged with misdemeanor prowling and trespassing (Case # CC439215). She

was wrongfully accused of participating in an auto theft ring. Her case will

go to trial in early March in Santa Clara County. In California, it is very

uncommon for a first time offender to be prosecuted for misdemeanors,

usually they are plead out to lesser infractions, but the DA rejected

Sherman's plea offer. For more information on Sherman's advocacy, visit

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7386062.htm. Please send

letters to Hon. Thomas Hastings and Deputy District Attorney Lisa Rodgers:

 

Superior Court of California

Hon. Thomas Hastings

Hall of Justice

190 West Hedding Street, Dept 51

San Jose, CA 95110

Phone: 408-808-6600

 

District Attorney's Office

Deputy District Attorney Lisa Rodgers

70 West Hedding Street, West Wing

San Jose, CA 95110

Phone: 408-299-7400

 

*******

 

SAMPLE LETTER:

 

Dear Deputy DA Lisa Rodgers,

 

Please do not prosecute Tamar Sherman (Case # CC439215) for misdemeanor

trespassing and prowling as she has never committed an offense before and

she was only trying to help a dog in need. She is a person who loves dogs

and is concerned for their welfare. Please consider reducing or dropping

the charges against her.

 

Sincerely,

 

XXX