Subject: Hastey lawsuit update furnished by
Val
I again want to thank you all who continue our fight and
struggle against the great outnumbered odds, but we do have rights secured by
the Constitution, and human dignity which prove our position to participate in
the industry and sport is proper and correct. The multi-million dollar special
interest groups have paid dearly for the laws they have desired, but a new day
is dawning and we shall again be able to exercise our liberties with pride and
dignity, not secreted and afraid.
With the support and guidance of the leaders of the TGBA I am
currently presenting the case challenging the Texas Animal Rights Laws to the
United States Supreme Court, and after much consideration and discussion by the
TGBA leadership and myself, we are working diligently to have the National
Transportation ban accompany the Texas Case as a companion case. It is costly
and much work must be done for us to succeed to deviate from the normal course
of judicial procedure, but the time we will save awaiting the 5th Circuit to act
will benefit us all greatly. The decision by the Supreme Court IS ultimate and
supreme Law-of-the-Land and the sooner we get this decision, the
better.
One note, this is more costly, and I ask everyone able to make
any donations to the TGBA, please do so at this time. Copies of
the petitions for writ of certioari to the Supreme Court will not be
available for about 60 days, but when the are filed, Wayne Mayfield will have
copies available. Again, please help the TGBA with any donations that do not put
you in a hardship. I repeatedly give my word that I intend to
succeed.
WE ALL MUST DO A LITTLE TO HELP THIS CAUSE. THIS IS FOR OUR BENEFIT. ENOUGH SMALL DONATIONS WILL EQUAL ONE LARGE ONE. SEND $5.00, $10.00, $20.00 OR WHAT YOU CAN TO: SEND CHECKS MADE OUT TO:
WE ALL MUST DO A LITTLE TO HELP THIS CAUSE. THIS IS FOR OUR BENEFIT. ENOUGH SMALL DONATIONS WILL EQUAL ONE LARGE ONE. SEND $5.00, $10.00, $20.00 OR WHAT YOU CAN TO: SEND CHECKS MADE OUT TO:
T.G.B.A/MICHAEL HASTEY
FUND
9319 HIGHWAY 86
SILVERTON. TX.
79257
Courtesy: OGBA News
Will This Bermuda Attitude Spread To All Animal Use
Eventually?
Simons: Confiscate property connected with dog
fighting
Property connected with animal fighting should be confiscated, an Opposition spokesman said last week.
Responding to the recent report on the busting of a dog fighting ring, Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons commended the Police on their success but called for a harder line when it comes to punishing such criminals.
"Dog fighting and bird/cockfighting are barbaric and despicable acts, which not only involve extreme animal abuse, but also illegal gambling, narcotics trafficking, and other illegal activity," he said in an email to The Royal Gazette.
"We have some reasonable laws in this country regarding animal protection, but what needs to happen is for dog fighting to be responded to, like any other crime. Our laws must allow for the forfeiture of property connected with animal fighting, in much the same way cars and boats and other assets might be forfeited in a narcotics case. The proceeds realised from these heinous crimes must be ploughed back into Police efforts to end dog-fighting."
Mr. Simons called on the public to help Police combat animal fighting by reporting dog fights and any suspicions that an animal is being abused in that way.
"Bermuda must do all it can to eradicate dog fighting given that it easily leads to violence against humans. Gang members get kids to come to these dog fights, and when it's all over, a gang leader might harm the losing animal," he continued.
"This sends a message to our young people which says 'we don't tolerate losers'. Our children become desensitised. When you think about it, there's not such a big step between harming a defenceless animal and harming another human being."
Mr. Simons urged Government to "do more to educate the community on the tell tail signs of animal fighting. Our enforcement agencies, the SPCA and Dog Wardens must be involved in this process," he said.
And he called for a court advocacy system for cases involving animal abuse.
"These court advocates watch court proceedings, take notes, and carefully track the outcome of these cases," he said.
"Although they're not allowed to testify on behalf of victimised animals, their very presence sends a message to politicians, judges, and prosecutors that the public is not willing to tolerate this crime. Ultimately, only law enforcement action can end dog fighting. Just as child abuse, drunk driving, and domestic violence used to be swept under the rug, dog fighting will continue until people get outraged enough to force change."
| By Ayo
Johnson |
Property connected with animal fighting should be confiscated, an Opposition spokesman said last week.
Responding to the recent report on the busting of a dog fighting ring, Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons commended the Police on their success but called for a harder line when it comes to punishing such criminals.
"Dog fighting and bird/cockfighting are barbaric and despicable acts, which not only involve extreme animal abuse, but also illegal gambling, narcotics trafficking, and other illegal activity," he said in an email to The Royal Gazette.
"We have some reasonable laws in this country regarding animal protection, but what needs to happen is for dog fighting to be responded to, like any other crime. Our laws must allow for the forfeiture of property connected with animal fighting, in much the same way cars and boats and other assets might be forfeited in a narcotics case. The proceeds realised from these heinous crimes must be ploughed back into Police efforts to end dog-fighting."
Mr. Simons called on the public to help Police combat animal fighting by reporting dog fights and any suspicions that an animal is being abused in that way.
"Bermuda must do all it can to eradicate dog fighting given that it easily leads to violence against humans. Gang members get kids to come to these dog fights, and when it's all over, a gang leader might harm the losing animal," he continued.
"This sends a message to our young people which says 'we don't tolerate losers'. Our children become desensitised. When you think about it, there's not such a big step between harming a defenceless animal and harming another human being."
Mr. Simons urged Government to "do more to educate the community on the tell tail signs of animal fighting. Our enforcement agencies, the SPCA and Dog Wardens must be involved in this process," he said.
And he called for a court advocacy system for cases involving animal abuse.
"These court advocates watch court proceedings, take notes, and carefully track the outcome of these cases," he said.
"Although they're not allowed to testify on behalf of victimised animals, their very presence sends a message to politicians, judges, and prosecutors that the public is not willing to tolerate this crime. Ultimately, only law enforcement action can end dog fighting. Just as child abuse, drunk driving, and domestic violence used to be swept under the rug, dog fighting will continue until people get outraged enough to force change."