Manassas - protest to help an abused dog and others tonight -2/9

JOIN US IN A PROTEST THIS EVENING TO HELP THIS DOG AND OTHERS!! IT IS URGENT

Where: 258 Manassas Dr.in Manassas Park, VA 20111

When: Friday, February 9th, 2007 8:30 p.m. SHARP!!

Who: All animal lovers

What: Bring posters protesting the keeping of dogs outside/chained in this weather (and all weather). Be ready to chant, march and hold signs.

HISTORY:

For months, neighbors and animal lovers have been trying to prod the owners of a 9 month old Pit Bull mix living at 258 Manassas Dr.in Manassas Park to bring the dog in, give the dog up and/or provide better shelter in these frigid temps. The dog lives on a 10 ft chain with no regular food or
water, a wooden box that he is too scared to go into and almost no human interaction. People have offered money (up to $500) to buy the dog and have offered to find a shelter or rescue group to take the dog.

The owners refuse. The owner of the dog does not even live where the dog is kept and
rarely comes by to check on him. This dog has lived outside on a chain since he was a young puppy.

The techincal "owner" of this dog does not live on the premises. His parents do. The "owner" rarely comes to check on the dog and rarely (if ever) takes him off the chain for excercise.

After months and months of calls to the local Animal Control with nothing done, the dog is now nearing death as freezing temps have started to cause frost bite, limping and uncontrollable shivering.

Since December 2006, we know that at least one dozen calls have been made to police and to Animal Control and nothing has been done. Police will visit the home and walk away, stating that their hands are tied as the owners lie to the police and then show that there is water, food and
"shelter". Sadly, it is the neighbor who usually provides the food and water. And the current shelter was greatly improved by concerned animal lovers who brought a dog house, straw for warmth, and blankets.

Yesterday (2/8/07) when a concerned neighbor called the Animal Control office to make another plea and specifically mentioned that the dog's water had been frozen for days, the person answering the phone at the Police Department (703-361-1136) stated that "frozen water is ok because
the dog could lick it".

If you read the VA code at this link under "water" you will find that this is not true and in violation of their own code. Water must be a temp where it is drinkable.

Just minutes ago, the police again went to the home and left - stating that they agreed the people should not have the animal but that, at the time of inspection, there was food and water and the shelter was adequate.

And so they could not do anything. The owner also lied about how often the dog comes inside, is walked and interacted with. The policeman stated his regret over not being able to do anything and understood why concerned people would protest, call the press and try to do something.

We are now staging a peaceful protest at the home of the owners hoping the press will bring the light the horrible conditions that animals living outside are facing in these sub-zero temperatures and the owners will cave and give the dog up.

We have spoken with both Channel 4 and Fox News and both are likely going to cover this protest - so we MUST have a good showing.

PLEASE folks, the more people we get out.....the more effective we will hopefully be. BRING
POSTERS!!!

Please come and bring signs (do not bring animals) and dress warmly.

should do time for their cruelty.

...and the cover of night. That would end this dog's suffering and neglect. The local police, the worthless animal control officers and the dog's despicable "guardians" clearly do not have this animal's best interest at heart -- all lack the moral fabric to act responsibly.

Wish I could be there to help. To those who are: Good on you! You can make a difference!

Tyson, the poor neglected Pitt is back in the yard and on the chain (right before the ice storm!!). Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is asking that people FLOOD Captain Mosher and the mayor of Manassas Park with phone calls.

Here is a news story on the protest Friday night, reporting that Tyson was in the custody of police:

http://www.manassasjm.com/servlet/Satellite?c=MGArticle&cid=1149193129638&pagename=MJM/MGArticle/WPN_BasicArticle&path=!news


We must keep calling the Mayor's Office and the police to express our dissatisfaction over this situation. The Mayor personally said he would do what was in Tyson's best interest and he has not. The law/code for "humane seizure" states that a dog can be seized by law enforcement if the dog's health and safety is in immediate danger. This may not be the case at this very minute, but it will be this evening when he is sleeping on the frozen ground. Look into hypothermia and the time, affects and results...with an ice/snow storm coming, this is our most serious threat in addition to the continued low temps.

Call the Mayor now, as he has the authority to order the dog seized:

Frank Jones: Mayor of Manassas Park:
703-856-5019
email: fjones@cityofmanassaspark.us

Later this afternoon, Call the police, and remind them that a snow storm is dangerous for a dog left outside with the minimal shelter Tyson has:


Capt Travis Mosher # is 703 361 1136
email: tdmosher@cityofmanassaspark.us

- and the Potomac News with the details and a copy of the letter to the City officials so they know you've sent it. That should prod them to take action.

It just kills me when people who don't care about dogs own them. They're probably hoping it will toughen him up so he'll attack anybody who comes near the house. I can't believe animal control won't do anything.

Of course, with a name like Tyson, I hope he doesn't bite off an ear. LOL