6: With Labradors and Justice for All

CHAPTER 10 HAS BEEN ADDED WEDNESDAY, JULY 11TH . . .

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Home/Welcome Page

LABS & LIES - Chapter 1: A Shot in the Dark

LABS & LIES - Chapter 2: It Doesn't take a Rocket Scientist

LABS & LIES - Chapter 3: And Then There Were Six

LABS & LIES - Chapter 4: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

LABS & LIES - Chapter 5: Rattling Cages & Furious Rages

LABS & LIES - Chapter 6: With Labradors and Justice for All

LABS & LIES - Chapter 7: Black Friday

LABS & LIES - Chapter 8: Puppygate (UPDATED 5/27/07)

LABS & LIES - Chapter 9: GUILTY! (UPDATED 6/22/2007)

LABS & LIES - Chapter 10: Justice . . . Crawford County Style (added 7/11/07)

e-mail the author of this site

THURSDAY, APRIL 12th, 2007, continued

In Robert Bennett's office, I show him two pictures of Thor, and explain how he was 'discovered' in neighboring Crawford County. He looks at the picture for a moment, and hands it back. He says that the case "doesn't concern me . . . you need to see John Huss." (Crawford County Prosecutor) I hand him the picture of the six starved labs, and explain they were discovered in *his* county. He takes the picture, gives the dogs a cursory glance, and again tells me that the dogs don't concern him, that I need to see John Huss, and he says he has nothing further to say. Again, I reiterate that the dogs were discovered in Roscommon County . . . the county of his jurisdiction. Again, he tells me that he won't have anything to do with 'those six dogs' and he'll have nothing further to say and will make no more comments as he shows me the door. The entire exchange is over in less than sixty seconds.

I am presenting evidence of a crime to the Roscommon County Assistant Prosecutor . . . and he basically tosses me from his office.

I am completely and totally flabbergasted. I had prepared a 5 page summary to give to him for review, stating facts and evidence . . . and he will not even see it.

I leave his office shaking my head. Does Bennett think this is going to go away? Does he think I'm going to go away?

Sorry. He's mistaken me for someone who cares.

This website shouldn't exist. Private citizens shouldn't have to do the work that authorities are paid to do. However, after seeing the horrific conditions of seven starved labradors, and realizing that the offender was probably going to get nothing more than the proverbial 'slap on the wrist', I have decided to act. This site exists because of the inaction of certain officials and individuals who did *nothing*, or, in some cases, tried to cover up their 'inaction'.

This site, however, is only the BEGINNING. Because justice has not been served in Roscommon County, this matter and the evidence I have gathered is now being taken directly to both the Michigan Department of Agriculture and to the State Attorney General.

For weeks on end, seven labradors suffered extreme cruelty; cruelty that's difficult to even imagine. Think about it: the pawing, the crying out, the whining and barking . . . but their pleas for help went unheeded. They were denied proper care by the very same person responsible for their well-being. And when they were removed from their situation, they were quickly spirited away . . . and only ONE charge of 'animal abandonment' has been brought against the owner in a neighboring county. Further, the same individual facing charges has been reissued a kennel license! How is it that Mr. MacKillop is furthering the objectives of MAACO, the organization he is vice president of?

YES! YOU CAN HELP US DO SOMETHING . . . AND IT DOESN'T REQUIRE A DONATION!

First, you can help by forwarding the link to this site to as many people as you can. We need everyone aware of what has transpired.

Second, you can write a letter to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox. Request:

The immediate revocation of Larry Baumgart's kennel license and the removal of ALL dogs in his possession;

Larry Baumgart to be charged with six counts of animal cruelty in Roscommon County (one for each dog from Roscommon), and that he be held liable and accountable for all costs of medical treatment and boarding all labradors while they were awaiting permanent homes;

And, under Michigan Statute MCL 750.52 regarding animal cruelty which clearly states:

request an investigation into the actions of Roscommon County Animal Control Officer Terry MacKillop, and request that charges be brought against him in accordance with the Michigan Statute above.

Click here to e-mail Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox

Or, write to:

Also write to Senator Michelle McManus: (Click here for Michelle McManus snail mail & e-mail)

While you're at it, let's not leave out Representative Joel Sheltrown:

Click here to e-mail Representative Joel Sheltrown

Or, write to:

Representative Joel Sheltrown
PO Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909

In addition, write a letter to Thomas Miller, president of the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers. Ask him if the actions of Roscommon County ACO Terry MacKillop are reflections of their organization.

Click here to e-mail Thomas Miller

Or, write to:

Thomas Miller
President, MAACO
PO Box 240
Cassopolis, MI 49031

If you are one who wishes to help financially, donations are welcome at the Animal Shelter of Crawford County. Your dollars will go to not only help dogs like Thor, but also be used for the new facility opening this June. Address your check to:

ASCC

And mail to:

Cheryl Postma, Shelter Director
Animal Shelter of Crawford County
PO Box 384
Grayling, MI 49738

And finally, a message to those responsible who think they're going to get away with this:

YOU BIT THE WRONG DOG.

Thanks to everyone who assisted in finding and rescuing the labradors; everyone who donated to help pay for Thor's medical expenses, and everyone who had a hand in saving his life. Cheryl Postma of the Animal Shelter of Crawford County, Heather Smith with Few Steps From Home animal rescue, to Lynne, Debbie, Richard, Connie, Kate, and everyone who helped care for the labs, and the families who have given some of the dogs permanent, loving homes: You are all 'Thor's Warriors', and this world is a better place because of your care and concern.

Heidi (chocolate lab), a few weeks after she was rescued. I believe this is the dog that was in the picture with Baumgart's snowmobile. Notice she is *still* quite thin: