More Than 150 Starving Dogs Seized From Alaska Breeder: please send message

Please click on and sign Justice for More Than 150 Huskies Neglected in Alaska

From Change
By Stephanie Feldstein

BACKGROUND

Last weekend, animal control in the rural Alaska community of Matanuska-Susitna Borough (a.k.a. Mat-Su), received a tip that 75 dogs had died at the remote cabin of a husky/malamute breeder. Animal control was already familiar with Frank Rich — in 2007, his kennel was cited for unsanitary conditions.

Authorities seized 157 emaciated huskies. There were no food or water bowls in sight. Many of the dogs had already eaten as much of the fresh snow as they could reach. One dog already had to be euthanized due to being in such poor condition. Another 22 dead dogs were found on the property.

Veterinarian Katrina Zwolinski told the Anchorage Daily News that the dogs were all in horrible condition. “All of the dogs have long hair, and you can still see the hip bones. Their spines. Their ribs.”

Rich had quit his job in October and said it was a struggle to keep the dogs fed. But he admitted that he had not asked for help. Instead, he continued to breed the dogs.

Trooper Shayne Calt told the Daily News, “Rich stated that he prioritizes the food by giving it to the puppies first, because he sells the puppies.”

Unfortunately, animal control is all too familiar with neglected dogs in the rural community of Mat-Su, though this is the largest case of animal cruelty that anyone can remember.

And it is animal cruelty. Unemployment is no excuse for letting dogs suffer and die. If you can’t afford to feed your animals, you ask for help, you don’t just stand by while they starve to death.

The Mat-Su Animal Shelter was already near capacity before the rescue, and the influx of malnourished dogs have the staff and volunteers scrambling for help. They’re worried about not only keeping the dogs comfortable, but shortages of supplies like medication and, as the court case drags on, running out of food.


Do you still find it outrageous? | Why we love dogs, eat pigs, and wear cows

Vodpod videos no longer available. Vodpod videos no longer available.


But the community has stepped up. A special fund was created by Linda Henning, publisher of Alaska Dog News, and, by Wednesday, $6,000 had already been donated. Area businesses and organizations are helping collect donations of food and supplies.

Rich is facing 50 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. That’s already 129 charges too few — he should be held accountable for every dog found, dead or alive, on his property. But at the very least, he should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for the 50 counts on the table. Ask the borough attorney to show that Mat-Su will not condone animal cruelty and neglect.

MESSAGE TEXT

On January 10th, 157 dogs were seized from the home of Frank Rich in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The dogs were all emaciated, and one has already had to be euthanized due to its condition. Another 22 dogs were found dead on the property. There were no food and water bowls in sight, and many of the dogs had already eaten as much of the fresh snow as they could reach.

Neglect is animal cruelty. Even though Mr. Rich knew he couldn’t care for them, he didn’t ask for help and continued to breed more dogs. This is not the first time Mr. Rich has neglected his dogs. In 2007, his kennel was cited for unsanitary conditions.

Too many dogs have already suffered. Please prosecute Frank Rich to the full extent of the law and show that Mat-Su Borough will not condone animal cruelty and neglect.

Thank you.

Additional sample messages:

• Prosecution Samples

Want to save dozens of animals this year?  Go Vegan.  For all animals.  See more …

• Free Vegan Guides
• Compassion
• Animal Wrongs
• What Can I Do?

you who see fit to use dogs to breed
have you ever heard of the concept
of “feed”
have you ever entertained the thought
that your overbreeding makes dogs
overwrought
do you have a conscience with which
you wrestle
or is your heart an empty vessel?

Karen Lyons Kalmenson