AR-News: FW: I need help!

[Leigh-Anne Dennison]

I received this desperate e-mail through my website.

Despite her clear attachment to them, it sounds as if she may be willing to
forfeit some of these companion animals, if necessary, so long as she
doesn't have to give them over to a kill-shelter. Since it seems as though
this caregiver's health isn't the best and 12 animals--even if many are
small dogs and cats--living indoors sounds like too many for one person to
handle, it may be time for her to think about getting some of them into new
homes for both her and their sakes anyway.  However, I believe that she
could certainly use some legal aid to assist her in gaining time from the
local government so she may find suitable homes for them, or, alternately,
an offer from a nearby no-kill rescue willing to accept some of these
animals.

If you can offer assistance, suggestions and/or would be willing/able to
help her directly, please e-mail me and I will forward her contact
information.

Thank you,
Leigh-Anne

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 6:26 AM
To: webmaster at animaladvocacy.net
Subject: I need help!


To whoever will please help me,

    Hello.  My name is Cherie  ******* and I have a really huge problem I am
hoping you can help me with.  I have recently moved to a small town in
[Mahanoy City] Pennsylvania from Orlando, FL.  Before I came here I was told
that there was a law restricting the amount of pets a person can have and I
was well over the limit.  I have eight dogs and four cats.  I moved here to
live with my grandmother due to health problems I could no longer support
myself.  The first thing I did before I came was e-mail the city asking them
for permission to bring my pets.  I was a dog groomer for ten years in
Florida and all of my pets are either very old or have had problems with
abusive homes.  My e-mail was ignored by the city so I had my grandmother
get a copy of the law.  I will copy it here for you verbatim...

It shall be unlawful to keep more than four dogs six months of age or older
or more than four cats six months of age or older housed out of doors on any
premises regardless of the number of owners.  It is the intention of this
section to limit the number of such pets to four, regardless of whether they
are dogs, cats, or any other animals, or combinanation thereof.  This
section shall not apply to fish or turtles kept in aquariums.  This section
shall not apply to any premises for which a kennel license has been obtained
pursuant to the Dog Law of 1965.  There shall be excepted from this section
any accidental litter of dogs or cats for a period of six months from the
date of birth.

I NEVER house any of my pets outside so I thought that I would be okay since
the law certainly says "housed out of doors".  We just recieved a letter two
days ago saying I would have to give up almost all of my pets.  These
animals are my family and I love them.  They cause no harm to anyone and are
inside all of the time except to use the bathroom.  I was a bit lapse for a
time in keeping the yard clean, but I have solved that.  I am out there
constantly cleanind up whatever needs to be cleaned.  None of these animals
are adoptable and all of the shelters around here do put them down after a
short time.  I have very little money right now as I am in the process of
filing for disability, but I am will to do anything I can to save my family.
The clock is ticking on me here as they have only given me thirty days to do
something.  If there is any way you can help me PLEASE I am begging.  I
think the fact that they are kept inside is a loophole, but I have no idea
what to do.  This town is very small and the people are old and set in there
ways in other words not the least bit flexable.  No one around here will
help me.  I seriously need some kind of power on my side.  If you can help
me or can find someone who can help me I would be forever in your debt.

Contact me (leigh-anne at animaladvocacy.net) privately if you can help this
person.
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