Post by RealPitBull on Aug 6, 2009 9:21:45 GMT -5
FORWARDED MESSAGE FROM MCABSL:
Dear Members and Friends,
On Saturday, August 8th 2009, the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation will be holding a PEACEFUL protest in front of the Miami Dade Animal Services Shelter to state our opposition to the actions recently taken by Miami Dade County, Animal Services and related officials. Our goal is to PEACEFULLY express our concerns and voice our opinions as a community of responsible dog owners and advocates. This protest is being organized in light of the actions taken by Miami Dade Animal Services in the case of Blue and his owner, Omar Fernandez. They forcefully pressured Mr. Fernandez to release custody of his pet and threatened to forcefully take the dog and imprison Mr. Fernandez. An hour later, without consent and without notifying Mr. Fernandez, they killed Blue. Mr. Fernandez did not even have a chance to say goodbye to Blue, who he called his "son." They did not make him aware of his rights, as is required by the law. This is equivalent to a police officer not reading a citizen their Miranda Rights before they are taken into custody. Moreover, after they unjustly euthanized Blue, they denied Mr. Fernandez the request for his deceased body. We want to make the public aware of the unlawful procedures, decisions and tactics that Miami Dade Animal Services has been enforcing. They have intimidated owners, causing them to surrender their pets without properly advising the pet owners of their rights. They have improperly issued citations, without following county protocol and without verbal or written instructions detailing the rights of the pet owner in question. More importantly, they have confiscated, exiled and euthanized thousands of innocent family pets whose breeds have been mis-identified. Unfortunately, Mr. Fernandez is not the first person to fall victim to these practices, but we hope that this protest will shed light on the actions taking place behind the county doors. As a coalition we must stand united and DEMAND that our rights as individuals, tax-payers and pet owners are adhered to. This is just the beginning of the changes we will rally for. Mr. Fernandez will be taking legal action against Miami Dade County for their role in the unfair euthanasia of his dog. We will keep you posted on all details as things begin to unveil.
For more on the story of Blue and his owner, Omar Fernandez, please click here: www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/MI127829/
PROTEST DETAILS
Date: Saturday, August 8th 2009
Time: 10:30AM - 2:00PM
Location: Miami Dade Animal Services Shelter
Address: 7401 NW 74th St - Miami, FL 33166
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jade Soto at (786)352-3710 or Jesus Rivero at (786)412-0684.
Please note: This is a peaceful protest and we ask all participants and members to remain calm, and collected during our protest session. It is important that we show the public that this breed is represented by a group of professional, law-abiding citizens. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Remember that the weather may be warm, so please bring refreshments and any other items you may need to remain comfortable during our time outdoors. Please wear your MCABSL T-Shirts or any other breed related gear you may have.
We hope to see everyone there in support of the bond that unites us all - the animals we love.
Our hearts, prayers and support go out to Omar Fernandez and his family during these difficult times. We are suffering with you, but change is not far.
The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation
Dear Members and Friends,
On Saturday, August 8th 2009, the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation will be holding a PEACEFUL protest in front of the Miami Dade Animal Services Shelter to state our opposition to the actions recently taken by Miami Dade County, Animal Services and related officials. Our goal is to PEACEFULLY express our concerns and voice our opinions as a community of responsible dog owners and advocates. This protest is being organized in light of the actions taken by Miami Dade Animal Services in the case of Blue and his owner, Omar Fernandez. They forcefully pressured Mr. Fernandez to release custody of his pet and threatened to forcefully take the dog and imprison Mr. Fernandez. An hour later, without consent and without notifying Mr. Fernandez, they killed Blue. Mr. Fernandez did not even have a chance to say goodbye to Blue, who he called his "son." They did not make him aware of his rights, as is required by the law. This is equivalent to a police officer not reading a citizen their Miranda Rights before they are taken into custody. Moreover, after they unjustly euthanized Blue, they denied Mr. Fernandez the request for his deceased body. We want to make the public aware of the unlawful procedures, decisions and tactics that Miami Dade Animal Services has been enforcing. They have intimidated owners, causing them to surrender their pets without properly advising the pet owners of their rights. They have improperly issued citations, without following county protocol and without verbal or written instructions detailing the rights of the pet owner in question. More importantly, they have confiscated, exiled and euthanized thousands of innocent family pets whose breeds have been mis-identified. Unfortunately, Mr. Fernandez is not the first person to fall victim to these practices, but we hope that this protest will shed light on the actions taking place behind the county doors. As a coalition we must stand united and DEMAND that our rights as individuals, tax-payers and pet owners are adhered to. This is just the beginning of the changes we will rally for. Mr. Fernandez will be taking legal action against Miami Dade County for their role in the unfair euthanasia of his dog. We will keep you posted on all details as things begin to unveil.
For more on the story of Blue and his owner, Omar Fernandez, please click here: www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/MI127829/
PROTEST DETAILS
Date: Saturday, August 8th 2009
Time: 10:30AM - 2:00PM
Location: Miami Dade Animal Services Shelter
Address: 7401 NW 74th St - Miami, FL 33166
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jade Soto at (786)352-3710 or Jesus Rivero at (786)412-0684.
Please note: This is a peaceful protest and we ask all participants and members to remain calm, and collected during our protest session. It is important that we show the public that this breed is represented by a group of professional, law-abiding citizens. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Remember that the weather may be warm, so please bring refreshments and any other items you may need to remain comfortable during our time outdoors. Please wear your MCABSL T-Shirts or any other breed related gear you may have.
We hope to see everyone there in support of the bond that unites us all - the animals we love.
Our hearts, prayers and support go out to Omar Fernandez and his family during these difficult times. We are suffering with you, but change is not far.
The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation