News
Desert Dogs in Danger
June 12, 2009, 8:57AM MT
By Jennifer S Hayes
Canines trying to overcome abysmal past now face two ominous threats: scorching heat and possible seizure by local authorities
Canines trying to overcome abysmal past now face two ominous threats: scorching heat and possible seizure by local authorities
By Roni Raczkowski, Best Friends Network Volunteer
As the mercury climbs well into triple digits, all creatures in the Mojave Desert in California seek shelter or face the consequences. Unfortunately, there is no refuge for approximately 80 dogs at a convicted hoarder’s home.
Rescue Update
The recent conviction of two local hoarders, Cindy Bemis and Cynthia Tripani, led to the grisly discovery of over 200 dogs and 27 cats living in filth.
Rescue missions led by Last Chance for Animals (LCA) have been successful in pulling nearly 180 dogs and 25 cats, but the remaining animals are in dire need of help.
LCA volunteers Tom Brawley and Isabel Csaki have been cleaning and feeding the dogs daily at the Mojave compound. Tom repaired the back fence and Isabel hung tarps to provide shade for the dogs still left in the small runs. Mark Goff, lead investigator for LCA, put signs on the exterior of the property to inform the public to stop dumping animals there.
Ellen Lavinthal of Animal Alliance has continued to visit the property and remove the remaining cats. There are only two cats left, but Ellen needs help with the fostering and vetting of the 25 she has saved.
Deadline Approaching
The Hon. Judge Twisselman will sentence Bemis and Tripani on June 17, 2009.
"It's time now that the courts step up to the plate and permanently restrict these hoarders from ever having a single animal. Enough is enough!" declares Chris DeRose of LCA.
Rene Ruston of LCA has started a letter writing campaign encouraging District Attorney Andrea Kohler to enforce justice for the hundreds of animals that have suffered because of Bemis and Tripani.
? You can help by sending polite letters to Judge Kenneth Twisselman and/or District Attorney Andrea Kohler, urging them to press for the maximum sentence. Use this opportunity to send a message that will hopefully discourage other hoarders and prevent the unnecessary suffering of thousands of animals each year.
Andrea Kohler
County of Kern
District Attorney’s Office
1215 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 868-2340
Fax: (661) 868-2700
E-mail: dacriminal@co.kern.ca.us
Hon. Kenneth C. Twisselman II
Kern County Superior Court
1415 Truxtun Avenue
1st Floor, Courtroom 8
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 868-7204
Website: www.kern.courts.ca.gov
See some sample letters.
? If you can help with fostering, donations, boarding, vetting, food, etc, please contact any of the following individuals:
• Kim Sill, kimsill123@gmail.com
• Rene Ruston, renes@c21america.com
• Stella Lee, stellalee9@yahoo.com
• Helen Storey, helen.storey@verizon.net
• Ellen Lavinthal, ebimbomama@aol.com
With the sentencing date fast approaching, time is running out to rescue the remaining animals at the compound. Local authorities may be forced to seize the remaining dogs and cats and take them to local animal shelter.
“Please don't let these dogs die in the Mojave heat, or worse at the overcrowded Bakersfield shelter,” pleads Kim Sill with LCA.
Photos courtesy of Kim Sill, LCA
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff