taken from another msgboard:
Justice for Mooie the puppy...she suffered so....
The most important thing you can do this week is to send an e-mail for her
If you read our website frequently, then you know that we never show you graphic photos. But this time, we must. You must be MADE to be as incensed as we are to propel you to ACT to seek justice for this little girl.
The Federal Way Police Department (Washington State), in whose jurisdiction this case fell under, first passed off the case to King County Animal Control. KCAC cremated the body, basically destroying all the evidence.
Our humane investigators have been on the scene for two days, trying to resurrect this case. When they found stained clothing and rags, allegedly left behind by the potential perpetrator of the crime, in his personal garbage can, our investigators called KCAC to retrieve the evidence (which they did). We next asked why no search warrant had been issued for the potential perpetrator's home or yard? We were told that there was not "probable cause".
We disagree. Although we cannot go into detail to assure that we are not causing damage to a criminal case suffice it to say, there is enough "probably cause" to conduct a search. In fact, it was widely reported in the news that Federal Way Lt. Terry Hock said the officers found a substance in the backyard of the owners house that could have caused the burns on the dog but they didn't know what it was.
Today, we contacted the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to ask for their help. They have always been extremely responsive to animal cruelty issues and in fact testify on behalf of animal cruelty bills before the legislature assuring a successful conclusion.
Dan Satterberg, Chief of Staff of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office contacted the Federal Way Chief of Police today. Following their phone call, our Humane Investigator met with Federal Way Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick who insisted that they originally had a "seasoned" homicide detective speak with the alleged person of interest inside his home and "because he let them in" they presumed that all evidence was destroyed if indeed there was evidence to begin with." We're appalled. How can a law enforcement entity "assume" there is no evidence?
The Chief of Police has told the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office that they've passed this case to KCAC and it's up to THEM to get the search warrant.
WHEN WILL PASSING THE BUCK END?
It's imperative that police, KCAC, or WHICHEVER ENTITY TAKES REPONSIBILITY FOR THIS CASE see what's in the cupboards, under the bed, in the drain, in the backyard of this house. This is not only a Felony animal cruelty case but it's also a potential felony drug case, as well.
Enough screw-ups
First KCAC cremated the body. (KCAC told Dr. Ingstrom, the vet who examined and euthanized Mooie, that they would perform a necropsy on her. They never did. Dr. Ingrstrom is furious. And so are we.)
Now, the Federal Way P.D. is "assuming" there is no evidence because someone let them inside for an interview? Only moments ago our Humane Investigator was told that "even if they found evidence of this chemical it wouldn't prove anything".
THIS is diligent police work?
Their response to Pasado's
When we ask the tough questions of the Federal Way P.D., their response to us is that "we're taking on an adversarial position". We never assume such a position until people aren't doing their job.
What you need to do NOW:
E-mail all of the local media and ask them investigate this case. If you have a connection with "60 Minutes" or "Dateline", please forward this webpage (and the photos).
Media only: Please call 425-269-3621 (DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER UNLESS YOU ARE MEDIA)
Talking Points:
-Tell them your name and where you live (what city and state - we want them to know that the country, and possibly the world, is watching this case)
-Ask them to seek answers from the Federal Way Police Chief and KCAC as to why the potential suspect's backyard isn't being tested when Federal Way P.D. Lt. Hock suspected chemical stains were present?
-Ask them to find out why the P.D. or KCAC aren't conducting a warranted search inside the house, inside a shed under the carport, inside their vehicles?
-Why are they wasting time when evidence can be destroyed?
-Find out why a felony case (possibly a double felony case involving both animal cruelty and meth-amphetamine production) was referred to an animal control entity and not pursued by them?
-Ask them to find out why King County Animal Control doesn't have a protocol for handling evidence in Felony animal cruelty cases.
Send the smae e-mail to each of the following: (Despite being accused of being "adversarial" we still, as always, ask that you be polite when you write. Demand to know answers but do not use unprofessional or incendiary language. Remember, you're representing this little puppy - you are her voice.)
Federal Way Police Chief Ann Kirkpatrick
Walt Washington, Manager of King County Animal Services and Programs
Ron Simms, King County Executive (Walt Washington's boss)
Tacoma News-Tribune
matt.misterek@thenewstribune.com newstips@thenewstribune.com rob.carson@thenewstribune.com Rob.Tucker@mail.tribnet.com
The Seattle Times
dboardman@seattletimes.com (managing news editor)
jsullivan@seattletimes.com sgreen@seattletimes.com ltakiuno@seattletimes.com fruley@seattletimes.com
The King County Journal Newspapers
mike.archbold@kingcountyjournal.com chris.winters@kingcountyjournal.com jamie.swift@kingcountyjournal.com
The Federal Way Mirror
Rita Morgan (Pasado's National Coordinator who is monitoring all communications on this tragic issue)
And if you haven't done what we've asked below, please do ASAP! THANK YOU!
When Animal Control, those charged with protecting defenseless animals, deliberately destroy vital evidence related to the most egregious act of animal cruelty possible, we have to ask ourselves �Who is watching the watchers?�
The following questions need to be asked, and answered: (Talking Points)
� Why would King County Animal Services cremate the remains of a puppy tortured to death with acid? Surely they know full-well that information gleaned from necropsy and toxicology reports are the corner-stone of any prosecutor�s case against a perpetrator?
� Why shouldn�t we expect a professional and appropriate protocol for handling physical evidence in animal cruelty cases? Would authorities discard such evidence in a human-related case?
�When a Vet Clinic regrets ever having turned over an animal's body to the "proper authorities", is it time to question the authorities' ability to do its job?
�Do we want the person capable of such a hideous act of cruelty freely roaming the streets of our cities and towns among our pets and children?
In our experience, this is not the first time that King County Animal Services has undermined an animal cruelty case by bungling the handling of evidence. We have witnessed their inaction in the other animal cruelty and animal neglect cases and we think, with your help, it�s time to bring attention to this problem. Let�s make this the last time King County Animal Services are allowed to shirk their duty.
Using the talking points above, please file a complaint, using polite language, against King County Animal Services by contacting Walt Washington, Manager of King County Animal Services and Programs at
walt.washington@metrokc.gov.
Then write to their boss Ron Simms, King County Executive, at
exec.sims@metrokc.gov and the King County Council at
http://www.metrokc.gov/comments/council_comment.cfm asking that they insist the King County Animal Services vigorously investigate animal cruelty cases and take the appropriate and necessary measures to secure evidence related to animal cruelty cases.
Ron Simms has been a true friend to the animals in the past. He was a strong advocate for Ordinance 123, one of the most progressive spay and neuter programs in the country, and we�re sure that he�ll want to know your concerns on this matter.
Let�s do this for a little puppy named Mooie, and for all the poor creatures that depend on us to do the right thing.
(cont. below)