Results of the court date with Royal Oak: the City dropped two of the tickets. The Vicious Dog and Dog at Large charges are dismissed. This was in exchange for a guilty plea on the Unlicensed Dog ticket by the person who was jogging with Rocky that day. The City of Royal Oak’s “dog owner” definition states that any person within Royal Oak city limits who is in physical possession of a dog is, by law, the owner. Therefore, Paws for Life has been divorced from the case completely by the City. This does not affect our complaints against the Animal Control employee who destroyed Rocky without due process. Those complaints are being followed through until the end.
We received a call from the Royal Oak Deputy Police Chief who asked to meet with us. This is the first time that anyone from the City has contacted us regarding what happened to Rocky. Berkley continues to do absolutely nothing. We met with Deputy O’Donahue for over an hour on Friday, Nov. 20th at the Royal Oak police station. The conversation began with Royal Oak admitting that they did indeed receive Rocky’s proof of rabies vaccination on Monday morning, Oct. 26th, exactly as we stated from the very beginning. There was no clear explanation as to why Royal Oak insisted that they never received it, even though they repeatedly made those statements in media interviews and in their own press release. Since Gail Briggs told us that she received it Monday morning, we can only determine that she lied to the Royal Oak police when they asked her if the proof of rabies was received. The police acted on the information she gave them, which leads us to believe that she was not and is not being forthright and honest regarding this situation. Another shock during the meeting was when the Deputy told us he did not know that Rocky was microchipped. He learned of it from us during that meeting on Nov. 20th. This also tells us very clearly that Gail Briggs was not honest with them since she never shared the microchip information with the police officers. Gail has since been questioned by the police and her response is now, “I don’t remember” and “I don’t know what I said.” This is unacceptable. A civilian responsible for life and death decisions and who has the ability to wield enough power to intimidate people does not have the luxury of using the excuses “I don’t remember” and “I don’t know what I said.” She is clearly unable to perform her duties as Animal Control. Our court date to fight the tickets is next week. The outcome of that will determine our next steps.
Thank you again to all our supporters! Our bottomline is that everyone should be treated fairly and equally under the law and if a person holds a tax-paying position that they cannot truthfully, rightfully perform, they should no longer hold that position. Gail Briggs has established herself as that very person.
There is currently no boycott of Royal Oak or Berkley businesses. A boycott is an absolute last resort and would not include businesses who voice their support to city officials that the law is the law and it should be applied equally to everyone. We are allowing the Cities an opportunity to digest, discuss and respond to the information that we have provided. Should they not respond at all, then we will ask businesses to voice their support.
If public officials won’t listen to their constituents, then perhaps they will listen to their business community. Written materials will be provided to every business owner and should they choose to contact the city with a request that they look into this incident and respond, then spending money in their establishments will be encouraged. Those businesses will be promoted as Rocky Friendly Stores or Restaurants. Those businesses who turn a blind eye or support the misconduct of Animal Control will be boycotted.
As citizens, we should all be outraged that there is abuse of power taking place in our communities. What is the harm in investigating the situation to discover the truth, the facts and find justice for the mistreatment we received?
Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s Royal Oak City Commission meeting in support of Rocky! It means a lot to see a community come together and state in one voice, “we will not allow public officials to abuse their power.” It was made very clear in a civil, polite and professional manner that we will not go away. We will not stop until justice is served. And we were not the only ones there speaking up for Rocky. Other residents, not related to us in any way, came forward with their experiences as well.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the Royal Oak City Commissioners and Mayor who very patiently listened to comments on both sides of the issue. We have asked for an independent, third-party investigation into the officer, her actions and the incident. We are allowing the City of Royal Oak time to respond before we launch the city-wide boycott of Berkley and Royal Oak restaurants and stores.
Join Us Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.
Royal Oak City Council Meeting
211 S. Williams Street
Royal Oak, 48067
(In the Commission Room…Room 315)
We need everyone there to show support for Rocky and to demand an investigation into the actions of Gail Briggs. On behalf of all our pets, we must speak for them. Such egregious misconduct cannot continue. Rocky’s story is just one of many. Speak for all the dogs and their families who have been victims of Gail Briggs and her abuse of power.
Thanks
Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s Berkley City Council meeting in support of Rocky! It means a lot to see a community come together and state in one voice, ”we will not allow public officials to abuse their power.” It was made very clear in a civil, polite and professional manner that we will not go away. We will not stop until justice is served. And we were not the only ones there speaking up for Rocky. Other residents, not related to us in any way, came forward with their horrible experiences as well.
We also extend our thanks to the Berkley City Council who very patiently listened to comments on both sides of the issue. We have asked for an independent, third-party investigation into the officer, her actions and the incident. We are allowing the City of Berkley time to respond before we launch the city-wide boycott of Berkley restaurants and stores.
Now we must be heard by the Royal Oak Commissioners. Please attend Monday, November 9, 2009, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 211 S. Williams St. Commission Room (room 315). No one is above the law.
——-
Paws for Life Rescue
- Speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves
www.pfl.petfinder.org
info@pawsforliferescue.org or JusticeForRocky@pawsforliferescue.org
Join Us Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
Berkley City Council Meeting
3338 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072
(In the court room-same place where residents pay water bills and pet license)
We need everyone there to show support for Rocky and to demand an investigation into the actions of Gail Briggs. On behalf of all our pets, we must speak for them. Such egregious misconduct cannot continue. Rocky’s story is just one of many. Speak for all the dogs and their families who have been victims of Gail Briggs and her abuse of power. Thanks
Join Us Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
Berkley City Council Meeting
3338 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072
(In the court room-same place where residents pay water bills and pet license)
We need everyone there to show support for Rocky and to demand an investigation into the actions of Gail Briggs. On behalf of all our pets, we must speak for them. Such egregious misconduct cannot continue. Rocky’s story is just one of many. Speak for all the dogs and their families who have been victims of Gail Briggs and her abuse of power. Thanks
Join Us Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
Berkley City Council Meeting
3338 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072
(In the court room-same place where residents pay water bills and pet license)
We need everyone there to show support for Rocky and to demand an investigation into the actions of Gail Briggs. On behalf of all our pets, we must speak for them. Such egregious misconduct cannot continue. Rocky’s story is just one of many. Speak for all the dogs and their families who have been victims of Gail Briggs and her abuse of power. Thanks
This is the perfect way for you to show your support.
When: Monday, November 9, 2009
Time: 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Location: 211 S. Williams St. Commission Room (room 315)
