Here is an open letter to the residents of Salem that we tried to get published in the Salem Newspaper. After being told by a reporter that it would most likely run, it did not. No reason has been given as yet. Dear Salemites: As you may know, Salem has recently become the focus of attention for animal lovers around the world because of the euthanization order handed down by Mayor Gary Brown in regard to a golden Labrador Retriever named Phineas. Phineas is accused of biting a 7 year-old girl that was playing in his backyard. The exhibited wound was very small and consisted of superficial lacerations and some bruising. No stitches or anything of that nature were required. Although it was initially reported that Phineas had bitten twice before, this has subsequently been proven false. Since his incarceration over one year ago, Phineas has exhibited no signs of aggression. In fact, long time Salem veterinarian Dr. J.J. Tune has repeatedly stated that the dog is good-natured, not vicious. Dr. Tune even doubts that Phineas was responsible for the girl’s wound in that Phineas has prominent canine teeth which should have left puncture wounds if he had been the biter. To date, the City has paid City Attorney Camm Seay $4,637.50 in addition to his $25,000 annual salary to defend Mayor Brown’s decision to kill the dog. The City has now also retained the Cape Girardeau law firm of Oliver, Oliver and Waltz to handle the appeal. Should the City continue to litigate this matter, it will most likely cost the City an additional $10,000 to $15,000. That’s a total cost of $20,000 or more of your tax dollars. Mayor Brown is being dishonest when he states that there is nothing he can do about the situation because “it’s in the courts.” A Missouri statute, R.S.Mo. 79.220, specifically grants Mayor Brown the power to issue pardons or reprieves. Moreover, the judge handling this matter has repeatedly encouraged the City to compromise. In that regard, an offer has been made to the City to remove Phineas from the state, however, Mayor Brown has refused to budge. Mayor Brown is also being dishonest when he justifies his inflexibility based on a supposed concern for your “safety.” Mayor Brown knows that Salem’s standard procedure for a one-time bite is to return the dog to its owner. In fact, earlier this year the City returned a first-time biter to a resident even though the dog in question had left a deep puncture wound on the victim’s leg. That dog happens to belong to the home health care provider for Mayor Brown’s mother. From my many visits there, I know the people of Salem to be compassionate, honest and kind. You and your City deserve better than this. The wrongful persecution of Phineas has gone on for way too long and is draining the City of precious tax dollars. I encourage you to reach out to Mayor Brown and ask him to end this foolishness. It is time for Phineas to be set free. Joseph P. Simon Attorney for Patrick and Amber Sanders Owners of Phineas
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 22:17:42 +0000
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