Ms. Sandra O'Connor
Baltimore County State Attorney's Office
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 511
Towson, MD 21204

Dear Ms. O'Connor:

I am writing regarding Mr. Eamon Givens, owner of Chaucy Kennels, who is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 10, 2003. It was with great sadness that I read (and viewed photographs) about this case--the death of one puppy and the poor condition of the others rescued, which I am to understand includes malnutrition, exposure and various skin disorders.

I encourage you to seek the maximum penalties allowed under the cruelty laws of Maryland as well as asking that Mr. Givens be prohibited from owning, possessing or breeding any animals again.

The living conditions these animals were subjected to shows his only interest in them was as a means for making a quick buck. His disregard for the proper care and maintenance of these animals shows a clear disrespect for Maryland laws regarding the treatment of domestic animals. We cannot begin to imagine what suffering the deceased puppy endured slowly starving--hungry, thirsty, and exposed to the elements--until in a bit of twisted mercy, nature ended his suffering with death. Now that we know of it, we would be equally ethically culpable to allow someone convicted of such heinous neglect to harbor or maintain custody any other animals.

By prosecuting Mr. Givens to the fullest extent allowed be law and forbidding him from owning animals again, not only will justice be served but also a message sent that he, and any others in our society who treat their animals likewise, must hear and learn. That message is that our society and the law which governs it does not condone and will not tolerate such blatant mistreatment and neglect of the domestic animals entrusted to our care.

I thank you for taking a moment of your time to read and consider my letter.

Sincerely,

Leigh-Anne Dennison

Relevant Link: PETA Alert