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Dog advocate found guilty
But Tammy Grimes won’t face jail timeBy Phil Ray, pray@altoonamirror.com
POSTED: December 15, 2007
Article Photos
As she emerged from the packed courtroom, Grimes, leader of Dogs Deserve Better, was surrounded by supporters, many using the term “sad” to describe the outcome of the three-day trial.
Grimes was consoled by her mother, Lorena Estep of Flinton, as she said, “I may cry for half an hour, but they can’t keep me down.”
Grimes was not surprised by the verdict, describing the last 15 months like being put on a “railroad,” but her legal charges will not deter her efforts in support of state legislation that will prohibit chaining dogs outside from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Grimes is optimistic that House Bill 1065 eventually will pass.
The end of the trial turns the page in a crusade that has attracted supporters nationwide and enabled her to expand her organization to include 150 representatives in the United States, Canada and France.
The theft case, Grimes said, polarized people. Many supporters rallied around her after her arrest Sept. 11, 2006.
The other side of the story is that a lot of people also used the case “to try to take you down,” Grimes said.
Jake the dog, renamed Doogie by Grimes, was owned by Steven and Lori Arnold of East Freedom.
Grimes became involved when Kim Eicher, a neighbor of the Arnolds, complained to a representative of Dogs Deserve Better that Doogie was prone in the Arnolds’ yard for three days, unable to move and without food and water.
She took the dog to Altoona Veterinary Associates for treatment. The veterinarian there described Jake’s condition as a “two” on a scale of 1 to 10.
Grimes said she never intended to deprive the Arnolds of their dog, but she refused to return the dog to authorities. She insisted they investigate possible animal cruelty charges against the Arnolds.
Instead, Grimes was charged with theft and receiving stolen property.
“People can’t take the law into their own hands,” Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio said after the verdicts.
He has nothing against Grimes’ attempts to free dogs from chains, but “You just can’t go about it as she did.”
Consiglio said several witnesses in the case were threatened by dog-support organizations.
“If I find out who those people are, they are going to regret it,” he said.
Grimes will be sentenced Feb. 22, but Consiglio said she will not face jail time.
Sentencing guidelines recommend probation, he said.
Grimes’ attorney, Phillip O. Robertson, argued Friday that she should be found not guilty because she never intended to deprive the Arnolds of Jake, just obtain medical care for him.
The law, Consiglio said, was clear that dogs are considered personal property and there was no legal justification for taking the dog.
Mirror Staff Writer Phil Ray is at 946-7468.
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LiveSpacesMember Comments
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AnimalSupporter
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02-22-08 4:24 PM
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I am apalled by the ignorance and unprofessional acts presented by Blair County, PA judge and DA. They ignored picture and video evidence proving the Arnold's severely neglected their dog. The dog was emaciated, lying in feces and mud too weak to get up. His eyes rolled in the back of it's head on the verge of death. Not only were the Arnold's exempt from animal cruelty charges, they were labeled by the courts as 'victims'. The judge ordered Tammy Grimes to pay for the cost of the trial. Since when is a taxpaying individual (who has a right to a trial) responsible for court costs? Sounds like Blair County has their own set of rules, coupled with muscle flexing, feeble-minded judges and DA's. Blair County DA and judge should be ashamed of themselves and embarrassed for such actions. The nation now has an eye on them. Not only did they fail to uphold their sworn-in duty but they did it in a menacing manner. Disgusted, Kerri
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outragedpetowner
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01-06-08 12:13 PM
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My 14 year old (unchained dog) is fat and healthy. Why do the Arnolds get a pass on Doogie's deploarable (an inexcusable) condition becuase they claim he was aged?
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outragedpetowner
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01-06-08 12:08 PM
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OUTRAGEOUS what a mockery. What form of justice would penalize good samaritans and let the abusers off without so much as a citation? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE ??? Here is one judge who needs to look for another line of work. Is she the abusers cousin? What an embarassment to the legal system.
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forthedogs
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12-21-07 5:23 PM
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I don't recall hearing at the trial that the Arnolds will be prosecuted and have not read anywhere that they will be. (I think they still have another dog.) ; ( I'm not a legal expert but when she took the evidence (Doogie) it made it difficult to prosecute. Sad but true. My fear is that she may have hurt the anti-tethering laws from being passed in PA which my group has worked so hard on. This could push back years of hard work...
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Nurse201
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12-21-07 1:40 AM
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Forthedogs, Thank you for clearing that up. I don't live in Altoona anymore and it is hard for me to keep up on what is going on! Have you heard anything about the Arnolds being investigated? I mean I know the Vet testified that the dog was in terrible shape. Does that count for anything?
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forthedogs
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12-19-07 5:35 PM
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Nurse201~ I have been working to change the laws on tethering in the state of Pennsylvania and was present at the trial. It was testified that the animal control agent was called on this particular weekend but Ms. Eicher, in a state of panic, failed to leave her name and number. When the ACO received the information on Monday morning and went to the scene, Ms. Grimes already took Doogie. Also, no calls were made to the main number of the CPHS who would have paged the humane officer. Ms. Grimes has worked with this organization in the past and was familiar with how to contact the officer. A 911 call would have resulted in the humane officer being dispatched but again, at the trial the 911 center testified they had no record of any call being made by Ms. Eicher or Ms. Grimes. I am all for what Tammy would like to accomplish but after the trial I left feeling disappointed she handled herself so inadequately.
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Nurse201
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12-19-07 4:27 AM
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Is the court looking into the neglect of the Arnolds? I can't help but wonder what the court would suggest Grimes to do instead of taking this situation into her own hands. If I am understanding correctly, the animal control officer did nothing....Am I wrong??? Either I am missing something, or this is really messed up!
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animalvoices
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12-18-07 10:27 PM
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"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King, Jr. I'm sure Doctor King would have been proud of the spirit of Tammy Grimes. The Arnolds are the true villains. Their de****able display of vengeance is very telling about their moral value system. Tammy was penalized by the Arnolds for agape love to Jake, while the Arnolds only concern was their right to let their dog die of dehydration and starvation at the end of a chain without any humane comforts. It is sad commentary of a legal system when right becomes wrong and wrong becomes right. Thank you Tammy, for the courage of your compassionate convictions. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King Jr.
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BlueEagle
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12-18-07 9:52 AM
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I spent the week in PA at Tammy Grimes trial. I drove back to Illinois in a vicious snow storm and returned to a pile of work, some bouncy dogs who missed me very much and a family I adore. What I left back in Pennsylvania is the greatest woman I've ever known. Tammy Grimes is everything and more that DDB reps put our trust in. If you could have seen her on that witness stand you would have been so proud. I do believe it was one of her finest moments. She is strong, compassionate and solid. Tammy Grimes is the most honest person I know and I have no remorse for putting my total trust and faith in her. Now more than ever I will follow her lead to the ends of the earth for this cause.
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HPlainsD
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12-18-07 9:39 AM
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AllDogMom - Very well stated and I think we all ask ourselves the same question. I just don't know if I could live with myself if I didn't do something. I don't like the thought, that someone could walk away and know they let an innocent animal die, when they could have done something. It is not an easy choice or perhaps even the legal one, but it is the right one. I'm sure Tammy sleeps well at night knowing she did the only thing she could do in that situation.
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ALDogMom
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12-18-07 9:21 AM
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BJHFSU- Tammy initially told Kim Eicher to call the proper authorities even though Kim had been trying to do so for days. She didn't rush to the scene. Hours later, when help still had not arrived, Tammy went to the house because Kim pled with her to do something, anything, to help the dog. Tammy took the dog because she really believed he was on death's doorstep. I don't know if you've seen the photos or watched the video. He was crying. He appeared barely conscious and drastically underweight. He pawed at the air in a vain attempt to get up. She was afraid that if she left him there even if only for mintues or hours, to wait for an ACO to show up, he would have died right in front of her. I know all of this information from research so I apologize if I come across as if I was present. I was not. I can only hope if I'm ever in a similiar situation, I'd really have the guts to do what she did to save a life, despite any consequences.
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Samantha
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12-18-07 8:57 AM
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HPlainsD Thank you for the information. I for one will no longer support the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society as long as this man is employed there. I don't want my money going to pay the salary of such a slacker. This whole thing could have been avoided if he had done his JOB and protected that poor dog and prosecuted those owner's. He is a liability to the CPHS and they should get rid of him.
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HPlainsD
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12-18-07 7:12 AM
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statement of support for Tammy Grimes. Governor Rendell can be contacted at: 225 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Phone: 717-787-2500 e-mail Governor Rendell
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HPlainsD
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12-18-07 7:11 AM
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Here is a sample letter: Dear Humane Society Director, After viewing the video (***********youtube****/watch?v=YN9t1rv4pj4) and reviewing reports, I am gravely concerned about the behavior of Humane Society Police Officer Paul Gutshall (see excerpt of article below): "Dr. Noureldin Hassane, the veterinarian who examined Doogie following his removal, painted quite a different picture. Hassane testified that Doogie’s condition was so poor; it appeared as though he had been “hit” in an accident. The veterinarian rated Doogie a 2 in terms of health on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being excellent. This medical diagnosis conflicts with the testimony given by Humane Society Police Officer Paul Gutshall, who said that Doogie did not appear to be neglected." First, I request that you conduct an investigation into Officer Gutshall's background, training, and action in other assigned cases. Secondly, I strongly urge you to contact Governor Edward G. Rendell's Office and make a state
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HPlainsD
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12-18-07 7:09 AM
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Here is the website to find out more about the bill: ***********dogsdeservebetter****/PACAbills.html
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HPlainsD
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12-18-07 7:07 AM
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Samantha - In response to your questions: Pennsylvania Lawmakers Work to Protect Man's Best Friend: HB 1065 was voted out of committee, and now goes to the floor for a vote! See the committee voting record below. Please contact your house rep TODAY and ask him/her to vote YES for HB1065. Thank you! ***********legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/representatives_alpha.cfm Related articles: -- Tethered Dogs Focus of PA Bill -- Why Reasonable Anti-Tethering Legislation Works Ask the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society why they have distanced themselves from Tammy despite the obvious cruelty, despite that they failed to respond to calls for help and Officer Paul Gottschall told Tammy to take the dog to the vet: 814.942.5402
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Samantha
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12-17-07 11:38 PM
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Anyone can you tell us where to read about House Bill 1065 concerning dogs not being chainedoutdoors overnight? How can we work to get it passed? Also the articles said that Mrs Eicher reported this poor sick neglected dog to the humane officer who did nothing - can anyone clarify who that would be? I believe Officer Iorio is only city dog law enforcement so I can't imagine it being him. I get the impression it was the guy at the BC Humane Society, which if incorrect should be straightened out so their reputation is not sullied. Or was it like the State dog wardens who do rabies and licences checks periodically?How can we complain to the guy's employer if we don't know exactly which humane officer the neighbor reported the animal cruelty to? Anyone who can help with this info would be appreciated.
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happytonotliveinPA
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12-17-07 10:11 PM
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BJ, you're obviously a reasonable person and have given this some thought (unlike some others who are in support of the decision). Your insight is a relief although we can still disgree. I can't offer any suggestions for doing what she did another way. I can't think of any myself. You used the analogy of someone taking a child because they think they can provide better. She rescued the dog because it was in immiment peril and needed treatment and had an eyewitness acount that 1) the dog had been lying on the ground for 3 days without food or water and b) the local animal officials had been called to no avail. What else is there to do? I realize not everyone would help the dog, and that is a sad statement on humanity. I guess, in my mind, that part of this argument is all boiling down to those that do act and those that don't. But that still doesn't explain why the DA went after her so vigorously. That's the part that I'll never get. It's obvious to me that it was a personal issue.
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BJHSFU
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12-17-07 9:09 PM
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Happy, I appreciate your comments and understand where you are coming from. I understand looking at things from all perspectives, but have a problem with the way in which Ms. Grimes went about her business. Again, I applaud her for her efforts and wish that we had more people with the passion to look after pets who have no voice. I simply don't understand why she didn't attempt to go about this differently. Why not draw attention to this matter via this newspaper or one of our many local news agencies (WTAJ, WJAC, etc.). Maybe this was done and if I am out of line I apologize. I think that a lot can be said of Ms. Grimes courage to take this type of action, but is it anymore ethical than someone that kidnaps a child because they think they can provide better? I just don't feel that she represented herself or her organization as well as she could have in this case. Thanks
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Unreal
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12-17-07 7:53 PM
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And the Animal Control Officer/s that did little of nothing, they need to be out of a job. Shameful! These animals need the voice of those that are advocates for them, (much less get a paycheck) and that is what animal control is, their voice, now get off your lazy rears and do your job. Just disgusting! A dog that is DEHYDRATED and w/o food and water and can't stand, nails curled is not recieving sustanance, what the H is wrong with people there? Unbelievable, if they would have done their job and charged these worthless owners and taken the dog this would not have happened.
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Unreal
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12-17-07 7:51 PM
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And the Animal Control Officer/s that did nothing, they need to be out of a job. Shameful! These animals need the voice of those that are advocates for them, and that is what animal control is to be, their voice and get off your lazy rears and do your job. Just disgusting!
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Unreal
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12-17-07 7:48 PM
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I hate to use my typing skills to tell Petlover (of all names-Good Lord) to shutup. What a crack, and I think they are on some. I thought the midwest was backwards with how animals are treated, your area is absoulutely pathetic. These "owners" of the dog are your typical lazy WT selfish humans. How anyone can allow their pet to live that way 1 or 19 is horrendous. All I can say is I hope they have no kids as animal cruelty and cruelty to children is a very small step. But the way things are run in that crooked place, the kids will be dead, and then all can wring their hands and say poor kids or poor pets. My favorite quote fits well there "The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people." --MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. There's a lot of "good" people running with the evil and they sit on Boards and are lawyers and judges. Hang in there Tammi, good will out last evil!
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happytonotliveinPA
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12-17-07 2:43 PM
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BJ, most folks don't live in a vacuum. Simply stating that this is a case of someone taking something from someone is simply too simplistic of a view. Personally, I like to know the MOTIVES behind a decision. In fact, it's so important to know the MOTIVE that the DA held up a thong (which the police spent tax $ on in an attempt to show MOTIVE). So let's look at the motives of the police and DA. Don't you think that is just as important? Why is it sometimes when you speed, the officer has some discretion to give you a warning? I bet it's because sometimes, you may have a legitimate reason to be speeding, i.e., wife in labor. So, why it is this particular case, the police and DA worked SO hard to go after Tammy? You need to think about it - it's important - because it deals with the decision of the DA to selectively prosecute a woman who had the courage and stamina to take on a DA and police dept. who decided to slectively enforce Blair County's laws (no prosecution of the owners).
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ALDogMom
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12-17-07 2:13 PM
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I understand the misdemeanor convictions even though I support what Tammy did. What many people from outside Blair County, including myself, dont' understand is this: how do you prosecute someone for acting as a Good Samaritan to save a life while failing or refusing to bring animal cruetly charges against the very people who created the circumstances with led to Ms. Grimes' involvement? It is selective prosecution. Since it is now just a matter of sentencing, I would like to think this case may lead people in the region (and in other areas) to reconsider the status of a dog as being equal to that of a rotting sofa. Surely a creature which breathes and feels pain and is capable of dying of exposure deserves a heightened status in our society. And for those of you who stand strictly by the "it's my property to do with as I please position," I find you no better than the puppy mill breeders. They are objects to you and I pity you.
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BJHSFU
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12-17-07 11:35 AM
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SKO, I agree with you on your point concerning why Grimes was found guilty. It is what it is, Grimes knowingliy stole a pet from someone else. This pet on all accounts was neglected, but in know way was it Grimes' right to enter someone else's property and take something that wasn't hers. I applaud her passion for wanting to take up for these pets. It is noble and it hits home, but she went above the law plain and simple. She was found guilty of theft and receiving stole property. Nobody is telling her that it is wrong to care about animals that are abused and neglected. She just needed a reminder that there is a right way of doing things and a wrong way of doing things. Why can't we get over all of this banter about animal rights and the influence of breeder/dog kennels on the DA. Folks, look at it for what it is. Thanks
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