Help Save the Animals!

Due to the "escape" of Sammy Bear and because Jim and I did not report it immediately, the DNR (John Jurcich) and Prosecutor Joseph Bader are pushing to close down the SPCA (they want all animals gone in 6 months). In addition they would like to sentence Jim and I to 2 years of probation, jail time, and never allow us to own an animal again in our lifetime. In addition, they are removing our wildlife rehabilitation license (after 11 years) and have told so many lies to TAOS (The Association of Sanctuaries) that they revoked our accreditation without even talking with us. We were 1 of 42 accredited sanctuaries in the United States and before becoming accredited we were inspected by the curator for the Detroit Zoo (Scott Carter). The DNR has claimed that the SPCA has gone down hill, the animals are not well cared for, the pens are deteriorated, that I am an animal horder and many other things. There have been many lies told my John Jurcich and I have a notebook of proof of his lies. He even told a lie in court and I had the paperwork to back that what he was saying was a lie (but that doesn't seem to matter). The DNR also said in court that after they received the call regarding Sammy Bear, that volunteers starting calling in and complaining about the SPCA - saying it should be shut down. I believe that to be a lie. Lucky for us, the judge didn't follow the recommendation of the Prosecutor and instead, ordered a pre-sentence investigation. The pre-sentence investigation generally consists of an interview with the defendant, a review of his or her criminal record, and a review of the specific facts of the crime. The probation or court services department prepares a report that contains all of this information and makes a recommendation to the court about the type and severity of the sentence. The court always makes the final decision. What I need from you and as many people as possible is letters to the judge and probation officer who will be doing the presentence investigation. I only ask that you tell the truth about your experiences with the West Michigan SPCA and with Jim and I. It would be helpful if you wrote and told them your position at the SPCA, how long you have been there, how the animals are cared for, how the SPCA has helped you and/or others that you are aware of, etc. They need to know what a disservice they will be doing this community if the SPCA is closed down. It would also be helpful if you could spread the word to as many people as possible (we only have 2 weeks!). Our presentence investigation is scheduled for Friday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. Our sentencing is scheduled for Monday, October 6, 2008 at 1:30 pm. We don't have much time! Please send an original letter and a copy so that the judge and probation officer each receive one: The Judge is the Honorable Maria Ladas Hoopes Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice 990 Terrace Muskegon, MI 49442 The Probation Officer in charge of the presentence investigation is: Rich Chambers Probation Services Office Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice 990 Terrace Street Muskegon, MI 49442 If you would also like to send a copy to the Chronicle, that address is: Muskegon Chronicle Attn: News Editor or Editorial Page Editor 981 Third Street PO Box 59 Muskegon, MI 49443 or you can e-mail the Chronicle at pholmes@muskegonchronicle.com Another idea would be to write a letter to the Chronicle's "As Readers See It" column. This could help inform the public of this outrage. In addition, if you would like to send a copy of the letters to Jim and I. The letters would be inspirational at a time like this OR if you would like to send 1 copy to me and I can copy and distribute the letters, I would be happy to. Jim and Brenda Pearson 6806 E. Evanston Ave Muskegon, MI 49442 Thank You!

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