XXXtremely URGENT! Distemper outbreak @ Melbourne, FL. Shelter

This recent distemper finding is further proof of what people have been saying about BASE all along. This outbreak is just a piece of what is really going on in county shelters. These animals live in such deplorable and horrific conditions it makes my skin crawl and my stomach nauseated. Conditions at this shelter isn't that far from how the millers treat their animals and if you've ever done a raid on a miller you know exactly what I'm saying. Our Brevard County Commissioners are directly responsible for the shelters and what have they done? Not a damn thing, except turn a deaf ear and closed their eyes. Now they are trying to pass this problem off to 'privatize' it.

BASE will probably just choose to kill all the dogs, but there are options. There was a recent outbreak in Pasco Co and they asked E.A.R.S. to help them.

http://ga4.org/uan/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=30715250

Dogs have been showing signs of severe illness at the Melbourne shelter for months not just weeks. Why is this just now being officially released? Why didn't they call in the vet/researcher from University of Florida earlier? Why did they wait so long to give treatment to some animals, allowing them to suffer and die a slow and excruciating death? Distemper is an extremely painful disease, which I wouldn't wish on any living being. We need to hold the county accountable for this. The commissioners have been told time and time again that the conditions at both animal shelters are horrific, deplorable and inhumane. They know that certain members of management have failed to follow procedures repeatedly, yet these people continue to be employed. I understand that animal shelters are not a fun place, but the animals should at LEAST be treated humanely. Being neglected and abused is not HUMANE! This is considered cruelty.

I hope the media wakes up and starts to listen to the citizens and what they have to say about what is going on at our shelters here in Brevard, especially in the back 'stray hold' areas and E room. Adoption floors may look nice, but beware the back areas are inhumanely disgusting. This shelter has no heat or A/C systems, no blankets....except when staff is instructed to put on a show for an inspection. Dirty cages and kennels are NOT disinfected properly, Sick animals are not being treated unless they have been forced by an outside source, etc......... If an animal is sick, treat it! Don't let it sit there suffering for hours or days on end, as it dies a painful death. Follow policy procedures and disinfect kennels properly. Don't take out an animal for euthanasia and then put a new animal in that same kennel without following procedure. I truly wish people could see what is really happening at this Brevard County Melbourne Shelter as I have seen it. I had hoped with the new Brevard County Commissioners in office things would change for the better for the animals sake.....but I see them allowing the same inhumane behavior by base and staff. Shame on each and everyone of you for allowing this to happen. I have no right to judge you but someone much higher will. Our animals are suffering due to your negligence and uncaring attitudes. You can close your eyes and pretend it's not happening but I can't. I will fight you all and I will be their voice until we are heard.......Our animals have rights and I will write to everyone who will listen and if the residence of Brevard County care to join me, feel free to write the commissioners, your state reps, congressmen and governor. Become a voice for the Voiceless and help bring about change. Your participation is greatly needed and appreciated.

Brevard County Commissioners
http://www.brevardcounty.us/commission/

Florida House of Reps
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/contentViewer.aspx?category=WebSite&file=contact%20us.htm

Florida Congressmen
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/newseek.cgi?site=ctc&state=fl

Governors' Office
http://www.flgov.com/contact_governor

Report Animal Abuse, Cruelty, and Neglect
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty.html

Brevard Voices for the Voiceless

History made in Brevard County

On Thursday, Dec 4th, there was a significant and history-making victory for the
animals of Brevard County and all of Florida. Christine Dawn Abrams was found
guilty of 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty by Brevard County Judge Kelly
McKibben. Abrams was sentenced to a surprising 8 months in jail, 12 months of
probation, community service, $5,000 in fines (the max allowed by law), and
ordered to pay all court costs. Her sentencing was very close to what
Prosecutor Michael Raska requested. While this sentence is not 'the max' sentence, it is a big step in the right direction, not just for the county, but the entire State of Florida. Neglect is not typically taken seriously by Prosecutors and Judges, even though the suffering of a neglected animal is often severe. Typical sentences for cases of neglect in the State of Florida include only probation and maybe a little community service. The sentencing issued by Judge McKibben on the 4th was very comprehensive, and will set a precedent for future cases of neglect.

**You can watch the sentencing online at

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812050327

Look to the right side of the page and scroll down to click on the video. It is the
video of the entire sentencing.

Thank you to everyone that came out on the 4th. We managed to fill the entire courtroom, making each person's presence very important. I especially want to thank everyone that stayed so calm and respectful of the Judge. I know it was very difficult. Further, thank you to those that helped remind others to stay calm. It's important to help each other out when emotions run high so that the media attention stays focused on the case, not 'protesters.

'*Here are other news links to the sentencing:

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881203007

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-dog-in-crate-sentence-12-04-08,0,3912559.story

http://www.wftv.com/news/18203006/detail.html#-


NOTE: The fight is not over yet! Abrams has not been remanded to the custody of the Dept of Corrections yet. Defense Attorney Andrew Stine wants a chance to ask the Judge to let Abrams stay out of jail while he appeals the 'motion to suppress the evidence.' The Prosecutor, on the other hand, wants Abrams locked up immediately. On December 16th, both sides will get to present their arguments
to Judge McKibben. It is my understanding that Abrams will either be arrested
that day, or, if the Judge rules in Stine's favor, Abrams will be out on a
bond until the appeals process is over. We'll be out there waving signs no
later than 10am on December 16th, then we will go into the courtroom and
listen quietly to the arguments. I apologize for not getting this email out sooner. I went out of town right after the sentencing day, and I just returned, so I sent this email as soon as I could.

If you have any questions about anything that is going on in this case, please feel free to ask!

Keep Up the Good Fight!!

www.voicesforella.org

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