Thank you for stopping by

This blog is about keeping an open inquisitive mind and a willingness to take daily action toward living a more animal friendly life. From how I eat, what I buy, where I buy, what I do or don't do, beliefs I embrace, education I persue, books I choose to read... it is all a journey, one page, or minute, or step, or meal, or contribution, or conversation, at a time. I am not into extremism. I can't handle PETA or ALF. That's just not me. Although sometimes I would love to become a vigilante of sorts and secretly take the law into my own hands... Some entries may be - hopefully will be - disturbing but I will try to stay away from including graphic images.

My hope is that as my blog and networking grow, you will contribute your comments, include your own links, and keep the dialogue going.

lisa

Sunday, June 15, 2008

More info... Lornich Kennel

This was posted in a letter on a yahoo group.

"We really need letters written to the judge and prosecuting attorney to make sure she gets jail time. It is VERY important not only because of how she treated those animals but also because it sets precedence. In the future what happened here might have an affect on other similar cases.
We think with enough support, that the Judge might consider sending her to jail. Ms. Brubaker is going to claim she is sick – but no one gave those animals help when they were suffering and dying in those cages without water or medical care. Some of the animals have ear infections so bad that they'll never hear again and need surgery just to get the infection cleaned out. In our opinion, Ms. Brubaker should go to jail, it is far, far better than the conditions those animals lived in."

Judge David Viviano, Macomb County Circuit Court, 40 N. Main Street, Mt. Clemens Michigan 48043. Reference Case No. 2008-002554-FH, People vs Nichiow-Brubaker, Lorrie.

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, 1 South Main Mount Clemens, MI 48043

*Remember to be professional. Your letter will be taken more seriously.


Here is a link to a great group that has been closely linked to the case. They have more info posted.
http://www.allaboutanimalsrescue.org/kennelraid.html

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Lornich Kennel update

The summary so far is that at the June 9th arraignment, Lorri Elizabeth Nichiow-Brubaker, owner of Lornich Kennels pleaded guilty to 3 counts of animal cruelty charges.

"...entered a guilty plea to three counts of animal cruelty-second offense, two-year felonies..."

"As part of her plea, Nichiow-Brubaker agreed to surrender her kennel license to the court and cease conducting kennel business permanently. She also gave up all rights to the seized animals, freeing them up for formal adoption."

"As the plea did not involve a sentencing agreement, Nichiow-Brubaker’s penalty is up to Viviano’s discretion and could include prison and/or probation..."

“The judge accepted the plea, but he gave no indication as to what kind of sentencing will be imposed,” he said."

"[she] must pay $17,500 in restitution, $8,000 of which is due prior to her July 24 sentencing. Of that, $3,700 is money owed from a previous misdemeanor animal cruelty conviction in June 2005..."

Here is the full article which has more info
http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2008/6-04-08/HC-KENNELPLEA.asp

Please write this judge if you haven't already.


Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Case against Lornich Kennels. Please write a letter today. I will keep you updated on the results.

Lorrie Nichiow-Brubaker, the owner of Lornich Kennels in Sterling Heights MI has been officially charged with three counts of animal cruelty after police and volunteers rescued about 60 dogs, 7 cats and one horse from her kennel back in April.

Investigators and rescue workers said:
  • many of the dogs were matted with feces, infected and some had ruptured anal glands
  • most of the animals were malnourished and dehydrated
  • numerous times over the years investigator said they found unclean cages, some animals without drinking water and animals shivering
  • animals were stuffed in small cages, some were injured and most of them lived in deplorable conditions

Court documents showed hundreds of complaints and lawsuits were filed over the years against Nichiow-Brubaker.
Nichiow-Brubaker was investigated in 2004
Nichiow-Brubaker was convicted of animal cruelty and her license was suspended in 2005
Both the Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau said they received dozens of complaints over the years

When Local 4 first aired the story in April, Nichiow-Brubaker refused to go on camera. She denied any accusations of cruelty and neglect. If convicted, she could spend two years in jail.

Professionally written letters on the subject of sentence may be mailed to:

Judge David Viviano
Macomb County Circuit Court
40 N. Main Street
Mt. Clemens Michigan 48043.
Reference Case No. 2008-002554- FH, People vs Nichiow-Brubaker, Lorrie.

Speak up on behalf of the voiceless and make certain that this puppy miller will never again profit from the suffering of dogs and cats.

P.S. I tried to link to the Detroit News who I quoted here but haven't been able to get it to work. I will try and work it out for I feel it is very important to quote sources whenever able.

Letter writing campaigns to the judges and prosecutors. First things first...

Together we can create a strong voice that tells our law officials who are trying cases of animal abuse that these laws need to be created, strengthened, and enforced. I am going down to the stationary store to stock up on stamps, paper, and envelopes. I figure that is the hardest part. If I have these on hand then as cases come up, picking up a pen and drafting a quick letter and getting it off in the mail will be easy.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

My intro

For a long time I have carried with me a rather gnawing sense of responsibility to contribute to the plight of animal cruelty and abuse. I know the route of PETA or ALF isn't for me. I can"t even look at their websites or literature or I get nightmares for days, although I am sure that is their intention. I did home visits for a rescue group once to determine eligibility of potential new homes for rescued animals and that does take quite a bit of time. I already have 4 dogs running around in a rented space so fostering is out of the question right now. Time and money are very important. I am not a philanthropist or a trust fund baby; I have a demanding career and balance is very important to me. I need to take good care of my family - Tess and our 4 dogs and 1 cat live with my in-laws and help take care of them and the house. I want to contribute in a way that feels effective and meaningful. I am very drawn toward tackling animal abuse from the angle of legislation. This blog reflects my involvement and how you can help along with me; how a busy person can incorporate a few meaningful activities into their life that really helps to make an impact. If your reading this I hope you check back regularly, not only to see my journey unfold but to contribute to the momentum and participate.

With love and kindness,
Lisa Marie