The people who live on Cemetery Hill have a monster in residence.
I spent a few months this winter living on Cemetery Hill and, while there, my dog Tank was shot by a pellet rifle. He bled lots and almost died. If not for the efforts of Tracy Mikowski at the Haines Animal Rescue Kennel, coming to my room and putting in an intravenous drip, Tank would not be alive today. He is badly damaged and probably will not survive this coming winter.
Another dog, Blade, also was shot and bled but thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe, who labored through the night, he’s alright. I witnessed this second attack so I know what felled these two dogs. I know rifles. My husband taught me. Only one house had line-of-sight to make the shot.
What if your child walks out of your house in a black or brown coat and this man is tired, angry or on alcohol or drugs? The possibilities are horrifying.
I believe that any cruelty toward animals should be met by this community more rigorously.
I propose a measure on the ballot making cruelty toward domestic animals (our family members) punishable even if that animal is running free. The law needs to reflect the humanity the people of this community feel toward their beloved dogs and cats.
Just remember those two, innocent dogs shot by arrows, suffering and dying.
Let’s let our local laws reflect God’s law and move as a community with compassion and decency to defend our four-legged brothers.
Anney Shuder