What About Owners' Rights?

A very kind person from the south shore area has sent a letter to the Chronicle-Herald and was nice enough to forward it to me. Given the Herald's recent tendencies, I am not expecting it to be published, so I posted it with the other letters on supportbrindi.blogspot.com.

She writes,

"First of all, it is now very interesting that people such as Bob Ottenbrite are now on record as saying that Brindi is a good dog...

"What I don't understand is why all these animal advocates are not also advocating for the owner's rights here.  Under the law, Ms. Rogier is entitled to the same rights as others who have been charged with animal control by-law offences and that is to pay the fines and have Brindi returned to her. Others with much more serious offenses all have their dogs with them today.  Since Brindi's incarceration, Ms. Rogier has been subjected to all manner of financial and emotional torture.  Her visits with Brindi at the SPCA were initially banned, then severally curtailed with numerous written conditions attached that I'm not sure were even constitutional...

"Who authorized Mr. Ottenbrite "and others" to make arrangements for a suitable home for Brindi? As I understand it, Ms. Rogier is still Brindi's owner, an owner who has fought tooth and nail to first, save her dog from a wrongful execution, and second have her returned to her own home where she is well loved and cared for.  Who else has stood by Brindi these past two years, literally putting everything on the line for the love of this animal?  What kind of home could be more suitable than the one Ms. Rogier can provide for Brindi?"

I really appreciate this letter. I have been trying to get the same message across for so long, it's kind of a surprise to see it in somebody else's words.  This battle is difficult enough. I thought proving that Brindi is not dangerous (too dangerous to live...) was the issue. Being held to a different (unwritten) standard than all other dog owners in Halifax is a bit much. Since I am going to be fined, as the by-law requires, I just don't see why the issue of ownership is being forced into court in a case that does not involve major injuries to anybody. 

I get suggestions from people all over - "Show that photo from the SPCA to the judge!" Done; also sent to the media and the council and the mayor. "Send that list of other dog owners' offenses and penalties to the council and to the court!" Done, in the first; the judge declined it in the trial, but I can show it in the sentencing hearing.

In fact, to make it easier for everybody, I should probably post a list of all the things I have done and others have done on my behalf: letters to the Dog Whisperer, Ellen, Oprah, and various other animal-loving celebrities; contacts to the Animal Legal Defense Fund; calls to lawyers by the dozen; letters to every level of government; some even wrote the prime minister (which took me aback, frankly). 

A Year-Old Appeal to HRM From Qualified Trainer Ready to Help: "I support her return"

NOTE: This letter was sent to the lawyer for HRM who was then prosecuting the case. He was replaced by outside counsel Geoff Newton a few months later. 

Mr. Efthymiadis was not granted access to assess Brindi on Feb. 27, although permission was granted and all parties were notified the day before of his schedule and the 10 am appointment.

Mr. Joshua J. Judah, Municipal Solicitor

HRM Legal Services

P. O. Box 1749

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 3A5

April 16, 2009

Dear Mr. Judah:

            Today I am writing with a plea for restoration for a dog named Brindi. My name is Ted Efthymiadis, I am a professional dog trainer located in Halifax Nova Scotia. I studied professional obedience & behavior with Tarheel K9 (www.tarheelcanine.com),

 which is located in Sanford North Carolina. Tarheel K9 specializes in teaching dog trainers the skills to train dog obedience, dog behavior, drug detection, search and rescue, dog behavior modification, police protection among others. My dog training days go back four years, I starting specializing in dog obedience. My love for dogs soon evolved to training protection, behavior modification and drug detection. I now specialize in training with dominant and aggressive dogs. The (CAPPDT), Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers has certified me as a professional in good standing.

            Many months ago, I heard of Brindi's case in the newspaper. In all honestly, I was shocked that this dog had not been release within a month of being detained. From what I have heard and read of Brindi, I am absolutely confident this dog is able to be rehabilitated within 3 months or less, ultimately I believe this dog is capable of being a good member in her community. I have personally worked with dogs much more aggressive than Brindi, with great success. My business generally caters to larger aggressive dogs like Boxers, Cane Corsos, German Shepherds and Pit Bull's. On a scale of 1/10, Brindi's case at most would be a 5/10.

            I have had personal contact with Brindi's owner at length and I am confident in her willingness to change the way she handles her dog. She seems very interested in learning how to properly deal with her dog and trusts my professional opinion in dealing with dogs of all shapes and sizes. Because I believe so dearly that this dog should not be held any longer, I support her return to her owner, and am willing to offer, and monitor to the fullest extent of my ability, a full rehabilitation program for this dog and owner free of charge.

Best Regards,

Ted Efthymiadis

Quality K9, Halifax

902-489-4269