Dog shot with arrow dies,
man charged with animal abuse
The dog found wandering on a city street in Council Bluffs, Iowa, after being shot with an arrow has died. The Labrador retreiver mix was shot in the rectal area with an arrow, which entered at an angle and emerged from a back leg. The dog suffered a seizure as Steven Underwood of Council Bluffs went to the Stohbehm Veterinary Clinic to visit his companion after being informed of the incident. After surgery at the clinic, the dog was able to walk, but clinic staff members said an infection likely caused the seizure. Animal Control Officer Galen Barrett said an officer followed a trail of blood near where the dog was discovered that led to Dandi S. Haven's home in Council Bluffs. Haven was charged Friday with animal abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor. He faces up to two years in prison and $2,000 in fines and is scheduled to appear in Pottawattamie County District Court on June 26.

Please write to:
Chief Judge, Charles L. Smith, III: District 4
227 S. 6th St.
PO Box 476
Council Bluffs, IA 51502
or call (712)328-5604

Ask for the maximum penalty allowed by law for Haven's atrocities. Remind Chief Judge Smith of the relationship between violence against animals and violence against humans (more information here). You may send letters to all the judges of District 4 at the above address. Be aggressive, but, as usual, please be polite.

If we don't do it, who will?
According to former Congressperson Billy Evan (D-Ga.), "Legislators estimate that 10 letters from constituents represent the concerns of 10,000 citizens. Anybody who will take the time to write is voicing the fears and desires of thousands more." For a guide to writing letters (to the Editor, to your congressional representative, to your local restaurant...), click here. Don't forget, letters require a 37 cent stamp starting June 30, 2002.