Cody

To: Clerk of Superior Court, Wilson County Court House, Wilson , NC
29 January 2004

Superior Court Judge
Wilson County Court House
115 East Nash Street
Wilson, NC 27893

RE: The February 24, 2004 court date of Mr. William Richard Barker to be held at 9:00 a.m.

Dear Presiding Superior Court Judge,

We are writing this letter to draw your attention to the animal abuse that occurred at the hands of Mr. William Richard Baker, resident of Wilson, NC. This premeditated, negligent behavior occurred on the property of Lowes of Wilson, NC (#0726 2501 Forest Hills Road West, Wilson, NC 27893).

Mr. Baker was seen placing a Pomeranian breed of dog in the trunk of his car just before entering the aforementioned Lowes retail store. Wilson 911 dispatch was notified by the witness and police and animal control confronted Mr. Baker with the allegation that he had in fact placed a dog in his trunk. Mr. Baker admitted his guilt and condoned his behavior stating arrogantly and abusively to officials that this was . . . his damn dog and if he wanted, he would put it into a trunk again. The Pomeranian was then confiscated and placed into foster care and Mr. Baker was placed under arrest.

The reasons we seek your help are twofold. One, we wish to protect this little dog from the abuse he is sure to suffer if returned to Mr. Baker. Second, we hope to educate the Wilson, NC public on the consequences of abusing and neglecting animals. Specifically, if an individual is found to have mistreated an animal in their possession, that animal will be confiscated. Please use your appointed authority and human kindness to find Mr. William Richard Baker guilty of animal abuse in an effort to prevent this type of abuse from occurring at the hands of this man again.

A vast number of animal lovers in the U.S. are outraged at Mr. William Richard Bakers behavior and are saddened that his guilt is in question. As animal advocates, we are highly sensitive to the issues surrounding North Carolina state ordinances regarding animal abuse and the Wilson County Humane Societys obligation to educate the public on the compassionate manner in which pets should be treated.

The fact that Mr. Baker not only admitted his guilt, but also condoned this behavior, makes it obvious that the incident was not the result of measures taken to protect that animal, but a deliberate and premeditated attack on a very small, defenseless dog. The incident is a clear indicator that Mr. William Richard Baker is not capable of providing a safe home for this dog, and we are gravely concerned that lack of fervent reaction from the Wilson County Court will contribute to public ignorance regarding responsible pet ownership. Therefore, we implore you to find Mr. William Richard Baker guilty of animal abuse without the possibility of retreiving the confiscated pet.

Thank you for your swift attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Animal Welfare Advocates
CanineAllaince