Saturday, March 13, 2010

What a JOKE!

I don't know if this was written as pure bait, but I'll take it and run with it.

Today there was an editoria in the Chronicle Herald:

Da-dum & dumber idea; and a dog’s life in HRM

BEV DAUPHINEE
Sat. Mar 13 - 4:54 AM

UNFORTUNATELY, in HRM, one story has been dragging on far too long: the sad saga of Brindi, the six-year-old dog that has spent most of the last two years living in an SPCA shelter.

This week, a judge delayed proceedings until April 16 after Brindi’s owner, Francesca Rogier, asked for time to have a behavioural assessment done on her dog before its fate and Ms. Rogier’s sentence are decided. In February, Ms. Rogier was found guilty of violating Halifax Regional Municipality’s animal control bylaw on three charges, including owning a dog that attacked another animal.

This case has been debated in the media and on online sites since Brindi was seized by HRM’s Animal Services in the summer of 2008. We have received a lot of email, most of it coming from other parts of Canada and the U.S., generated by the online interest. In the past few weeks, we have received about a dozen locally written letters and published six of them, most pleading for Brindi’s return to her owner.

In an effort to save the dog from a possible euthanasia order, several Nova Scotian animal experts are advocating to have Brindi adopted by a suitable owner who can provide the dog with a good home and proper socialization skills.

Ms. Rogier has said she would appeal any decision that would not see Brindi eventually returned to her and she has accused HRM of conducting an "unfair" and "abusive" process.

I have no doubt Ms. Rogier loves her dog, but I do not believe the municipality has some sort of vendetta against her or Brindi, as has been suggested in many emails sent to our office.

Perhaps it is time to stop fighting for a principle and for everyone to concentrate on what is best for Brindi. If there is to be a way out of this mess for everyone — the HRM, Ms. Rogier, and especially Brindi — surely it is time to try to negotiate a happy ending to this story before it is too late.

Bev Dauphinee is editor of the Opinions pages for The Chronicle Herald.

You can only GUESS the reaction that Francesca Rogier has had to this Editor's opinion. She has been VERY busy today. One thing she's done is write a letter to all the Municipal Councillors in the HRM, and since I know my own Councillor pretty well - he forwarded me the copy he received. Isn't it nice when you're tuned in like that? Here it is:

March 13, 2010

To the HRM council, the Chronicle-Herald, and the local media of Halifax:

We have learned that community writer Pat Lee of the Chronicle-Herald (March 10, "Advocates Offer Option for Brindi" ), is personally connected to the "advocates" in question. This group includes members of the SPCA, and though it is a matter before the courts, it has been relentlessly campaigning for nearly a year for this dog to be "re-homed", i.e., taken away from the person who saved her from the needle in 2008.

Pat Lee's facebook friends include the following, all of whom are associated with or belong to this "advocacy" group:

Joan Sinden, blogger
Annette-Netta Armitage
Heather Morrison
Janet Chernin, who has been prosecuted by the city for running an illegal dog care facility
Kat Horne, VP of the Nova Scotia SPCA
LeeAnne Poirier Tibbo, of the dog legislation council, who has circulated false information about Francesca Rogier
Silvia Jay, trainer
among others

These people also belong to a group called ARPO that has been attacking Francesca Rogier for a long time. None of these people know Ms. Rogier personally. Last spring, ARPO published a defamatory and misleading letter about Ms. Rogier in The Coast. Mr. Bob Ottenbrite is also a member of ARPO, and is involved in litigation with Ms. Rogier. Therefore his position cannot be seen as objective. The Herald's web editor, Rick Conrad, is friendly with Joan Sinden. Sinden has been personally attacking Rogier in her blog with a series of libelous remarks. Conrad was also seen at the recent dog expo associating with Gail Gallant, who has been publicly harassing and cyberstalking Francesca Rogier for over a year.

We deplore ARPO and its associates for singling out Ms. Rogier as an "irresponsible owner". We call upon the Herald to exercise a greater amount of professional objectivity and cease giving such people a public forum in which to push their agenda without scrutiny. Has anyone asked, for instance, what ARPO is doing about the numerous owners in this city whose dogs are genuine threats to public safety?

Any 'advocation' for re-homing in this case is inappropriate. Brindi is not a dangerous dog. She should not have been seized. She should be returned as soon as possible to her own home with her loving and responsible owner, where she belongs.

Sincerely,

Humane Halifax for Better Animal Control
humanehalifax@yahoo.com

Wow, that's quite the memo to send to every municipal councillor in the HRM, don't you think? Especially since it doesn't have an individual's name that they can respond back to, a phone number that they can call, or anyone who can take responsibillity for the accusations being levelled.

And what does Janet Chernin's 3 year long battle that she fought - for EVERY OWNER OF AN IN-HOME DOGGY DAY CARE IN THE MUNICIPALITY - that she WON - have to do with Francesca Rogier's case? That is VERY disingenuous and misleading. If anyone is being libelled - it's Janet Chernin - right there.

And I'd really like to know what Humane Halifax has done for "Better Animal Control" since it was formed more than a year ago, but that's besides the point.

The last time I checked even journalists were allowed to have lives outside the 14 hours that they were not working - they are even allowed to have conversations with dog owners at public events - YIKES! And guess what! According to a judge I heard speaking in a courtroom a few months ago - "people are entitled to their various personal opinions", and they are also allowed to have friends, and hang out with who they like. And form associations, have hobbies and spend time pursuing things they want to see happen.

Excuse my french, but give me a fucking break.

28 comments:

  1. oh. my. gawd. Loons - the whole lot of them.

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  2. Anonymous8:10 PM

    Shit Joan, for once i'm kinda lost for words! That does not happen too often.

    Maybe people should start writing local police departments as she is starting to establish a trend towards a "cult natured group." Followers are starting to cause public outrage and personal attacks on community groups.

    Sad.

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  3. PMSL...... I was talking to Jenn Richardson at the time when I spoke to Rick about his dog..... oh but so did Jenn who is fran's right hand gal. She heard every word was said LMAO. Rick don't even know who I am personally and this was the first time I ever saw the man and only recognised him because of his dog LMAO. Talk about Da-dum and Dumber.

    Thanks for the hoot :)

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  4. Nothing quite like pointing the finger at ANYONE and EVERYONE else to draw attention away from yourself. That letter was quite a list of who's who in the Halifax dog world wasn't it? I personally find this a hilarious attempt to spread lies and hatred, and I think the universe will give her what's coming. After all the support she was given by so many people in the beginning of this ordeal.. what a shame to be so angry!

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  5. Anonymous8:33 PM

    My favorite part of your post is the final sentence. It sums up the situation, the truth, and your personality.

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  6. Holy shit batman! That woman is insane. Poor Brindi doesn't stand a chance :(

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  7. Karma8:44 PM

    I've learned that Ms. Rogier now has a new friend/supporter. His/Her name is K A R M A.

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  8. Wow ... how ridiculous! That woman needs to get a life.
    Absurd.
    I bet there are SO many people who will be happy when this is done and over with.
    I'm sure she will be quite bored when all the drama is over ... who is she going to write letters about? Who is she going to obsess over? Gosh what's next?

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  9. Anonymous9:39 PM

    I hope that FR keeps herself together, keeps her nose in better joint and does not do anything stupid to harm herself. I've thought about this numerous times and I worry about her as a human, but hate her for what she has done to herself, brindi and the animal community.

    This woman is sick and needs support to get herself stable again. Who wants to help a person if the person is attacking you?

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  10. ""Ms. Rogier has said she would appeal any decision that would not see Brindi eventually returned to her and she has accused HRM of conducting an "unfair" and "abusive" process."""

    That statement alone tells me that this whole matter is no longer about Brindi but is all about Fran and her ego. If she loves the dog as much as she claims she would do what is best for the dog not what is best for her.
    If she appeals decision handed down by the Judge,I suspect it could be a year before the matter ever gets to the supreme court,which means that Brindi could spend another year in a pound.....Not the right thing for the dog I suggest.Again all because of ego.

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  11. Janet W Chernin11:09 AM

    To FR and her ilk -
    1. I never knowingly broke the vague bylaw that was hidden in the bed and breakfast section of the land use bylaw. Further I had called the city prior to opening when Halifax was just that - not HRM. and was told there was no problem in opening said business.
    2. It was a 4 year process for resolution and I was allowed to proceed with my business while working with the Planning Dept.
    3. I never had a complaint of noise etc. - the query was originated by a person that did not even live in my district of HRM.
    4. NOT ONCE has the AC Dept. come to my home for any dog related infraction.
    5. I never once hid my business - and in the 9 1/2 years of operation at the time of the bogus query I had already met with Mayor Kelly to dialogue about the suggestion of breed banning. I presented at the hearing to the NB Legislature under the name Canine Casbah when BSL was proposed in the province.
    6. I organized the highly succesful Paws for Point Pleasant Park mini dog jog after Hurricane Juan and was able to parlay support from the dog walking users because of my business.
    7. Unlike FR I have been vocal and have presented to Council prior to my case - I have spoken clearly from the start about the needed changes to the A300 bylaw and also the revamped D100 bylaw.

    Comparing my case to yours is apples and oranges.

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  12. Ronnie, this is Silvia Jay who was mentioned in Francesca's letter, (and I am fairly pissed off about cause who I am Facebook friends with is none of her business). You really do not seem to have the details here. I take great offense to you implying that people are "ganging" up on Francesca. Nobody is ganging up on her - there is no conspiracy. If the dog people that are in the know would be convinced that Brindi would be managed in a way that a future dog attack wouldn't happen, nobody would object her being returned to Francesca. But herein lies the problem - they are not convinced, and that includes me. It seems that Francesca's focus is her fight with the city - the focus of the local dog community is Brindi.
    And, by the way, I am also from away - that has nothing to do with anything.

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  13. Ronnie9:33 PM

    Sorry if it offends you, ladies, but really, the impression one gets is that people are ganging up.
    I don't see Brindi's owner being happy about having to fight with the city. What choice does she have? I know HRM can be relentless, I had my own troubles with them in a different kind of issue. I can sympathize with Janet.
    I realize mistakes were made, but this seems to be going too far, in all honesty.
    But why do you think the city is interested in rehoming this dog? If so, why are they still demanding euthanasia? Isn't that wasting time and money?
    Is the "dog community" is of one mind about this? Cause I saw where she has a few trainers willing to help her for free and some groups supporting her like ABAS and the TLC Shelter and this Humane Halifax. Are they not "in the know"? Also I wonder, how can she convince you about no future attacks? How can you be sure what will or won't happen, she's fought so hard, why would she let anything happen?
    Also I heard that Francesca was not allowed to speak to Council, even back in 2008, before she was charged. They say nobody can speak about anything that is in the courts. It's too bad. Even David Hendsbee was not allowed to speak about it.
    Thanks for letting me ask questions, I am just trying to understand what is going on here.

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  14. Anonymous9:35 PM

    Kinda wondering, what does Janet's comment have to do with anything?

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  15. "Ronnie", I published your comments - because unlike what some people think - I DO publish most comments that come into this blog - even the ones that don't agree with what I'm saying - but based on another comment to another post that you left last night (which I did NOT publish) - I think you are a PLANT.

    JOan

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  16. The truth speaks for itself.

    Brindi is not to blame for her behaviour therefore should not be accountable for her actions.

    To me that's the bottom line.

    Now somebody tell me who is going to be accountable then? I guess that is what the court is going to decide.

    I am not sure how any of that has anything to do with who anybody is friends with on FB or anywhere else for that matter.

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  17. Anonymous making the comment about Janet - obviously you are an idiot stick and did not read the libellous comments made by Francesca about Janet.

    Joan

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  18. Anonymous10:54 PM

    Janet had a tough battle and I'm glad she can continue her business. But I guess I'm an idiot stick too, Joan, LOL because I don't get how Janet's comments relate (and I read what was said). Nobody mentioned noise complaints or BSL or AC calls, as far as I know. What exactly was libelous?
    Anyhow, it's no secret that it's a bitch if you get into any dispute with HRM. It can happen to the best of us. They say ignorance of the law is no defense, so it's no wonder Janet got tangled up like that.

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  19. Okay - here's the part -

    Pat Lee's facebook friends include the following, all of whom are associated with or belong to this "advocacy" group:

    Joan Sinden, blogger
    Annette-Netta Armitage
    Heather Morrison
    Janet Chernin, who has been prosecuted by the city for running an illegal dog care facility
    Kat Horne, VP of the Nova Scotia SPCA
    LeeAnne Poirier Tibbo, of the dog legislation council, who has circulated false information about Francesca Rogier
    Silvia Jay, trainer
    among others


    There was NO NEED for Francesca to say that Janet had been prosecuted for running an illegal dog day care - and using it in the present tense - like as if it was still happening - and like as if she was doing it on purpose - malevolently. So Janet left the comment to clarify her position.

    Do you see the sentences up there in the post now? And do you want to go back up there now and read the section where I talk about that part of Francesca's letter - or do I have to paste that down here too?

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  20. And yes, I am feeling super fucking cranky.

    Joan

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  21. Anonymous11:26 PM

    Um "has been prosecuted" is past tense, isn't it?
    That's how I read it.

    Hope you feel better, Joan!

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  22. Why are you such an abusive nasty cunt? That man has not threatened you but he has good reason to. Why do you think you can post pictures against peoples wishes. Should we all copy your ugly pictures and post them too?

    He is not hurting that dog. A dog in pain does not hold still for a fun snapshot, you ignorant bitch. I hope he does come up here. You need putting in your place. You're digusgting.

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  23. Francesca Rogier2:09 AM

    Thanks for the extra coverage, Joan, and in full! Well done.
    It's very good that it prompted your friends to show their true colors, because now we call all see that compassion is not one of them. You all totally worship your dogs, yet call me crazy for trying to save mine. Thanks for showing that.

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  24. Wow,"Your Biggest Nightmare",has a few issues,and with comments like that I would say legal problems as well,pretty big talk for someone hiding behind a computer,however its not that difficult to track the IP.

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  25. Well Francesca, since you've come here - if you could please stop "your" friends from sending me death threats - that would be nice. I'm a bit tired of it, and the police don't think too much about it either.

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  26. Francesca9:57 PM

    That's interesting, kind of funny too, because I've been getting threats for over a year. I posted some. Let's see yours!
    It doesn't worry me at all when you say you are giving them to the police. They are not from me, if you indeed got any threats.
    I do not encourage anybody to send threats to anybody, as you well know, and I sure don't have any idea who might be sending threats to either of you or why they would do it. Why do you think anybody would threaten you? Did you do something to bring that on?
    I do have a pretty good idea of who is sending threats to me, however, and he is definitely a friend of yours. He is most likely the one who tried to get my electricity cut off and my house condemned. So please tell your friend to stop the threats, okay? You two trying to intimidate me with your own threats about the police waiting at your beck and call is laughable. Do you realize that intimidation is a crime?
    That's about all the communication I intend to have with either of you for the rest of the year.

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  27. Ever notice how the most educated person can be the stupidest person in the world? They have tons of book knowledge but absolutely no knowledge of life or common sense at all. They don't understand the subtleties of language or how people can lead you to believe something that isn't true at all, but get a huge laugh out of leading you down the garden path.

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  28. Bring it, Gail: show me the money.

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