Tammy Grimes Found Guilty

Update Feb. 25, 2008: Grimes was sentenced to probation, 300 hours of community service and fines totalling $3878.99. 

Update December 14, 2007 late afternoon: A Blair County, Pennsylvania jury has found Tammy Grimes guilty of theft and receiving stolen property. Sentencing is set for February 22, 2008.

The judge instructed the jury they must find Tammy guilty if she "ever" intended to deprive the Arnolds of their property, Doogie, the dog.  Ever? The judge instructed the jury they could find intent to commit the crimes if they believed she refused at any time to return the dog or reveal his whereabouts. The judge refused to allow the jury to consider the defense of justification.  In fact, the jury was not allowed to see the video of Doogie’s rescue. Nor was the jury allowed to see photos of Doogie after the rescue.

The judge really forced the verdict with these instructions. It didn’t help that the prosecutor repeated throughout his closing argument that anarchy would ensue if the laws weren’t enforced.  (I guess he doesn’t include the animal cruelty laws in that sweeping prediction.) 

Tammy testified she felt she had no choice but to take Doogie to the vet especially in view of the failure of the humane officer, Paul Gottschall, to respond to earlier calls for help.  Also, when she ran into Gottschall en route to the vet’s office, she offered that he could take the dog, and he told her to go ahead and take Doogie to the vet. He didn’t return her subsequent call about the dog. Gottschall was simply not credible when he testified that he told Tammy to leave the dog with the vet, Dr. Noureldin Hassane. At least 4 people present at the time including Tammy testified Gottschall never said anything of the sort.

Tammy also testified when the police came to her house that night, they gave her the choice of returning the dog or going to jail. She couldn’t return Doogie to that chain. Not in his condition. Dr. Hassane made clear in his  testimony that Doogie looked like he had been hit in an accident, that on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being excellent health, Doogie was a 2.  The dog was suffering and in great pain.  

One courtroom observer noted, "Tammy should wear this conviction like a badge of honor. She did the right thing for the dog and that’s what should have mattered here."

The prosecutor,  Richard Consiglio, has said Tammy won’t face jail time.

Click here to contact Governor Ed Rendell and urge him to pardon Tammy. Please be polite! For more on this case including earlier testimony, read Animal Law Coalition’s reports below.

Also, don’t let Tammy’s efforts be in vain. Help pass Pennsylvania bill, H.B. 1065 which restricts the tethering and chaining of dogs. Click here for more information about that bill and how you can help pass it.

Update December 14, 2007: Another crowd of supporters awaited Tammy as she arrived in court for the second day of trial.

Supporters  are reporting that when they call the judge and prosecutor, they are met with rudeness; the staff for these public officials refuse to take messages or make some record of the calls. 

The Commonwealth or prosecution finished its case early in the day, and Tammy began her defense.

Dr. Noureldin Hassane, the veterinarian who treated Doogie just after Tammy rescued him, took the stand. The vet confirmed the dog was suffering from severe arthritis and appeared in a generally neglected condition, like he had been hit in an accident. Dr. Hassane said on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being excellent health, Doogie was a 2.

Kim Eichner also testified. Ms. Eichner is the Arnolds’ neighbor who repeatedly contacted the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society to try to get help for the dog, all to no avail. Ms. Eichner said the dog had been lying on the ground on the end of the chain without moving for at least 2 days when she finally called Tammy for help.

At one point in cross-examining Ms. Eichner, the prosecutor, Richard Consiglio, asked her, "Do you think [Doogie] tried to bite you [when you were lifting him off the ground] because he wanted to stay?"  The question drew a smirk from the judge, Elizabeth Doyle, and also some laughter from some in the gallery.

Without determining who laughed, the judge ordered those who were there to support Tammy out of the courtroom and announced they cannot return, though later they were told the judge would accept written requests to return and decide on a case by case basis if the person could return to watch the trial.

For more information about this case, read Animal Law Coalition’s original report below. You will find the names and contact information for the judge and prosecutor at the end of this article.

Update December 13, 2007: A crowd with people from as far away as Illinois and Florida braved the cold, wet weather in Hollidaysburg, PA to show support for Tammy Grimes – and Doogie - at a rally outside the Blair County Courthouse before the trial got under way on Tuesday.

The courtroom was also filled with supporters, hoping to draw attention to the cruelty of tethering or chaining dogs and support Tammy who saved Doogie as he lay dying at the end of a chain.

As the trial started, prosecutor Richard Consigilo, claimed that in prosecuting Tammy for theft and receiving stolen property, he is saving the country from her vigilantism which otherwise would lead to anarchy. 

Steve and Lori Arnold testified and actually described their abusive neglect of poor Doogie as concern and caring. They claimed they gave the old dog aspirin to ease his arthritic pain and puppy food that was easier for him to chew. 

That’s hard to square with the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9t1rv4pj4) and photos as well as report from Kim Eicher, a neighbor, who said the dog lay chained on the cold, hard ground, unable to reach a dirty water bucket or the flimsy plastic crate they called a shelter.  Kim said when she called on Tammy for help, the dog had not moved for at least 2 days.

The local humane officer, Paul Gottschall, who had failed to respond to Kim’s calls for help, testified he was on his way to investigate when he ran into Tammy taking the dog to the vet. He agreed he told her to take the dog to the vet, but said he instructed Tammy to leave the dog with the vet. Contradicting the vet’s findings (see earlier report below), Gottschall claimed the dog did not appear neglected but only dehydrated. Huh? 

Well, the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society clearly failed to protect this dog and has been distancing itself from Tammy for some time. You’d think as a humane society, they would have taken this opportunity to educate the public on the cruelty and dangers of chaining dogs instead of hiding behind untruths and excuses.     

For background on this case, read Animal Law Coalition’s earlier report below. Go to the end of this article to find the names and contact information for the judge and the prosecutor. Write or call now and let them know it’s time to put a stop to this vendetta against someone who performed a simple act of kindness for a suffering animal.

Original report:   A Blair County, Pennsylvania jury will soon decide if Tammy S. Grimes should be convicted of theft and receiving stolen property.   The trial is set for December 12, 13, and 14. Her crime? She saved an arthritic old dog that lay dying on the end of a chain on the cold hard ground. The dog had not moved for at least 2 days.  The dog could not reach the dirty water bowl or the flimsy plastic crate that served as his shelter.

Steve and Lori Arnold, the dog’s owners, were nowhere to be found. Kim Eichner, a neighbor, reported the dog had not moved for at least 2 days.

Tammy is the founder of Dogs Deserve Better, http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/, the well known organization that has pioneered the anti-chaining movement in this country, dedicated to educating people about the cruelty and dangers of chaining dogs and working to pass laws to ban this practice. 

When she was first contacted by the Arnolds’ neighbor, Kim Eichner, about the dog’s plight, Tammy insisted she could not help, that the local Central Pennsylvania Humane Society should be contacted. It is their job, after all, to investigate reports of animal cruelty. But when the local humane society did not even bother to respond to calls for help, Tammy went to see the dog.

She could not leave him there on the cold hard ground, dying at the end of his chain. Instead, Tammy removed the chain from the poor dog’s neck and drove him to a local vet.  

Curiously, as she arrived at the vet’s office, a humane officer, Paul Gotshall, stopped Tammy. At that point she offered to take the dog she had named Doogie back and allow the officer to pick him up instead. Tammy explained, "[The officer] refused that, and stated that I should get him the vet care he needed, and to call him afterward on his cell.

Tammy said, "When I later called him, he did not answer, I left a message asking him what he wanted me to do with Doogie, he never called back."

At the time Tammy described, "The vet documented [Doogie’s] general negligent condition, low weight, sores, missing fur, and took x-rays of his back and hips. [The vet] determined that [Doogie] has very bad back spurs that are causing him a lot of pain and are most likely responsible for his inability to walk. He also saw an undetermined mass near [Doogie’s] hip on the x-ray".

Tammy then took Doogie to her home and bathed him. She noted he smelled terrible. She gave him food and water.   

Tammy has elaborated on her decision to take Doogie, "I think you’ll agree with me that this [terrible abuse] is not acceptable in any kind of humane society, and we cannot allow this kind of animal abuse. We must stand up and stop accepting this to be ok for people to do to their dogs, and stop jailing those who are trying to help them.

"I could never look myself in the eye again, much less sleep tonight, had I left Doogie there dying, shivering in the dirt. I will spend the rest of my life in jail as opposed to handing him over to be abused further by these people."

Later a police officer from Freedom Township, Officer Flaig, called and told her to return Doogie. Tammy refused to do that. She urged the police to review her evidence and consider charges of cruelty and neglect against Doogie’s owners. Officer Flaig refused.

Instead, later that night, Officer Flaig arrived at her house with 3 other police vehicles following – as if Tammy had robbed a bank. Tammy was taken into custody and then "treated like a common criminal, especially by Chief Reilly, who called me a[n] ‘idiot’, ‘incompetent’, and I overheard him telling Officer Flaig that if I ever came near his dog I would have a slug in my a**."

Tammy describes, "I was released after seeing Judge [Paula] Aigner, where Chief Reilly asked that I be not given bail but incarcerated for my failure to cooperate. It was 2:00 a.m., and I had no ride home, over 30 miles away. I had to walk to a local all-night store to call and get a cab, because there was no concern over how I would get home. Their attempt to dehumanize me didn’t work. I held my head high and still do. I looked Chief Reilly square in the eye at every opportunity. I will not be broken."

Tammy was charged with theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. Tammy was released on $50,000 bail. After a preliminary hearing, the criminal mischief and trespass charges were dropped and bail was reduced to $10,000.

Steve and Lori Arnold have never been charged with animal cruelty at least by the State or local authorities. Chief Reilly and the humane society claim there was no evidence of abuse. The prosecutor has announced he has not even considered charges against the Arnolds. Tammy, however, has filed a private criminal complaint against the Arnolds for their severe neglect of Doogie. The complaint is pending at this time.

Under Pennsylvania law "[a] person commits an offense if he wantonly or cruelly ill treats, … otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care… deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement  weather and preserve the animal’s body heat and keep it dry."  18 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5511(c).

Tammy’s photos and video show more than probable cause exists to believe Doogie was severely neglected. At the time Tammy found him, he had not moved for a couple of days at least. He could not stand. That means it is not clear he even drank any water during that time. His water bucket was some distance from where he was found on the ground.

Doogie was left in desperate need of vet care on the end of a chain on the cold, wet ground. The veterinarian found Doogie was too thin, missing fur, and in extreme pain and distress because of painful bone spurs. The Arnolds have even admitted they knew he had arthritis, but they left him alone on the cold, wet ground with a plastic crate he could not even get to and nothing for his pain. The Pennsylvania law is meaningless if it does not include this situation.

Tammy never returned Doogie to the Arnolds, and he later died, after spending his last days with a loving foster mom.

Judge Elizabeth Doyle will preside over the trial. A jury has already been selected. The judge has issued a preliminary ruling that Tammy cannot present a defense of justification. The judge has also issued a gag order, barring the parties from speaking about the case to the media.  It is not clear the judge will allow the video and photos of Doogie into evidence. It is not clear Tammy will be allowed to explain to the jury why she took Doogie off of his chain. (The judge has reserved ruling on the District Attorney’s motions to exclude the videotape of Doogie’s rescue and also expert testimony.)

Don’t let Blair County get away with this vendetta against Tammy Grimes. Let them know it is Doogie who deserves justice. Attend the trial at the Blair County Courthouse, 423 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648-2022

Let Judge Elizabeth Doyle know Tammy should be able to tell the jury why she saved Doogie. Better yet, urge the judge to dismiss this case as an abuse.

Write the Judge at 423 Allegheny St., Suite 246, Hollidaysburg, PA  16488-2022 or call at 814-693-3065.  

Call on Blair County, PA District Attorney Richard Consiglio to stop this vendetta and free Tammy now! If anyone should be on trial, it should be the Arnolds.  814-693-3000

 Ask the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society why they have distanced themselves from Tammy despite the obvious cruelty, despite that they failed to respond to calls for help and Officer Paul Gottschall told Tammy to take the dog to the vet: 814.942.5402

Altoona Mirror: 800.287.4480; news@altoonamirror.com

WTAJ-TV10: 814.944.1414
WJAC-TV 6: 814.255.7600

To view Doogie’s condition at the time of his rescue, view these videos:

Doogie laying on the ground, Kim Eichner crying in the background:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9t1rv4pj4

Doogie at Tammy’s house:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8wxGP1N7QQ

For more information, visit the Dogs Deserve Better site: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/doogie.html

52 thoughts on “Tammy Grimes Found Guilty”

  1. Well, here in California, we get more than our fair share of real imbecilic court cases….cases that no one had the good sense or hear to stop going as far as trial. I guess Pennsylvania is no better in this regard.

    I would do the same thing as Tammy Grimes if confronted with a similar situation. I can tell you that I definitely don’t like the owners of Doogie one bit. I certainly think that Tammy Grimes she is a much more noble human being than they are but what is up with the court system in PA? This is pretty simple for me….Tammy saved this poor mistreated dog from utter misery. I think this case is a complete travesty…it seems to me that maybe even the judge herself would probably walk by another living creature that was in perpetual pain, starvation, cold and miserable. Judges can certainly be as stupid and heartless as anyone else so it doesn’t surprise…but it bothers me greatly. I will write a letter to this dipstick of a judge on behalf of Tammy Grimes…Diane Thomas

  2. I think Ms Grimes should get a MEDAL for saving that poor dog
    I cannot believe that city and the “officials” how’d they like
    that at the end of their life
    GIVE ME A BREEAK!!!!
    GO MS GRIMES
    rescuer1955@yahoo.com
    columbus,georgia
    12-9-07

  4. I think it is time to get these backwoods flunkie cops and judges in line with the 21st century. Ms Grimes is a hero..plain and simple.

    I do not know one person who would not have done the same thing…stop and help a dying dog. I would have done it on the first visit, I think Ms Grimes showed proper restraint and observance of the law. Stop wasting our tax dollars on this insanity.

    I certainly hope Tammy files and wins a civil law suit against every person who choose to prosecute and harm her.

    Alicia Oxenhorn

  6. It is high time that the “old boy network” gets a wake up call.

    Only the most heartless person would have been able to walk away!!

    She is a hero!!! No matter what these JERKS say!!!!

  7. Sounds like the judge has no compassion for the animal community. What an asshole! He should be left out on a short chain to die himself.

  8. doogie is a hero. he fought through the terrible pain. hisw foster mom should get a medal for saving doggie

  9. “As the trial started, prosecutor Richard Consigilo, claimed that in prosecuting Tammy for theft and receiving stolen property, he is saving the country from her vigilantism which otherwise would lead to anarchy…” ANARCHY??? Saving the Country?? Who is this, Captain America? In a country where we have been conditioned to turn a blind eye to the suffering of all beings, especially animals, is anarchy really a concern? No, I don’t think so. What Tammy did is noble, admirable and should be a benchmark for all animal advocates everywhere. As far as the judge goes, she is obviously already made her decision. This it typical local government that exists everywhere. Unchecked, corrupt with no regard for anything as long as they get a paycheck and no speeding tickets. If the judge and prosecutor want a fair trial, why try to suppress evidence and testimony?
    Bottom line, no one stepped up to help. Tammy did what any TRUE animal rights advocate would do. The video does not lie. The arnold’s should be charged with animal cruelty and neglect. Here is an interesting question? If Tammy was never contacted and Doogie died in the arnold’s yard, what would they have done? It is obvious that they did not get him medical treatment. At the least, they could have euthanized him since they did not have the compassion or the common decency to get him vet care.
    This is what this country has come down to. So sad when good people get punished while the pure scum continue to walk untouched and unscathed.

  11. Is it just me, or does it seem to everyone else that what she did is simply common sense, and exactly how we would want people in society to act? This trial is promoting the fact that apparently – when you see someone – whether it is a dog or human – being abused, you should turn the other way and do nothing. Is this the world we want to live in? This whole thing blows my mind. I would have done the exact same thing in her shoes. I think most people who care anything at all about animals would! This was not a case where the dog could ‘wait and see’ if the owners would return. If the humane society would have done their job and responded to the neighbor’s reports of abuse and neglect Tammy would not have been in this position in the first place. This smells like a witchunt to me. Tammy is not some psycho – she is just like most of us – she cares about dogs and one needed her help and she gave it. It’s a simple as that. Why the judge and everyone else cannot see that, I just don’t understand.

    Jennifer Evans, Mentor, OH

  12. Thanks Kathy! I just wrote to him – hopefully not too late. As far as I know he does care about animals so I hope it helps.

    Jennifer Evans

  13. I can not believe how the human race had disengrated into a mass of uncaring, money grubbing , dishonest group, especially those in GOVERNMENT OFFICES and LAW……it s about money not about what is right!……DOOGIE was and had been suffering greatly and the photos of his progress while in the care of Tammy after he was rescues shows PURE NEGLECT on the part of the ARNOLDS who should be in jail NOT TAMMY!…for the love of compassion she sits convicted of theft of property…ANIMALS ARE NOT THINGS and despite laws contrary, they are not PROPERTY to do with as one wishes especially when it is against the laws set forth to protect animals against neglest and abuse of which the Arnolds are guilty of!…NO ONE who could have helped within the law would!….HOW could ANY human with even the smallest conscience walk away from any animal in need and suffering!….There are NO laws in GODS kingdom for GODS creatures that say to allow this suffering over mans laws!..NO..TAMMY did the RIGHT thing morally and if more humans used that as a guide, much suffering would be put to an end for both animals and people….SHANME on anyone who would point a finger or law at TAMMY GRIMES and say you are guilty …GUILTY she is of compassion, caring, and a conscience, and in giving DOOGIE the respect, love and care he deserved through his whole life but only received with her…and loved by others who knew him not…I WISH FOR MORE< THE MASSES TO TAKE A STAND REGARDLESS OF LAWS when it comes to helping animals in need and to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to help them!..WHATEVER IT TAKES!...STAND UP AND MAKE A CHOICE, TAKE ACTION, HAVE A HEART!..HELP.. Reverend Karen, FLORIDA.....Blessings and Prayers to you Tammy and to ALL incarerated in the name of love for helping animals, to those who fight for animals rights and welfare and for those who work in all areas of animals issues and care...BLESS YOU.....

  14. Right now, I’m completely speechless.
    This was obviously a vendetta, and Kharma will answer strongly.
    I will absolutely contact Gov Rendell.

  15. My wife lived in a close prozimity to this town and let me tell you the graf and corruption that goes along with the Good Old Boy’s attutide in mid-state Pa is out of control…

    You have to realize that the First Day of Hunting & Deer Season is just about a state holiday… Hell no there is no respect for animals or living in harmony with animals…. A dog to then is just something to kick in the ribs when things dont go there way… Arnold more than likely Hunts with the judge during hunting season combine that with the Low Life High School Drop outs that become cops and you can imagine

    Its high time that the people stand up for the Poor Neglected Animals…

    Richard King
    NJ

  16. I’m lost for words right now. What this woman did was the right thing. I am going to write the Judge and have my friends do the same.

  17. Here’s my comments to the governor. Don’t be afraid to tell these monsters how you really feel! :

    This is regarding the case of Tammy Grimes. You should be ashamed of yourself as a governor for not stepping in and doing the right thing in this cas already! The judge should be ashamed of herself for presiding over such a mockery of humanity! The prosecutor should be ashamed of himself for being so full himself that it blinded his morals! The sheriff should be ashamed of himself for arresting the wrong person in this case, and allowing his emotions to impare his judgement! The humane society worker who was supposed to properly investigate this case should be ashamed of himself! He had more than one opportunity to properly do his job! Every single person previously mentioned should be fired from their positions and NEVER allowed to “own” an animal! Why? Because no one involved in the prosecution of this case has suggested prosecuting the owners for severe neglect or removing the other dog in their possession! You all make me sick! You want anarchy?! Just wait until this goes national! Then anarchy you will have!

  18. What this court just did was give animal abusers the right to abuse. They said loud and clear that it’s perfectly fine to leave your suffering animal on a leash on the cold ground when you know he is arthritic! They also said that anyone who sees this kind of cruelty is simply suppose to turn their eyes because it’s only property, not a living breathing being….sad day in our country today

    Becky

  19. Talk about a political cover-up. Who is paying who to keep their mouth shut? Is the Judge a friend/relative of the Arnolds?

    My husband went through a similar case when he was 8 years old and a drunk driver hit him and paralyzed him. He was holding his mother’s hand as they crossed the street and he was knocked from her grip, 90 feet down the block. The drunk driver’s family paid off the judge and the judge ruled that it was my husband’s fault. The driver only had to pay a small fine.

    This is exactly the same situation, to me. Someone should investigate the political connections here.

  20. My email to the Governor:

    I am totally shocked that you are allowing the case of Tammy Grimes to go on the way it has. Have you people no compassion for animals? This poor dog has suffered terribly and not a single soul has helped but Tammy. I am very glad I don’t live in your state. Get these uncaring, obviously cruel and indifferent judges, sheriff’s, animal control officers, prosecuters and their cronies down off their high horses and give them their walking papers. Doesn’t your state have animal cruelty laws? Years ago I lived in your state and loved it there. I certainly wouldn’t love it now. It sounds like perhaps Vick should move there, all of you would probably applaud him. Please let this poor woman go and allow her to care for this poor dog who was lucky she helped him. Prosecute Doogie’s owner, not his rescuer! You should be ashamed as a human being that you are allowing this kind of thing to go on in your state.

  21. Some years back a judge in my county did something extremely unethical regarding a protective order in a domestic dispute. Letters to the state judicial board resulted in the judge being asked to resign his post or face formal charges.

    Everyone should write to the judicial board in Harrisburg, PA (I haven’t found the address yet, but when I do, I’ll post it) and complain about the ethics problems under Doyle. This judge should be removed from the bench.

  23. Just another example of how low the judicial system in this country is sinking. I would think the State of Pennsylvania would want to do some soul searching about people they place in such postions. A judge who cannot act professional and ethical while sitting on the bench and a prosecutor who believes anarchy is upon us because a woman had compassion for a suffering animal and did her best to help when no one else would, even thought they had an obligation to do so. Tammy is such a threat…..I’d much rather be threatened by her than all the murderers and terrorists running around….remember those bad guys Mr. Prosecuter? Get some commom sense, please.

    Roxanne

  24. I’ll second that!!! Again and again!!! Tammy got no assistance from the official body she approached in the first instance,(observing the law) so, upon their advice, did what any compassionate human being would do, (whilst observing the law). Now, if we’re talking legalities here, the legal system was, I assume, put in place initially, to define what is wrong and unacceptable behaviour within a civilised society. You flout the law, you are punished. Doogie’s owners have flouted the Pennsylvanian Animal Welfare law, by not providing for Doogie’s very special needs. That is glaringly obvious to anyone with a grain of common sense and half a brain. If they had, then Tammy (God Bless her) would not have been forced to perform this heroic rescue. The very people who should be brought to book for failing poor Doogie, Tammy and everyone else who has ever gone out on a limb to do what is naturally right, haven’t been, and that is an appalling abuse of the law, Period.

  26. SHAME ON THE JUDGE,LAW MAKERS,AND DOG ABUSERS: YOU ALL OUGHT TO BE SENTENCED TO 30 DAYS OR MORE WITH A CHAIN AND COLLAR AROUND YOUR NECKS, TIED UP LAYING IN THE COLD AND SEE HOW IT FEELS. EYE FOR AN EYE- THERE ARE LAWS AND THERE’S ALWAYS ONE THAT OVER RIDES IT,THATS WHEN LIVE OR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. THE LIFE OF A INNOCENT ANIMAL IS NOT DISPOSABLE, THEY HAVE FEELINGS, THEY GIVE LOVE,THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO DECENT LIFE AND IF THAT RIGHT IS BEING CHALLENGED OR ABUSED, THEN WE AS PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO STEP IN AND HELP THAT ANIMAL,WE HAVE A DUTY TO THAT ANIMAL. ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SPCA, THE POLICE, AND THE POWERS THAT BE DON”T . THIS IS NOT STEALING, THIS LADY DID NOT TAKE A LAWNMOWER, SHE REMOVED A DOG FROM TORTURE,YOU BEST THINK TWICE ABOUT SENTENCING THIS WOMAN, YOUDON’T WANT ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ON YOUR BUTTS. wHY DON’T YOU USE THE LAWS AT HAND TO HELP SAVE POOR INOCENT PETS FROM ABUSERS LIKE THE OWNERS OF THIS DOG,BY ALL RIGHTS, THEIR OWNERSHIP OF THIS DOG SHOULD HAVE BEEN REVOKED ANYWAY,THUS NO STEALING WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE.

    MOMMY TO MY 5 BABY CHI’S

  27. The Judge should have understood the severity of Doggie’s condition and given Tammy an award, not a sentence. Very sad world we live in.

  28. I will file a complaint but I just had to make a comment here.
    Tammy should not have been sentenced guilty,the owners of that poor dog should be held accountable for the poor dogs condition and non treatment.
    Since when was dog cruelty acceptable and to call a dog poperty is absurd.It is a living breathing,feeling animal totally dependent on us humans,which sadly this dog failed to have an owner with any humanity.
    Just because a Judge says a person is guilty doesn’t make it so in my book.
    In my opinion Judge Rendell is an idiot and I am happy he doesn’t live in my state.
    Try to be nice? It is so difficult to do in this case.

    TAMMY YOU ARE A WONDERFUL KIND HEARTED PERSON.I GREATLY ADMIRE YOU.AS DO MANY OTHERS HERE.
    KNOW YOU ARE LOVED.

    Vivienne Ct

  30. Here’s what I just wrote to Governor Rendell:

    I gather, sir, that you have received, and will continue to receive, many comments on the miscarriage of justice in the Tammy Grimes case.

    Please ask yourself if you would have passed right by the suffering dog Doogie, who had no access to shelter or water in the cold of winter and had been lying down, sick and unable to rise, for at least two days, according to the watchful neighbor.

    Would you have been the good Samaritan to this dog, or not?

    Would you tell your children to be a good Samaritan to an animal if no one else who should have come to the dog’s aid did?

    Would you tell your children to be compassionate and morally courageous, or to walk away, fearful of the fallout from the abusive “owners” (hardly “guardians”) of Doogie?

    Tammy was the first and only person to do the right, just, humane thing in this case. If you pardon her, as you should, you will be the second person in this case to do the right, just, and humane thing.

  31. I have done the same thing and will continue if it is necessary!!
    A VERY SAD DAY, Is this court supposed to be a leader of JUSTICE?? Influencing our young people to be compassionate? Go Tammy,I love you for having helped this poor dog, never forget, that animals need us to protect them from uncaring people. But don’t get caught! Plan a better rescue next time.

  32. i cant believe the stupidity of the judge.the welfare of the animal should come first.tammy did the right thing in saving this dog.she should be given a medal not being punished.i would do the same thing she did.

  33. An absolute travesty of justice! Thank you, Tammy, for helping this unfortunate dog and shame on the “owners” and others who had the opportunity to intervene before this cruelty reached this outrageous outcome. Not one of God’s creatures deserves to languish this way.

  34. Once again, we have a case of the criminals being able to walk free while those who stand up for the rights of animals are prosecuted! Is this not the year 2007?

  35. Once again the judicial system fails. Juries are not allowed full information to make decisions. Animals again loose when one of these cases go unpunished and the victims are instead the criminals. It is in my opinion very sad we cannot sue judges perhaps verdicts and true justice would follow if they were held accountable for their decisions. My heart goes out to Doogie and to Tammy Grimes and may Karma rest heavily on the shoulders of the judge and those who did NOT respond and assist.

    Pam Newton, Indiana

  36. This is a travesty of justice – hold on… WHAT JUSTICE? How can there be a fair trial if evidence is only allowed from one side??? To the people of PA – I hope you’re proud to be living in the dark ages. VOTE ALL THESE INCOMPETENT PEOPLE OUT OF OFFICE!

  37. I don’t even know where to begin except that this is so freaking absurd!!!!! Tammy should be awarded for saving Doogie, not found guilty of a crime. And Doogie’s worthless owners should be prosecuted for felony animal cruelty.

  38. This is absolutly nuts.

    She should have been given a humanitarian award. Not jail time. She should not have ever gone to trial. When will this judicial system stop being the laughing stock of the world AND, more importantly, it’s own people it’s supposed to protect.

    Bob

    Austin, TX

  39. how can anyone look at this dog and say it was NOT abused or mistreated! How can anyone say she was NOT justified in what she did!!
    This is so crazy! When will the animals start seeing justice!
    When will we start making people pay for their cruelty.
    People that do things like this to animals should not even be allowed to be walking free on the street. Instead they are allwed to be free to do this or worse to another animal or human, while the good samaratin is punished for helping the needy.
    WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!!!!

    Outraged in Kansas

  40. I was totally taken aback when I read Tammy was found Guilty. I have forward this on to everyone I know. I have sent the request for investigation into the Judge and here is the letter I wrote to the Govenor:

    Your Honor,

    I am writing to you about the case of Tammy Grimes and Doogie against Steve and Lori Arnold. I am very shocked and disappointed that Pennsylvania is so callous when it comes to God’s creatures that we have been made steward of. When persons neglect to take care of their charge, which brings them to suffering and near death, how can we prosecute the savior of the victim? Especially when she went through the proper channels do the right thing. The fact that the proper authorities also failed in their duties is also disgraceful, and they should be removed from their positions.

    I have also sent a Request for Investigation on the ethics of Judge Elizabeth Doyle for refusing to allow the Defense to bring forth their evidence.

    Please pardon Tammy from this unmerited result of her trial, Tammy should be honored and the Arnolds prosecuted.

    I am also going to try to get some letters in the editorial sections of our local newspapers down here to bring more attention to this travesty.

    Hang in there Tammy, we all love you and support you…you are MY hero.

    Bernie Campbell
    Alachua FL

  41. My name is Rev. Dr. Leigh Foster, owner and host of The Pawz Cauze (www.thepawzcauze.net a very popular online, live, world wide show) and I must say that the regards for life in general is sickening! God, Higher Power, whatever you call him/her created ALL LIFE and EVERY breath that each life takes is precious to the Creator of our world. Even that of a poor abused and neglected dog.

    To find Tammy Grimes guilty for saving a life is not justice and to allow the people who abused and neglected this dog to go free is inhumane. The scales of justice were sorely tipped to the side of wrong. Had Doogie been a human child, Tammy Grimes would have received a medal for her actions; instead, she gets handcuffs.

    I believe in karma. What goes around, comes around. In this case, I wouldn’t want to be the owners or the judge or anywhere near these people when their karma comes back to collect on their debts!

    When life became “property” was the day we sentenced ourselves and our world to pain, sadness and darkness. All life is precious to our Creator, no matter how small or how intellegent. Anything that can take a breath is precious.

    We would all do well to remember this.

    Pawz Up,
    The Pawz Cauze Team

  42. I was trying to file a complaint but I don’t have all the information like case number, county, etc. Does anyone have the necessary information for the complaint?

  43. Please write

    Montel
    The Montel Williams Show
    433 West 53rd St.
    New York, NY 10019

    Aks Larry King to have Tammy on the Show:
    http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?12

    Ask 20/20 to air a segment on Tammy’s case:
    http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3271346&cat=20/20

    Ask Lifetime to make a TV Movie about Tammy
    RE: Lifetime Commitment
    Women: Champions for change
    Lifetime’s public affairs department:
    Lifetime Television
    c/o Public Affairs
    309 West 49th Street
    New York, NY 10019
    212-424-7000

    Ellen:
    for ellen, put the youtube link to video, Ellens show asks for video and boy do we have that!
    http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=38

    Ask WE to air Tammy’s story
    CONTACTWE@we.tv

  44. we ultimately are judged by our concern and care for the voiceless in our society.
    tammy is a heroine and those who don’t honor her work are as guilty as those who abuse or ignore the voiceless.

  45. we ultimately are judged by our concern and care for the voiceless in our society.
    tammy is a heroine and those who don’t honor her work are as guilty as those who abuse or ignore the voiceless.

  46. we ultimately are judged by our concern and care for the voiceless in our society.
    tammy is a heroine and those who don’t honor her work are as guilty as those who abuse or ignore the voiceless.

  47. Tammy Grimes wasn’t found guilty of saving a live. She was found guilty of stealing a dog!! Someone’s pet, who died while it was in her possession.

  48. Tammy saved Doogies life from the pain and suffering he endured. Yes, he died, but in a humane and loving environment, not in the hot dirt he was left to wallow in for days by his inhumane owners. If this dog was truly their “pet” he would have been in the shelter of their home. I stand by Tammy. Linda Gunning

  49. A dog doesn’t live to nearly 20 years of age if it is being mistreated by its owners the way Ms. Grimes contends. That dog was someone’s pet for many many years, and it died in Ms Grimes possession, alone and away from the family it lived with all its life. Dogs get old, they get sick and they all eventually die.

    We have laws and a legal system, and Ms. Grimes or anyone else who sanctimoniously appoints themselves as being above the law, to correct what they see as an injustice, without due process or following the procedures laid down by society is wrong. Ms Grimes didn’t follow the law, or any of the legal recourses she had to rectify what she perceived as a problem. She took the law into her own hands. SHE BROKE THE LAW. The previous submission was correct, she got what she deserves!!!!! I hope they throw the book at her during sentencing for what she did to that poor dog and that family.

  50. If this was a human child, she would have been guilty of kidnapping. Previous submissions below are correct when they say Ms. Grimes took the law into her own hands and stole the dog. She should have called the officers of the county hired and paid to enforce the animal laws, the same way one would not just snatch a child out of her yard without first notifying the police, one doesn’t just snatch a dog because she feels she is more qualified to judge what is right than the police, dog wardens, and society. My compliments to the Pennsylvania legal system for insuring she was held accountable for her actions.

  51. The only one stupid enough to believe what happened to Ms. Grimes was justice, HAS to be either the idiotic judge or the vile, corrupt prosecutor. I hope you both burn. I hope your children tie you out in your old age, and ignore you while you die terribly. AND I hope no one comes to your rescue. NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would think she received justice. I am DISGUSTED with the entire legal system. Lawyers would rather make sure that child rapists go free on technicalities, just so they can claim a “win” in court. BE WARNED: your sins WILL find you out. The part you are forgetting, is that any time a child is suspected of neglect of abuse, the child is IMMEDIATELY removed until the situation is proven to be safe. They shoot first, and ask questions later. NO CARES about dogs. Those pieces of crap probably cared more about their lawn maintenance than the health, happiness and well-being of their dog. QUIT HIDING BEHIND THE ANONYMOUS TITLE AND REVEAL YOURSELF, “Judge” Doyle and DA Consiglio. You’re probably sleeping together, anyway. No morals usually goes along with no ethics.
    Jim & Sara Tackett, WV

  52. I’m DISGUSTED that you feel the need to add insulting comments to anyone who disagrees with you and posts that response here. The fact that you feel it is ok to name call and insult someone who holds a different opinion just goes to show how much of a fanatic you both are. It seems that you have no ethics to go along with your idea of what everyones morality should be. You should be ashamed!!

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