ABC26 News

I led a group of animal rescuers from Washington state that rescued over 1200 animals in the weeks following Katrina. I assisted the Attorney General's investigators in a separate case in St. Bernard Parish, recovering 33 bodies of family pets that were mercilessly slaughtered after sheriff's deputies evacuated survivors from 3 schools, forcing them to leave their pets behind and promising that they would take care of them. My group was also turned away at the parish line repeatedly by St. B. sheriffs deputies because they claimed they didn't need our help in caring for their animals.

What Buddy Caldwell fails to realize is that his action of dismissing this case only serves to further the stereotypical "good ol' boy" image of Louisiana. Let a judge or jury decide if these men are guilty. There IS sufficient evidence. If it were a human being murdered, we wouldn't need the gunshot being fired AND the body being hit in the same frame. You have an eyewitness with extreme credibility. You have Minton on tape admitting he had already shot numerous dogs. You have video (much of which is so graphic that it was NOT put on the internet) showing dogs dying painfully after being struck by bullets.

No, this is not about a case being dropped for insufficient evidence. It is about a naive new Attorney General thinking that people don't care about this case and not realizing the implications of his decision. Buddy Caldwell is about to receive his first lesson in making a huge public blunder. It's very sad that the animals will have suffered and nobody in power is willing to take a stand and do the right thing.

Judge for yourself, see the video, this is not the entire video, the original is much more graphic. Minton is in the blue shirt on the back of the truck:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmjgy7bcSeE

As the beginning of the video shows, the National Guard knew there was help available. Thousands of animal rescue volunteers flooded New Orleans after the storm. Their locations were known by every government agency including the sheriffs department. One phone call would have flooded St. Bernard Parish with animal rescue workers.
Instead they decided to shoot peoples pets. A barking dog is not a vicious dog, it's merely a barking dog. Just because the Sheriff's Deputies don't know that difference doesn't give them permission to play "target practice" in the streets.

Are Pictures not worth a thousand words? Did the witnesses hallucinate?

The Defense Attorney's statement about ''doing the right thing'' is pure absurdity. The people of New Orleans suffered great emotional and physical injuries; today Attorney Caldwell has insulted them.

The truth is that the evidence is overwhelmingly condemning. The discretionary dismissal of this case by the newly elected AG, without due process, must be brought up to the attention of the whole Nation.

What better time to give proper exposure to this parody of justice than during the 2008 forthcoming Mardi-Gras celebrations, when national and international news networks visit New Orleans?

Louisiana’s Attorney General Buddy Caldwell did not do the right thing when he chose to dismiss the criminal case against former St. Bernard Parish Deputy Sheriff Mike Minton and Sergeant Clifford “Chip” Englande.

When victims are animals, our justice system
sometimes fails to recognize the gravity of violent crimes.

Katrina’s aftermath left untold chaos and destruction for humans and animals. The animal advocacy community will not let the silent suffering of thousands of companion animals go unheard.

The dogs documented on photojournalist David Leeson’s video were like others displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita — starving, disoriented, afraid. In September 2005, Leeson and a Dallas News colleague heard gunshots as they canvassed empty streets in St. Bernard Parish. Leeson turned his camera to a small black dog with a bullet wound staggering after a truck inscribed with SBSO (St. Bernard Parish Sheriff) on its sides. As the reporters drove away, they encountered another brown dog writhing in the road.

They recorded a vehicle occupied by two armed men, one believed to be Minton. Englande reportedly drove the truck. During a taped interview, Minton later admitted shooting dogs. "So how many dogs?" one reporter asked.
"Enough," Minton said.

The Attorney General’s office ought to reopen this case. If new evidence unfolds, Minton and Englande should be prosecuted for aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony in Louisiana.

People who abuse animals rarely stop there. Animal cruelty is a key trait in the American Psychiatric Association's criterion for conduct disorders. The FBI red flags animal abuse when profiling homicidal criminals and their potential for recurring violence.

The deliberate slaughter of companion animals is merciless and illegal. Moreover, it serves as a yardstick to measure probability of a repeat offense.

Brenda Shoss, founder/president, Kinship Circle
A national 501c3 organization serving the animal advocacy community

KINSHIP CIRCLE
Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
www.KinshipCircle.org
www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

I think the video speaks for itself. There were eye witnesses (the journalists) and even a video taped admission by one of the accused. I consider that enough evidence for trial. Let a jury of his peers decide if he is guilty.

I disapprove of and I am very disappointed in Buddy Caldwell over this matter. Honestly it seems as though a back door deal was made between the AG and The St Bernard Sheriff's office in an effort to avoid liability.

A grand jury indicted them therefore there is probable cause to prosecute the people.

No, he did NOT do the right thing!

No evidence? I highly disagree...

As an animal rescue worker who spent 5 months in St. Bernard Parish (as a first responder immediately after Katrina)-one who saw first hand the inside of the schools, who lived at a FEMA tent facility with the grieving human families of these murdered pets...to say I am extremely disappointed at the lack of prosecution of those involved in such a horrible and heartless crime would be an understatement.

We rescued and provided the best care we could for thousands of animals. Had the SBP school animals been found by us first, they certainly wouldn't have been shot and left for dead.

As a rescuer, knowing that we didn't get to these animals in time to save them from a cruel and heartless death is hard to live with, and always will be.

Please bring those responsible for this inhumane massacre to justice. The entire nation is still waiting-as I am-to see if Louisiana officials will do what is right, or continue to condone such reprehensible actions.

Thank you.

I am outraged and incredulous. I agree with Mr. Steinway. Let's just call it what it is, instead of insulting our intelligence by claiming a "lack of evidence". This is about a Lousiana's new Attorney General thinking good ol' boy tactics will just make this go away. There is a video and eye witness testimony. Audio tape of that creep Minton acknowledging his crimes. What the hell do you need??? These monsters used these victims of Katrina as target practice. These dogs were peoples pets. I think about my own dogs and I see red. Those guys need to go down for their crimes and it's Buddy Caldwells job to see that it happens. Otherwise look for another line of work "Buddy".

I remember watching the video and seeing a yellow lab, a dog that is the stereotype of a friendly family pet.

The cameraman exclaims that the dog has been shot. Thankfully he does not show it. He then interviews a deputy who says he is shooting dogs.

Everyone who saw the video knows the deputy shot a dog for fun.

If there is video and witnesses to testify, why would this be dismissed. Is this OK in New Orleans?

I don't think the New DA is doing the right thing. I think these guys were killing family pets, not wild dogs. This is the most important fact on this issue, they were family pets that were left behind and were roaming around their neighborhoods. These pets would have responded to folks who were more compassionate. These police thugs were not looking at these poor animals as pets of families and instead saw these pets as wild and just decided to kill.

they should face charges of animal cruelty at a minimum and Buddy Caldwell is showing what he is made of now, same old Louisiana looking out for its boys as usual.

The uneccessary shooting of those dogs is tatamount to animal cruelty. The deputies should face full charges. The charges should not be dismissed. Doing that just tells people that is okay to hurt and kill animals indescrimminently. By the same token, the people who left their dogs to fend for themselves should receive jail time, fines and community service. This state's record on animal cruelty is dismal and it just proves how impotent and ineffective our government really is. I am completely disgusted. Shame on the D.A. for letting this crime pass by unpunished.

An open letter to the Governor of Louisiana and the Attorney General of Louisiana on the subject of the dismissal of the dog shooting case in SBP.

Sirs:

I am baffled and outraged that the charges against former Deputy Sheriff Mike Minton and Sergeant Clifford "Chip" Englande who were seen and videotaped in the process of shooting dogs on the streets of New Orleans after Katrina (in a video taken by an award winning photojournalist) have been dismissed due to lack of "substantial evidence". I fail to comprehend how such a travesty of justice is possible.

Deputy Sheriff Officer Mike Minton admitted shooting the dogs on the streets of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, the video shot by David Leeson, of the Dallas Morning News, showed the officers shooting the dogs. Due to some incredibly misguided decision, somehow rooted in the fact that apparently the video did not show the shooters AND the dogs together in the same shot, these charges have been dismissed. The video showed the officers with guns, the dogs, and the dead dogs after their despicable act, but that seems not to be enough evidence. Despite strong credible evidence, including the news photographer who was a witness to the entire event, these charges were dropped. This is appalling, and terribly troubling, and I firmly believe that this decision will bring dishonor to the State of Louisiana, the police and criminal justice system, its governor and ultimately upon its attorney general, who should be viewed as the arbiter of final justice.

It leaves me wondering where is the justice for these dogs, and for the owners of these dogs. If you cannot find justice for a defenseless animal, how can you profess or hope to mete justice for the human population of Louisiana?

Please know that I am intimately aware of post Katrina New Orleans, as I was in New Orleans post Katrina, helping rescue animals. In fact, I just returned to my home in California, after spending six months helping in New Orleans; this was my seventh trip to Louisiana since Katrina. I know that conditions after Katrina were horrendous; the damage that occurred then, and that remains today, is incalculable, and the death, destruction, and calamity that resulted were of a level never before seen in the US.

However, nothing that occurred, can excuse the lack of decency and humanity that these officers exhibited. Indeed, should you allow this matter to be dismissed you are effectively condoning these acts and this decision.

Please do not allow this absolute injustice to occur. The disgrace, dishonor, and the stain that will be brought upon the State of Louisiana, and the City of New Orleans, should you choose to condone and acquiesce with this decision are vast.

Finally, I truly believe that you have failed to take into account the reaction of the many people who have shouldered long with you in post Katrina Louisiana. There are many of us who have worked tirelessly to gain support and aide for your citizens, your cities, as well as for your state. I firmly believe that should this decision be left unchanged, it will leave many of us questioning why we should continue to help, given the gravity and depth of this travesty of justice. The after-effects of this could be far reaching; indeed, I believe it could badly damage your recovery efforts, as well as damaging your credibility. It will also serve to taint the perspective that people (from outside your state) will have of the State of Louisiana, the City of New Orleans, and of your citizens for many years to come.

Please therefore reconsider your position on this matter.

Welcome to "Bubbaland", where depraved sadism passes for law and order--even at the highest levels.

Tourists, take note.

Mr. Caldwell's decision to drop the charges against Minton has shot an arrow in the heart of every pet owner on the Gulf Coast. His cavalier attitude toward this heinous crime is not going to sit well with thousands who lost pets in Katrina.

Doesn't he realize that the people of our area, particularly St. Bernard Parish, are still emotionally fragile since and because of Katrina? How can he possibly think there will be no fallout from 'sweeping this matter under a rug'? The pet-people bond was proved healthy enough in our state to pass a first-in-the-nation pet/people evacuation bill. The network of humane organizations, individual rescue groups, and just plain caring people who love their pets is HUGE (and well organized) since Katrina.

Since we seem to be going back to business-as-usual in Louisiana, let's bring back tar and feathering! Who needs a trial! WE have enough evidence.

Shame on you, Mr. Caldwell... no, change that, I'm ashamed of you, Mr. Caldwell.

Charlotte Bass Lilly
Executive Director
Animal Rescue New Orleans

I have no idea why, after over 40+ years of rescuing animals, I'm still shocked and appalled by the inhumane actions of human beings. This is particularly distressing, because this is law enforcement, people you are supposed to trust. They should burn in HELL for what they did to those animals and I'm hoping for some sort of justice now.

I will never forget entering St. Bernard High School, in search of pets that were loved so much by their owners they were begging the rescue groups to get their pets out. I would have to say that was the worst thing I have ever seen in my life. The amazing thing is that we did find some very resourceful little beings that survived it all. That is the only reason I was able to keep going after walking into something that was like a horror show. The other stories relayed by residence about how law enforcement treated their own residences who just wanted to save their pets is just unbelievable. If only one or two people would have told the story I could see that maybe they were overly sensitive, but I heard the same story over and over again. I personally had to run out of a house when a law enforcement officer pulled his gun on my partner and the dog she was feeding.

It is appalling to me that this case was dismissed. Not only has a grave injustice been done to the animals and to their owners, but this makes the state of Louisiana look terrible. I agree...back to business-as-usual in Louisiana. Let's just put the laws on the books so that it LOOKS like we are doing what needs to be done. To hell with actually enforcing them.

I worked with Mark Steinway assisting in the animal rescue efforts in New Orleans, and have made two subsequent trips Louisiana to assist Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). As someone who cares greatly about animal welfare and who has three dogs of my own, I am appalled and disgusted that Attorney General Buddy Caldwell has succumbed to the “Good Ol’ Boy” mentality that remains a large part of law enforcement in southern Louisiana. There is the videotape, there is Mike Minton’s on-camera confession, and there is plenty of evidence that was gathered at the schools…what more evidence could possibly be needed? I would like to note that this is one of the most cowardly and monstrous acts of cruelty I have heard: unsuspecting citizens forced to leave their animals behind (some under threats of arrest or at gunpoint), with promises that they would be cared for, and the end result is 33 dogs callously shot and left to die, with no regard for their suffering. It is also my understanding that the helpless dogs did indeed suffer, as many were shot in the stomach, causing a slow and agonizing death. In nearly all cases, these dogs were the only tangible things that the survivors of the storm had left, and to learn that these dogs, many considered family members, were shot for the sporting amusement of jaded law enforcement officials is a truly sick twist of fate. These members of law enforcement took oaths to uphold the law, and to serve and to protect members of their parish…how can they get away with this cold-blooded and senseless crime? Their salaries are paid by the taxpayers, and as such, they should be held to the same standards as any other criminal. Bubba, er, Buddy Caldwell needs to get with the program and do his job to see to the prosecution of these criminals…there is absolutely no reasonable explanation or excuse for the terrible anguish that these villains have brought to Saint Bernard Parish. This is a sad day indeed for the most voiceless victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I was shocked, and saddened to tears, upon hearing the latest on the St Bernard Parish shootings, and upon hearing that justice for all the animals slaughtered, and all the rescuers that came to help them, and most of all the victims of Katrina that lost everything wasnt to be served. Buddy, how could you?? How could you? After loosing everything, then loosing a beloved family member on the whim of sadistic and unbalanced men that obviously found it fun to kill animals that were just looking for a little food and a friendly face. As one that went into the schools and saw what happened there, and after speaking to many, many people who lost aminals to the cruel and thoughtless bullets, I know without a doubt that no compassion or concern for them played any part in this decision to dismiss all charges. As a community we all count, and what hurts us hurts a community. Much was lost in Katrina that was not in our power to stop, but this was intentional cruelty, and we and you have a responsibilty to these people and the four legged family members that were killed needlessly and inhumanly. You have alot to learn; compassion , care and understanding for the feelings of the people, and the laws you vowed to represent. Your decision on this one is incomprehensible

Attorney general, please charge all those involved with these horrible shootings and put them in prison!

Having gone to MS to volunteer during Katrina, i'm outraged. AND i have absolutely no intention of going to Louisiana and spending one thin dime at any time if this is the kind of justice that is meted out by those in charge! No justice, but injustice! And i will post this everywhere, encouraging everyone to do the same. Help rebuild a corrupt society that looks the other way at animal cruelty? Not I!

Looks like the good old boys are back in power at the atterney generals office . He also should go to jail along with the deputies for dropping charges against those saint bernard deputies who shot those dogs .

David Wahl

I regret voting for Buddy Caldwell. This is an act he hopes will not be remembered at the next election, but I hope we will all mark the date of this decision as a day to remember in infamy and pay tribute on this date each year to abused animals everywhere.

I carry a gun and would not shoot dogs running the streets after a major disaster. I am married to a man who is incensed that the new AG of the STATE of LA is choosing to basically say this was OK of the deputies to do.
Please let us hope and pray that this new AG finds time and resources to prosecute issues that set good precedent for laws to be followed in LA. No shooting animals- they cannot shoot back. Follow the LSPCA lead in advocating for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Thank you.

I did rescue work after Katrina hit. I heard about the animals killed in the schools and was appauled that the sheriff could get away with lying to the public. But now to have a judge say that it is okay to lie to the public is even worse. Doesn't the truth mean anything anymore? A man watched his service dog get shot and bleed to death while television cameras recorded the event. He was devestated. How can you justify these actions by dropping the case? You have not done the right thing. You have wronged a lot of innocent victims.

I am disgusted with the outcome of this case. I personally rescue dogs from time to time. It is quite plain to see from the video footage there is sufficient evidence of guilt. I personally knew someone who died while trying to rescue their dogs. Its sad to know that while so many worked so hard to rescue the animals left behind others chose to take these animals lives in their own hands. If this isnt animal cruelty I dont know what is.

As a disaster relief worker, I spent time rescuing hurricane victims in St. Bernard's Parish and New Orleans. Matter of fact, one of the lucky Katrina canine survivors is curled up on my sofa as I write this. It is unimaginable to me that there is even the possibility that charges against Minton and Englade would be dropped, particularly in light of the video evidence that horrified audiences around the world.

Shame on you District Attorney Buddy Caldwell. Did you once stop to consider the suffering of the animals that were tortured and killed by those lawless thugs? If you don't care about the animals, then try giving some consideration to the residents of St. Bernard's Parish that were taken at gunpoint and forced to leave their animals behind so that Minton and Englade could shoot them for fun.

Yes, I heard many of the survivors tell the horrible stories of how they came to be separated from their beloved animal companions. Many told their stories with voices choked with grief and tears streaming down their faces. Do you even care, Mister District Attorney?

This is truly a dark day for New Orleans.
It does make one wonder why we are fighting so hard to rebuild the area. If that is your idea of justice in Louisiana, Mr. Caldwell, perhaps it is best off covered by the sea.

SHAME-SHAME-SHAME!!!

This is not about what I think - It is about what I know. How could Attorney General Caldwell have done the right thing by dismissing the most dispicable, heartless and Godless acts against defenseless and innocent living beings? There's enough evidence of who committed the massacres and if AG Caldwell doesn't allow justice to prevail, then he must have the mindset of one of them.
And to Mr. Defense Attorney: Yes, there was a lot heat from animal rights people... because the animals can't talk on behalf of their murdered brothers and sisters.

As long as the state of Louisiana and many of the rest of us view non human animals as property these atrocities are going to continue to be unpunished

This is ridiculous! Put the monsters who committed these atrocities away in prison, where they belong!

MR. CALDWELL-TIME FOR YOU TO GET ANOTHER JOB!

AS FOR THE WAY THIS CASE WAS HANDLE?

IT HAS BEEN A TOTAL MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE.

I AM TRULY OUTRAGED BY THE OUTCOME AND CAN ONLY SURMISE, THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SEEMS TO THINK THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC CONSISTS OF MORONS.

MORONS THAT WILL SWALLOW HIS PATHETIC REASONING BEHIND HOW AND WHY HE HANDLED( OR RATHER, *MISHANDLED*) THIS CASE, WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE.

LOUISIANA "JUSTICE" HAS LONG BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH THE WORD : CORRUPT.

I CANNOT THINK OF ANOTHER REASON WHY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WOULD FLUSH THIS VERY AIRTIGHT CASE, DOWN THE TOILET, OTHER THAN, WHAT ELSE?

CORRUPTION.

CORRUPTION IS WHAT MAKES THE GOOD OLE BOY NETWORK IN LOUISIANA, RUN SO WELL.

WHAT TRULY *JUSTICE SEEKING* ATTORNEY GENERAL, WOULD GO THROUGH THE FARCE OF ACTING LIKE THERE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE IN THIS CASE AND HAVE THE ABSOLUTE GALL TO ANNOUNCE THIS WITH A STRAIGHT FACE?

HE CERTAINLY DID NOT DO ANY DAMAGE CONTROL BY DISMISSING THESE CHARGES.

IF ANYTHING, HE HAS INFURIATED THE PET OWNING-ANIMAL LOVING PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA -AND THE U.S.A.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S TREATMENT OF THIS CASE, IS ONE THAT MAKES LIGHT NOT ONLY OF CRUELTY TO INNOCENT ANIMALS, BUT AS A DOUBLE INSULT, HE ACTS AS IF THE ON SITE TV REPORTERS(AND ANY OTHER WITNESSES), ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF AMERICANS THAT SAW THE VIDEOS, HALLUCINATED THE ENTIRE ATROCITY.

YES- EVEN WHEN MINTON ADMITTED ON VIDEO THAT HE HAD SHOT DOGS?

I GUESS THAT, TOO, WAS A FIGMENT OF OUR IMAGINATION.

BUDDY CALDWELL HAS JUST POSSIBLY MADE THE BIGGEST BLUNDER OF HIS CAREER.

THE PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA, AND THEIR PETS, HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH, LIKE MERE PIECES OF TRASH, THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE KATRINA EPISODE.

AN EPISODE THAT IS NOT QUITE OVER, EVEN NOW.

WE WILL NOT FORGET THIS-EVER.

SIGN ME,
A DISGUSTED AMERICAN.

JANICE SCLAFANI
ANIMAL RESCUE/WELFARE ADVOCATE

In times of crisis, law officers are trusted to restore order, not to add to the chaos and tragedy.

The heinous criminal actions of the two officers' indiscriminate shootings of stranded family pets is as inexplicable as it is appalling. Equally as repugnant and perplexing is the Attorney General's callous disregard of these injustices.

Contrary to what Attorney General Caldwell states, there is an abundance of evidence clearly supporting the vicious and violent crimes committed by these individuals including: eye witness accounts, video footage, and a documented confession from one of the two of officers (as we currently know) admitting to shooting dogs.

Apparently, this is exactly how Attorney General "BUDDY" Caldwell lives up to his name when it comes to choosing between favoring "buddies" over justice.

Bridget Soeder, research director, Kinship Circle
www.KinshipCircle.org
www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

Animal cruelty will never end if justice or should I say lack there of exists for those that we are to protect. This case is particularly heinous with respect to the atrocious manner that was used to eliminate these poor animals. This country better wake up, we are supposed to be a humane country and we are worse than most 3rd world countries because we do have the resources and elect not to put these in place. It is the 21st century many states continue to use gas chambers, allow shooting of dogs as a means of euthanasia, I can't really use that word in good conscience. It is purely disgusting and completely inexcusable.

The attorney general needs to open his eyes. This sure smells of that "good ole boys" mentality to me.

A videotape of the actual event is not enough evidence? OMG something smells very wrong here.

Lacked sufficient evidence? How can you watch that video and say that is not evidence? I am completely appalled. How can VIDEO evidence, including the eyewitnesses who filmed the incident be considered not enough? I am completely bewildered at this decision and ashamed that one of Mr. Caldwell's first actions as Attorney General is so obviously to have to deal with as little of the aftermath and injustices of Katrina. New Orleans residents are STILL waiting for proper recognition and reparations for what happened to them. Those levees should have never broke in the first place, but here again, we go back to elected officials and doing what is right to protect one of America's major port cities. The legacy of Louisiana government is notorious, and here it seems another elected official is picking up where they left off before the storm.

These animals were family pets, they belonged to people who were denied the right to rescue members of their family. So much was this denial an injustice in itself, a bill was passed just after Katrina that would prevent this kind of thing from happening again. Some serious consideration should be taken to the power of people who want to right a wrong.

Mr. Caldwell should remind himself that being elected for a position of authority after Katrina is a weighty job. He should not have the mindset that he can just come in and sweep away an important matter to people who put him there in the first place, just to make his job easier. No, he was elected for a tough job and needs to not shirk away from his duties and those of the courts. He needs to recognize his ability to bring justice to people who have so blatantly been ignored by their government at local and national levels. This is a slap in the face that crosses all economic and social backgrounds and he should be mightily ashamed of denying even a chance of justice to so many.

This was THE RIGHT THING?!?!?!? How extremely insane is this statement?!?!?

This is a felony in the state of Louisiana, of animal cruelty, so what is right about it? There isn't much more to be said that hasn't been said from some very intelligent animal rights advocates who were actually THERE to help the innocent victims of Katrina. The first atrocious crime to be committed was making responsible guardians of their companion animals to leave them behind. I still have a difficult time believing that such a thing happened in this day and age. And now, with these cruel and irresponsible authorities treating lives of these scared, suffering animals, as if it was a game to get rid of them....it is purely EVIL. As Brenda Shoss said earlier, very rarely does animal cruelty stop at just that. Maybe someone needs to review the actions of these men and their past...AND their present...to see how they treat their fellow humans.

Justice needs to prevail. If it does not and this just swept under the rug, so to speak, it will be a very black day for Louisiana and it's respect of the law, it's humans, and it's non-human creatures. Believe me, those of us who DO advocate for humans and non-humans alike will NOT let this go unnoticed.

DO THE RIGHT THING. NOT THE WRONG RIGHT THING.

It seems to me there is plenty of evidence that Clifford Englade and Mike Minton were willfully and repeatedly cruel and actively avoided more humane options. Time to prosecute the case and show that pets should be rescued, not blown away.

I spent two weeks in New Orleans doing animal rescue. The video of Minton is a disgrace to St. Bernard Parish and to New Orleans. NO is already perceived by the public as having the most corrupt police department in the Unites States. Dismissing charges against this guy with such overwhelming evidence just smacks of favoritism and "good ol' boy" politics.

This is a disgrace and to all my fellow animal rights acitivists...we all know where these murderers will be going don't we?
To all the murderers who took place in killing these innocent animals, just remember there is place we all go when we die - and for you I'm positive you will pay for what you did.
Tara Lorin
www.taralorin.com

I am absolutely disgusted by the dicision to drop the charges. There is evidence of these people in video footage killing dogs on the streets that were more than likely people's pets. But even if they weren't people's pets, it's still just as disturbing. These men who shot these animals need serious mental help. People who would kill pets in cold blood would probably do the same to humans, that's the start for most serial killers and hill billie gun wielding cops.
I feel the governor should step up and make sure the charges for the evacuees pets stand trial. Anyone that wants to protest, I'm game. I fortunately don't live in St. Benard and never would after this.

Ignoring and dismissing illegal behavior is the same as condoning it. The shooting of the animals in the streets of St. Bernard Parish was an illegal act performed by the very people who were put in place to uphold the law. It is scary that the state of Louisiana hires and outfits with weapons the very people who it should be protecting itself against. But to confound this travesty is that the very office, who's job it is to oversee that law and justice is carried out in the state, is wanting to sweep this little dirty secret out of the way. It looks like political corruption is still alive and well in the good state of Louisiana.

I had a comment regarding the St. Bernard Dog Shooting Case Dismissed. After watching the story, I was very upset to see how the justice system in Louisiana works. I am a former Louisiana resident and it saddens me to see how the legal system works when it comes to law enforcement officals taking action into their own hands. Charges should be pursued on the two men who murdered the dogs. There was no way to fully tell whether or not the dogs were dangerous. It is the equilivant of men shooting homeless people due to having the potential to do harm. If feel this case should continue to be followed and justice be granted to the owners of the animals.

How can this attorney general say "there isn't sufficient evidence?" Obviously, we've seen parts of the video (I heard the entire video was way too graphic for online viewing), and the parts we saw clearly show animal abuse. On top of that, there are credible witnesses.
But no, the sheriff's dept didn't need any help from animal rescuers, right? I feel that it's no different than the Michael Vick case. He too tortured dogs when he had other options, especially with the amount of money he has. These deputies knew what they were doing, KNOWING THEY HAD ANOTHER OPTION (letting the animal rescue groups help), so how is this different than Michael Vick or anyone else who has served time for animal abuse? It's not. The deputies hiding behind the badge are not above the law. I just can't believe the charges are going to be dropped, especially after watching that video. Absolutely unbelievable that these deputies aren't going to serve time for their abuse. There IS sufficient evidence, and this new attorney general is apparently on the side of these rogue cops. Hopefully justice will be served.

Please do not let this story stop here. I am so sickened by this
incident, I will never get the story and video images out of my head.
For our new Attorney General to cite "insufficient evidence"; Sheriff
Stephens to call these guys "heroic": and lawyer Pat Fanning to imply
that it was a(nother) Foti exaggeration -- turns my stomach.
That dog, very likely a beloved pet, probably approached the humans
expecting help and got a bullet. Executing someone else's pet for sport
after a national disaster is even far worse than football player
Michael Vick's dog executions -- and he's in jail -- and there were no
pictures. Please keep the pressure on this case -- I can't believe
that kind of law is acceptable in St. Bernard Parish.

I have long loved coming to visit in NOLA, and I am absolutely disguisted to hear that this case is being dismissed. The senseless massacre of helpless creatures (not to mention their killing in a torturous manner that only suggests their murderers likely have serious psychological disorders) amidst such pain and devastation as was inflicted by Katrina and its aftermath is unimaginable. Pouring salt on this wound is the fact that those responsible are literally getting away with mass murder, despite the fact that there is certainly enough evidence to let a jury decide their guilt. I think how a society allows animals to be treated says quite a bit about that society. Thus, by not pursuing criminal charges against the identified culprits in this case, local officials are allowing these horrific criminal acts to define the society they supposedly represent at a time when more enlightened thinking, not to mention greater assistance from Americans across the country, is certainly needed. All involved who do not deem this an important case for prosecution are doing an incredible disservice to their community and should be held to account, not only by we "outsiders" who came in to help after the storm, but by locals who are outraged. All told, let's be clear: the decision to dismiss is amazingly pathetic, short-sighted and of course morally repugnant. I am ashamed.

I can't put it any better than Mark Steinway and others have expressed. Animal lovers in Houston followed this story from the beginning, wrote letters to the governor and other officials of Louisiana, tried to bring national attention to the story and are now horrified that once again animals and the Louisiana citizens who care and have a conscience continue to be at the mercy of a backwards, uncaring political system. Hopefully Louisiana's new Governor will truly be able to live up to his dream of bringing Louisiana politics into the 21st century. As Karin Dalesky so rightly put it this is a sad day for the most voicless victims of Hurricane Katrina.

This is digraceful. New Orleans must stop sweeping their actions during Hurricaine Katrina under the rug. Killing flood victims, whether two legged (as in the nursing home case) or four legged (as with homeles animals) should be harshly dealt with - NOT IGNORED. BOYCOTT NEW ORLEANS!

I feel it is pretty reprehensible for this case to be summarily dismissed. Not being on the inside it is hard to tell what information (or incentive) was used to make the decison to dismiss. This dismissal action does seem to help re-enforce the Southern stereotype of good old boys who enjoy cruel activities and cover up for each other. From a public point of view and responsible accountability, LA would have come across much better if this had been allowed to go to trial and undergo public scrutiny.

I have spent much time in New Orleans before and after the hurricane. It is common knowledge that corruption has a stronghold there. Corruption is a huge variable stiffling progress and efforts being made to bring back New Orleans. Mr. Minton admitted shooting the dogs. How much more evidence does one need? This was not a case of using water boarding to obtain the information. He supplied it under no duress!

PROSECUTE!!!

How can anyone say there is not enough evidence against these pathetic hateful ignorant "backwoods" thinking individuals? Dropping this case against these 2 morons who openly admitted to killing innocent pets makes me sick to my stomach. My God look again at the video of especially how these pets were running up to them for comfort only to be shot dead!! What is wrong with our state? Are we that backwards? The world is watching this case. Send the right message. Convict these men who wrongfully committed these acts. I am so tired of being known as the "dumb" South. When will we change our image? Mr. Caldwell-"good ol boy"-What is the real reason behind dropping this case? I wonder.
Giselle Moises
Katrina victim
New Orleans
PS>I too was one who stayed behind watching the waters rise around me. Animals swimming & people as well. I did not go around shooting for target practice. Then again I do not own a gun & I don't believe idiots like Minton & Englande should either. I was too busy trying to help as much as possible.

Here we go again..... corruption, and more corruption! The 'good 'ol boys' in blue covering up for their own. This mock play
arrest was a joke. Aren't we all fed up with it? These victims were all INNOCENT living and lovable pets.
It is good that we vent our shocked outrage about this unjust atrocity here on this blog BUT........Don't you think

What we all need to do and must do is not only write here and contacting newspapers and media, BUT we must come together and get up a huge protest in front of the Attorney General's office and the Sheriff's Dept.
We KNOW Minton is GUILTY! Don't these animals deserve Better? Don't they at least deserve true justice?
We MUST STAND UP AND DEMAND that this horrendous 'heart pulled out of your chest' corrupt decision be overturned and a jury decide this case of outright slaughter and murder.
There IS MORE THAN sufficient evidence.
I will certainly take part as many times as needed in this protest. Just let me know when and what location first!

All has already been said, but I'm adding my voice to it as well, in writing.
This is despicable, and these primeval 'people' should not be allowed to do what they will in a modern society. If they are able to callously and pointlessly kill innocent creatures, what do you think they're doing to their fellow human citizens? (Though I do not believe one form of life is higher than the other.)
These reprehensible people need to be punished, so this disgusting act is not allowed to happen again.

We are very sad of this outcome, but we also are not surprised. We prayed that justice would prevail and hoped that our pets would be given their day. But again, politics have stepped in and ended any fairness in our justice system.

We thank everyone who has helped us since day one. You will never be forgotten.

Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell and his office are totally responsible for dropping the charges against Minton and Englande.
And WE KNOW it's not about a case being dropped for insufficient evidence, [because there is plenty of evidence]. This is not only a travesty, it's an outrage of injustice by crooked politicians, ONCE AGAIN! WE MUST DEMAND JUSTICE for these innocent kindred friends, and continue to fight the fine fight until proper justice is given and the criminal(s)are put in jail for some years.
It takes a very very sick individual to assert his power by abusing the defenseless. And it takes a diseased system to justify and permit this.
As long as a culture deems particular beings to be of less worth,it will then allow for violence against those beings. This is the root of all social injustice.

All this case proves to me is that those who believe that NOLA should not rebuilt or assisted in rebuilding have more ammunition (no pun intended). The stereotype of no criminal justice, rampant crime, corruption, bad police and lack of deep community decency is only proven to the rest of the U.S. by dropping the charges. Dropping the charges is especially appalling after what NOLA & LA did to Dr. Po.

Except, PNW Observer, this case did not occur in New Orleans, it occurred in the parish of Saint Bernard.

Not mentioned in most sources: Most of the dogs were shot in the gut, the hindquarters, the face... 'To relieve suffering'? I think not.

What I would like to do to these gentlemen (and, as a Gulf War veteran, I certainly could) is highly illegal and therefore will not be done. I'd settle for measures designed to keep them from breeding. (Did you know that one of the officers has a wife? How can she stand it?)

I am glad Congress has since (late 2006) passed a law requiring any locality desiring federal emergency aid to have an evacuation plan in place that provides for peoples' pets. Not that news of this has yet reached Oklahoma; refugees from the flooding/oil spill we had last summer were not allowed to bring their pets either. But, needless to say, I will never--*never*--trust anyone, least of all any authority, with the safety and welfare of my animals except myself. And if said authority tries to evacuate me at gunpoint without my pets, they'd best have brought a body-bag...

It's terrible that this case was dismissed. The people who did this should be brought to justice, and there is certainly enough evidence to bring them to trial. No one should get away with that kind of brutality.

This dismissal is beyond outrageous.

"One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and get away with it." - Dr. Margaret Mead

Surely that fact can apply to adults, as well. Remember: people do to animals what they wish they could do to humans. Fear of consequences is all that stops some of them. These perpetrators must face consequences.

Never forget that although you are in a tiny part of a state, your decisions and actions *do* matter. People all over the world (literally) are interested in and are watching this case.