Friday, March 26th, 2004
PAWS
Actionline
A weekly opportunity
to make a difference
for animals
PAWS Campaign Against Circuses That Use Performing Animals
Important Links
PAWS Animal Cruelty Resources and Links
Legislative Links
Washington State- House of Representatives
- Senate
Federal
- House of Representatives
- Senator Maria Cantwell
- Senator Patty Murray
Vote Smart is an excellent resource for all sorts of legislation.
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PAWS Mailing Address:
PO Box 1037
Lynnwood WA, 98046
PAWS Physical Address:
15305 44th Ave W
Lynnwood, WA 98037
Alleged Dog Abusers Charged with Felony Animal Cruelty- Arraignment Hearing Next Week
On March 8, 2004, 20-year-old Steven Paulson and 18-year-old Troy Loney allegedly roped a stray dog to a tree near Wilkeson Elementary School (near Tacoma), and shot it numerous times using a bow and one arrow. The two men are alleged to have removed the arrow from the dog’s body, reusing it to shoot the dog over and over again. Pierce County prosecutors said that the men threw the dog’s body into Wilkeson Creek after the dog had died. Local police decided not to arrest the men, one of whom is the son of Wilkeson Mayor, Doug Paulson. However, Pierce County prosecutors charged Paulson and Troy with one count each of felony animal cruelty. If convicted, the pair could face maximum prison sentences of five years and fines of $10,000, although sentencing guidelines for a first offense call for less jail time.
The arraignment hearing for the two men will be held in Pierce County Court next Friday, April 2nd, 1:30 pm, at which time the men will plead and a trial date will be set.
What you can do:
Please attend the arraignment hearing. It’s important that we demonstrate to the law enforcement community that animal abuse will not be tolerated. PAWS works to educate the public and law enforcement officials about the cycle of animal/human violence, and about the importance of tough prosecution of animal abusers to end this cycle of violence. The more people who attend these hearings, the stronger the message!
When:
Friday, April 2nd, 1:30 pm
Where:
Pierce County Courthouse
930 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
Criminal Division 1, hearing room #560 (5th Floor, left off of elevator)
Public Hearing will Address Proposed Magnuson Park Sports Field Plan
Over the past few months, we’ve updated you about plans to build a regional sports complex at Sand Point Magnuson Park, home to at least 175 native animal and bird species. The City of Seattle is proposing to construct a 22+ acre sports field complex at the Park, consisting of 11 synthetically turfed playing fields. The latest development is that the City has filed a variance request with the Department of Planning & Development to construct as many as 78 light poles in Magnuson Park, each standing 65-85 feet tall! Lights will remain on until 11:00 pm, 365 nights a year. Lighting experts have projected that the City's plan will emit approximately 400% of the lighting at Safeco Field.
This plan, should it go through, will have devastating impacts on the surrounding habitat, as well as the birds and animals who reside at the Park. The projected impacts include the destruction of Park’s wetlands. Run-off from the synthetic fields and the huge amount of night light glow is predicted to either destroy (or drive away) virtually all native birds and most native animals. Despite this, the City continues to push for City Council approval of their misguided plan. The project is expected to cost upwards of $60 million, yet committed funds from the Pro Parks Levy total only about $10 million.
What you can do:
1) Send an e-mail to the Seattle Department of Planning and Development at prc@seattle.gov to protest this planned construction variance. The deadline for public comments is April 7.
2) Attend the public hearing on this issue that will be held at City Council chambers on Wednesday, April 21 at 6:00 pm, to Council chambers are located in the new City Hall building at 600 4th Avenue, Seattle, 98124 (entrance is on 5th Avenue between James and Cherry Streets).
If you have questions, please contact Diana Kincaid with Friends of Magnuson Park, at (206) 781-2525.
