Stand up for dogs again

To the editor:

A few weeks ago, many dog lovers stood in protest at the Palmer Courthouse. We were there to represent and advocate for the nearly 160 dogs that were slowly starved at the hands of Frank Rich. Many of these dogs died because of the neglect and abuse resulting from lack of care given to them by Rich. The others that survived bear emotional and psychological scars that may never heal.

Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue (ADPR) took about 60 of these puppies and 20 of adult dogs. One of these adult dogs was just returned by the adopters, who stated that this dog was just too damaged emotionally to ever trust in a human being again. We won't give up! ADPR will continue its support for this poor animal.

Recently, Frank Rich called Channel 2 news for a press conference at his home in order to defend and explain his actions toward his dogs. What he said was that these dogs were "like members of his family" and that he "loved" them.

Oh my. Suffice it to say I am glad not to be loved by Rich or to be a member of his family.

How does he treat beings he doesn't love or consider a family member? He also stated that he didn't want animal control involved because he didn't want his dogs to be euthanized. Much better, I suppose, to watch them slowly die of thirst and hunger. In fact, in 2007, Rich asked animal control to euthanize many of his dogs because he could not feed them.

Unfortunately, justice is not always swift or fair. That afternoon in court, Rich backed out of a plea agreement and plans on going to trial. The pre-trial conference hearing is at 3:30 p.m., Jan. 12, 2012. Soon it will be a full year since this horror was brought to the public's attention.

ADPR asks that you, the public, show your outrage at Frank Rich's behavior and the damage he has inflicted on these helpless victims. Join ADPR in demanding Rich serve time in jail, pay any required fines and never be permitted to own an animal again. It was you, the public, who rose up in defense of these dogs and donated money, food and other materials to nurture their damaged bodies and emotional states. Stand up for them again. Come to the courthouse on Jan. 12 and give Rich a message that his behavior will not be tolerated.

Thank you for your support of these helpless dogs. If you have any questions about protesting at the courthouse or other issues regarding this case, call Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue at 745-7030.

Angie Lewis

Palmer