Hi All, Last month I posted about the 180 collies that were confiscated at the Montana/Canada border on October 31st. The owners were transporting the dogs from Juneau, Alaska to Arizona and the dogs had not been fed or watered for a week when confiscated. One dog was dead and I cannot imagine how many more would have died during the 4 days it would have taken to get to Arizona. The dogs are being held in Shelby, MT until the owner's animal cruelty trial. The trial was supposed to begin on December 2nd but has now been postponed to January 12th. Every month it costs $35,000 to house, feed and provide vet care for these dogs. The citizens of Shelby have volunteered their time to walk the dogs twice a day.
I am asking for two things: First, if you, your Berner club or your all breed club can make a donation to help these dogs in great need, send a check to the Toole County Community Collie Rescue Fund at the First State Bank of Shelby, 260 Main St. Shelby, MT 59474. The fund is administered by the sheriff's department so your donations will be used only for these dogs. Second, the Toole County justice of the peace will preside over this trial. I suggest that individuals and clubs send her a letter asking to protect these dogs from the inhumane treatment by their owners. Unfortunately, Montana laws are very lenient and most of the dog owners I have spoken to are worried that nothing will be done to protect these dogs. You can send your letters to Janice Freeland, Justice of the Peace 235 Marias Ave. Shelby, Montana 59474. Please cross post to other lists. Thank you, Shelley Gonzales Flathead Kennel Club of Montana (all breed club) Bigfork, MT
