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Pennsylvania

ACTION ALERT: Calling all animal welfare advocates to help seek justice for Edna!

February 21, 2008 : 9:50 PM
Join us March 5th, in Philadelphia, PA for a peaceful presence at a press conference concerning the case.

Victor Rodriguez, the juvenile of Nicetown charged with 'terroristic threats', 'attempted robbery by extortion' and a litany of other offences, following the 'Edna' animal cruelty case, failed to show up at his pre-trial hearing on January 31st (Petition #830-07-12 under the jurisdiction of Assistant District Attorney, Angel Flores) at the Youth Study Center. The court issued a bench warrant for his immediate arrest. Since then, Rodriguez has eluded Police.

In response to this case, a petition was created to Verizon and to Mayor Michael Nutter. The petition, which gathered over 5000 signatures, requested Verizon streamline its coordination with the Philadelphia Police and other law enforcement so delays in providing information would never happen again in cases of animal cruelty. Verizon responded with a cover letter enclosed with 2 responses that were previously posted in the Philadelphia Daily News. This cover letter and responses put the blame for the delay on the Philadelphia Police and did not address streamlining its policies with law enforcement. The petition also requested Mayor Michael Nutter address this case by putting the pressure on the Philadelphia Police to find the individual(s) responsible and to find Edna.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Join Edna's guardian, William Whiting, at a press conference scheduled for March 5, 2008 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Verizon - Pennsylvania Building (1717 Arch Street, Philadelphia) to formally present the petition to Verizon and to Mayor Nutter.

Please share this action alert with all of your animal loving friends, family and rescue contacts. 5,000 of us signed this petition - now let's see how many people we can get to physically come out and show their support!

If you plan to attend and would like to purchase a $5 t-shirt (design pictured above) to show your support, please contact steffie92_bfas@yahoo.com.
All proceeds go directly to the purchasing of the shirt- they are being sold at cost. All t-shirt orders MUST be sent to steffie92_bfas@yahoo.com by noonish Wednesday February 27th.

There will also be posters distributed.

This case is being closely followed by Governor Rendell's 'Dog Law Advisory Board', as well as the Pennsylvania SPCA and PETA, (who combined resources along with an anonymous donor to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for this animal cruelty crime).

CONTACT INFO

For information on how YOU can contribute to the peaceful presence and stand beside Edna's guardian, contact William Whiting at billandedna@hotmail.com.

For t-shirt orders, contact steffie92_bfas@yahoo.com.

Click here for recent news on this case.

Pictured above: T-shirt design for the rally

Reprinted with permission
Posted by Nicole, PA Team Leader, and Steph, PA News Associate and County Rep


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Comments
  
March 1, 2008 at 9:11 PM
posted by: coley0502
Christy and Ross K, We will continue to post updates the PA community as they become available. Thank you SO much for your compassion for Edna and her heartbroken guardian, Bill. Say a prayer for her please. There is still no information on her whereabouts.

Tulipwalk-. glad you and your friends can attend = )

Rachel, Many thanks for crossposting off the network to spread the word.
  
February 29, 2008 at 10:04 AM
posted by: ChristyACB
I am absolutely heartsick about this case. What I don't understand is how the authorities DON'T understand the wider implications of this case! The way he's charged shows that his threat on the phone regarding the person is more important than the torture and death he inflicted on the dog! It is a terrible loophole in our system that allows the same mental torture on the human family without the life sentence penalty for kidnapping and murder. There is so much work that needs to be done and you are all taking a wondeful first step that may save many others.

While I am in Virginia and can't attend, though I tried to figure out a way to, I too would like to support the cause of justice for this poor mite who did nothing but bring joy in her life.

Please post details for those of us out there who want to help from where we live.
  
February 29, 2008 at 12:40 AM
posted by: rossk1953
I am unable to attend on March 5, but would very much like to see justice done! Is there a fund to which I ( and others) could donate in support of "Edna?" I am absolutely sickened by the entire situation( i.e.-Bill's emotional torture, and the cruelty inflicted upon Edna!) Please let us caring souls what we can do! Thanks-
  
February 28, 2008 at 2:27 PM
posted by: tulipwalk
I'll be there and I'm bring a pose!
  
February 22, 2008 at 11:56 PM
posted by: justroar
i just crossposted this everywhere that i could think of. i hope to see everyone there!
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