In today's Courier-Journal, there is an article on Metro Animal Services and the department's "aggressive" enforcement tactics. This situation should alarm everyone, even if you are not an animal owner. The article details the gestapo-like "raids" on unsuspecting citizens who try to sell a few puppies. The department even admits that only "one in four" raids are targeted toward supposed dangerous breeds.
Back in mid-November I wrote this post about Metro Animal Services. Nothing has changed.
This looks to be more of a scheme to generate revenue for the city more than an attempt to protect residents from dangerous dogs. I would like to hear your comments.
Sounds like the city is setting up for a lawsuit to me. I seriously doubt the folks at MAS have any real idea of this inconvenient little thing called the Fourth Amendment. I wonder, did they have any legal input before they set upon this ill-advised course of action? I haven't read the ordinance, but I have to wonder, does it really prohibit a family that happens to end up with a passel of puppies selling them?
ReplyDelete"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
ReplyDeleteThis, to me, is clearly a Fourth Amendment issue. MAS officers in disguise arrive at your home and never disclose their intent and never agree to make an actual transaction. So, there is no "crime" or violation of the ordinance in that there was no sale of any animal, nor any guarantee to complete a transaction. The real cops then show up and confiscate your property, permanently alter the property, then bill you for their trouble. This is almost as bad as it gets. Any reasonable observer could see that this situation is problematic. Metro Government should be sued and an injunction should be obtained so that the enforcement of this ordinance would be rendered impossible while the case against the city is pending.
ReplyDeleteThese are not cases that involve the harboring or sale of illegal animals like wild wolves or elephants. They are puppies, for Christ's sake. If I had the necessary time to join a group to battle this ridiculousness, I would certainly do so. Any citizen that cares about property rights should be aware of this situation. After all, YOU could be next.
BT
If there is anybody that starts up a group or something let us know.i will sure be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteJames
This troubles me on so many levels. This is just another example of government getting too big and erroding our rights and liberties. We can only hope the Federal judge that will be hearing the suit against the ordinance believes in truly upholding our Constitution. Until then I remain a concerned citizen holding onto my liberties, my guns and my pets with everything I have.
ReplyDeleteThe Louisville Kennel Club is fighting these abuses of power under color of law, and I'm sure they can use all the help you can give. So, you locals that say you'd like to help stop this insanity, please, give them a call and volunteer in whatever capacity you can to help! Everyone here commenting so far is correct, it could be you next.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know. For anyone interested, the Louisville Kennel Club can be reached at their website, and the following link has info on litigation.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.louisvillekennelclub.com/community/