November 12, 2008
Dear Editor,
On November 10, 2008 the trial was held at San Pedro Town Magistrate’s Court. The trial was to prove or disprove that Erwin Reynolds on the 8th September 2008, at Caye Caulker Village, in the Belize Judicial District, wantonly tortured a dog, namely Gizmo (aka “Gizzy”), owned by Jessie Benner.
The trial was presided over by Magistrate Emmerson Banner. After the testimonies and material evidence were presented by the Complainant, Jessie Benner and the Defendant, Erwin Reynolds, Magistrate Emmerson Banner found the Defendant, Erwin Reynolds to be guilty of the crime “Cruelty to Animals” Contrary to Section 326 of the criminal code, Chapter 101 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000.
For those of you unfamiliar with this case, this is a follow-up on the Amandala’s “Letter to the editor” dated Oct 12, written by an animal advocate and Oct 19, 2008 written by the wife of the Defendant.
On the 8th September 2008, my miniature Pomeranian, Snuggles (8 lbs) and my average sized Pomeranian, Gizmo, were crossing the street from the beach in front of De Real Macaw Guest House. We were returning from a long walk. They did not have a leash on because they had just finished their morning swim and we were at our destination.
Erwin rode by on his bike, my dogs barked at him and went slightly in the direction of his fast-moving bike. I got the attention of my dogs and they were coming to me. Erwin took this opportunity to get off his bike, lean it up to a shed on the beach, go into the park to find a large Fanta bottle and come after my dogs. About 6’ away from me, Erwin walked up to my dogs and threw the Fanta bottle with a strong force at my dog Gizzy. Gizzy cried out in pain and limped into my hotel yard.
I took Gizzy to Animal Medical Center where he was examined by Jane Crawford, DMV. Upon examination, Gizzy showed signs of discomfort on touching the area of the knee (stifle joint) revealing instability of the kneecap (patella). Basically, his knee-cap was dislocated. Ms. Crawford applied a hind leg splint to immobilize the joint, which led to further complications for Gizzy.
On the 20th September 2008, the progression of infections to Gizzy’s right, hind leg resulted in the amputation of his paw. It was recommended to me that his whole leg up to his hip should be amputated………I could not do it. I must try to save what is left of his leg by braces and prosthetics.
This was not the first incidence of Cruelty to Animals directed at Gizzy. The first incident started shortly after I refused to co-sign a large loan for Erwin’s wife, and intensified when I did not hire her after she was terminated from her job at the bank.
On Caye Caulker, we often see incidences of Cruelty to Animals. If an individual does not like a person, they do something to their pet. This year alone there have been incidences of animals beaten/choked to death (while chained up in their own yard), poisoned or disabled. A few weeks ago, Erwin let his pit bulls loose to maul another dog. This dog was lucky. The owner took it to the vet to be stitched up. Erwin agreed to pay the man (owner) for the vet bill. The majority of the owners know who did the cruelty; however, they choose not to press charges. I, however, chose to go forward.
According to the “Cruelty to Animals” law, Erwin Reynolds is to pay a fine of $100 Belize dollars to the court. In order for me to be compensated for all the medical bills incurred for the treatment and future treatment for Gizzy, I need to follow up with a Civil Action.
During the hearing, I was waiting to hear Erwin say that he did not mean to hurt Gizzy, or that he was sorry for the injuries and the pain Gizzy sustained from him. However, that was not the case. Upon leaving the courtroom, Erwin said loud enough for me to hear, “I should have killed him”!
I am actively looking for an attorney to start a Civil Action in this matter. Maybe after it is all over, Erwin will think twice about hurting an innocent animal.
Sincerely,
Gizmo’s Mom