10/09/2024
PLEASE READ!!!!
UPDATE: Thank you to the animal rescue supporters! Brigid plead not guilty yesterday and a trial has been scheduled for November 4th at 2pm in Kona which we will attend. Brigid does have an attorney representing her.
Brigid did bring proof that the dog in question was neutered and microchipped the week prior to the summons being written. It appears that the Animal Control officer's chip reader was not working properly.
There have been comments suggesting that this was a situation of an irresponsible owner. This dog was found as a stray and Brigid saved it with the sole purpose of getting him healthy, neutered, and available for adoption. This is what rescue is!
It is with a heavy heart that I am sharing the recent turn of events with our followers.
KARES and other local rescue groups both 501c3 nonprofits and local good soul rescue groups have been targeted by animal control from their administrative manager, Matt Runnells, under the direction of our Mayor, Mitch Roth, who has yet to answer our numerous pleas for an explanation and assistance.
"KARES" and "Friends of the Menehunes" located in Ocean View have been cited, charged fees, court filings and withheld pertinent information about microchipped KARES pets that they have impounded.
I will spare you all the details unless you want to call us to speak firsthand. 808-333-6299
If their current mode of operation causes us any further financial and emotional hardship I find no alternate but to cease operations.
I am asking the community to rally in the defense of all the rescue groups who work 24/7 to help you and all the animals suffering on the Big Island.
Simply put Animal Control is out of control. Targeting rescue groups and not the real culprits in our community is shameful.
Please contact our
Mayor, Mitch Roth
Matt Runnells, Animal Control Boss
and or your County Council Representative to voice your opinion.
Please DO NOT fall for the line that you were given misinformation. I have all the facts that are documented, indisputable and available upon request. Call us for concrete proof.
Important!!!
This Thursday on October 10th at 8:00am Brigid, founder of "Friends of the Menehune's "'the animal angel that has saved over 100 dogs spent $40,000.00 of her own money plus countless hours of love rescuing the helpless, located in Ocean View is to appear in Kona Court for ridiculous animal related charges.
She faces a possible $1000.00 fine and jail time because a rescue dog jumped out of and back into her yard in front of an over zealous animal control officer. Brigid's fence blew down during our hurricane winds.
She was repairing the damage as the officer drove by. Now instead of assisting her to prop up the fence she smiled and cited her. How pathetic...
What you can do:
Show up in court on Thursday at 8:00am in Kona to show moral support to Brigid. ( By the way it is her birthday that day).
We are starting a "Go Fund Me" to cover court costs and citation fees for her and all up coming legal battles with Animal Control and our current government officials who refuse to step in and be thankfully supportive of all the groups that pitch in daily.
Yes, our helpless animals matter. We must stop the killing and the lies they tell us that they don't kill!
Vote for the person who will change the status quo.
Please donate to support Brigid in her fight to clear her name and pay her fines so we don't loose her. She is passionate and wants to continue to be a voice for the homeless pets in Ocean View.
Mahalo and please help us fight the good fight.
Debbie Cravatta
KARES
Founder and President
Donate to www.kareshawaii.org/donate.
