UPDATE 1/29/03 on the Montana Collies

Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt, from Shelby, MT

*Permission to crosspost*

Closing arguments were presented by both sides. The defense would have us believe US Customs officials at the border of Sweetgrass were responsible for all of the Harmon's problems and Mr. Benjamin's testimony was an "absolute calculated, unmitigated lie."

The prosecution reviewed evidence showing the defense's case was all about the defendants, not about the dogs. He reviewed the photos of Mr. Benjamin's testimony, showing that the "airfoil" in question (see update 1/28/03 part I) was folded down during the test that he ran, thus duplicating the air flow exactly.

The prosecution reminded the jury INTENT does not have to be proven, just NEGLECT. He closed with, "Convict these people of the atrocities they inflicted upon these animals."

Folks, the jury is deliberating right now, when there is a verdict, I will let you know. Let's all say a prayer and hold very positive thoughts for a successful conclusion to this rescue mission.

 Calmly,

 Jean Levitt, President AWCA

 Lisa King, AWCA Director AWCA Rescue

 Officers and Members of AWCA

 If you would like to assist AWCA with this rescue effort, you may send a check to:

                          Bethany Burke

                          AWCA Treasurer

                          2807 Lee Trevino Court

                          Shalimar, FL 32579

 Make the check out to AWCA and in the memo area note:  collie rescue-medical, collie rescue-stainless steel, or collie rescue-general.