UPDATE 2/4/03 on the Montana Collies

Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt

*Permission to crosspost*

The American Kennel Club has suspended the AKC privileges of Athena Lethcoe-Harman and Jon Harman for the next decade.  The 10-year suspension carries with it a $2000 fine.  Kim Eberley, AKC Executive Field Agent, determined the minimum standard of care and condition required by AKC for the animals was not met.

According to Toole County Undersheriff Don Hale, Mr. Eberley visited Camp Collie on Feb. 3 and today, and inspected 54 male and 2 female dogs.  When his investigation was concluded, he had enough evidence to warrant his findings.  Undersheriff Hale escorted Mr. Eberley to the truck this afternoon.

The Harmans have the right to appeal the suspension at a legal hearing, and to be legally represented, continued Undersheriff Hale.

A new trial date has not been set.  A reminder:  Undersheriff Don Hale requests that only phonecalls, emails and faxes that will enhance the prosecutorial efforts be sent.  I will keep you informed.

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.