To Judge Joely O’Rourke and Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer:
This is in regard to the Wilson animal cruelty case. While I understand not wanting to put a 90ish-year-old man in jail, I think there could have been some more safeguards to ensure this doesn’t occur again.
This was not the first time these people have held animals in unsanitary and cruel conditions. I know it’s too late to do anything about this case. However in the future I would hope you would consider adding some random home inspections by animal services to the sentences.
I’m sure you are well aware that hoarding is a mental disease, and will not go away just because of a court’s prohibition on having animals.
I’m also all too well aware that animals are property under our antiquated laws. However, we are working to change that. Meanwhile, these poor creatures are at the mercy of the court. I would hope the court would show them some mercy as well.
Michaela Forbes
Shelton
