Protest4Bandit Update

Hello All!

As you know Bandit was the rat terrier pet killed back in June 8th, 2007 while waiting for his owner, Ron Pelletier, in his truck. Bandit was horrifically killed in retaliation of an earlier argument that took place at Bentley’s Pub in Arundel, ME.

Well as some of you know Michael Morin has pleaded guilty to the felony of Aggravated Animal Cruelty today at the York County Superior Courthouse in Alfred. It has been a long day with tons of anticipation. With lots of going back and forth during the day, Morin was given 2 years in County Jail with all but 8 months suspended, 2 years probation with conditions, and $875.00 restitution. Morin was allowed to continue to have domesticated animals. He mentioned that he currently has chickens and has had dogs and cats. The judge asked Morin if he wanted to apologize to Ron Pelletier, owner of Bandit, and Morin declined. The charge of breaking and entering was dropped.

Ron gave a short and heartfelt Victim’s Statement. There were no winners here today but it gave some hope that the justice system is becoming serious on the Animal Cruelty laws.

There are many thank you’s that need to be given here:

Ron Pelletier, Bandit’s owner
Robert Fisk, Director of Maine Friends of Animals, as well as the Board Members and support team.
Katie D. Lisnik, Maine State Director for the Human Society of the United States
Steve Jacobsen, Executive Director of the Animal Welfare Society
Town of Alfred (permit for protest)
York County Superior Courthouse and their Security who allowed our protest
PetSeason.com
BestFriends Network
Portland Press Herald – Anne Gleason, Staff Writer
Pet-Abuse.com
Sun Chronicle – Kate Irish Collins, Assistant Editor
Channel 13 WGME
Journal Tribune – Beatrice Marovich, Staff Writer
ThePetitionSite.com
Downeast Dog News
PETA.org
Peace of Mind Pals
Odd Dog Rescue, NORTH – Safe Haven Humane Society
Another Chance Animal Rescue
New England Cable News – Amy Sinclair
WMPG – DJ Josh
Biddeford Saco OOB Courier – Stephanie Grinnell, Staff Writer & Brandi Neal, Editor
York County Coast Star
Maine Animal Coalition
Bernstein Shur – Counselors at Law
Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals
Voice for Animals
Top Dog Country Club
Maine Animal Control Association
My Family & Friends

Thank you to all the protestors that attended and their pooches! To those that came up with the t-shirt ideas, those that have written letters and sent emails to the District Attorney, TV stations and their local papers, those that have handed out and put up flyers. As well as to those that wrote and encouraged me to continue on…

Please remember folks to continue on fighting for the cause. Please remember that there are many animals out there still that need us in one way or another. Please remember to support your local organizations by volunteering, donating whatever you can whether it be monies or supplies and never be afraid to speak up. Please be the eyes and ears and voices for our animals. Also remember the shelters and rescue organizations if you decide to get a pet. Those animals are awesome and more times than not, are so much more grateful to be finally ‘home’.

There will be a gathering in the future at a dog park in memory of Bandit, I will send an email out soon on that with the date and time.

Ree Gonzalez
Protest4Bandit