SAN FRANCISCO – A woman whose dogs viciously attacked and killed her neighbor in the hallway of their apartment building seven years ago was sentenced Monday to 15 years to life in prison. Marjorie Knoller was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2001 mauling death of Dianne Whipple, but a judge later reduced the charge to involuntary manslaughter and sentenced her in 2002 to a four-year prison term. But the California Supreme Court last year said the trial judge was wrong and sent the case back. Last month, Superior Court Judge Charlotte Woolard reinstated the murder conviction, for which Knoller was sentenced Monday. The case is the California’s first murder conviction connected to a dog mauling, prosecutors say. The case turned into a tabloid sensation because of the viciousness of the attack — the dogs tore all of Whipple’s clothing from her body and left her with more than 70 bites — and the seemingly cavalier attitudes of Knoller and her law partner and husband, Robert Noel, who blamed Whipple for the attack. The couple also said they were keeping the canines on behalf of a white supremacist accused of running an attack dog ring from his state prison cell. The couple eventually adopted the prisoner, Paul “Cornfed” Schneider, as their son. Knoller, who has served three years in prison, will have to serve 12 more years before she can apply for parole. In denying Knoller’s plea for probation, Woolard noted that Knoller didn’t call 911 or otherwise try to help Whipple during the 10-minute attack. The judge said Knoller knew the dogs were dangerous, ignored numerous warnings to train them and hasn’t expressed remorse for the attack. “She has blamed the victim and has held her dogs in higher regard than humans,” Woolard said. Whipple’s partner, Sharon Smith, addressed Knoller before she was led off to jail. Smith called Knoller’s relationship with the two dogs and the prisoner “perverted” and expressed satisfaction with the lengthy prison sentence. “It is very hard to find forgiveness for someone who doesn’t accept responsibility,” Smith said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080923/ap_on_re_us/fatal_dog_mauling

Aggressive Dog Proposal Includes Steep Penalties for Owners

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Commissioners will take up a possible solution to Forsyth County’s problem of aggressive dogs at Monday night’s meeting.

Last year, dog attacks in the county reached an all-time high, with over 600 reported to animal control. A ban on certain breeds was first considered, but now commissioners are looking at heavy fines and steep penalties for the owners of any dog deemed aggressive.

The move away from banning certain breeds comes after months of research and examining dog ordinances across the country. The animal control advisory board determined the best way to stop aggressive dogs was to target their owners, because dog bites can come from all breeds: Chihauhuas to pit bulls.

The advisory board’s proposal would allow any dog that bites or kills another animal or shows other signs of aggression to be deemed aggressive. Once given that determination, the law would require owners purchase $100,000 worth of liability insurance, build an approved enclosure, having the animal spayed or neutered, put up warning signs, and have the dog photographed and registered.

If any of the requirements is violated, the owner would be subject to a $500 fine. The proposal would also require owners of dangerous dogs to pay an annual $100 licensing fee, and the dog would have to be on a leash and wear a muzzle if taken outside its enclosure.

By BRENT CAMPBELL
FOX8 News

http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7486979&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

I just received a call from  the shelter. A small ( less than 15 lbs)6 yr old terrier was just surrendered by her elderly owner . Shelby was brought in because she has a small mammory tumor as well as several broken teeth. Her owner can not afford treatment for her and brought her in requesting she be pts. Kim then asked the owner if it would be ok if she contacted us to see if we could help Shelby…..the owner agreeded that if help could be found for shelby she should not be put down, adding that she would not be taking Shelby back as she her self was in poor health. I have already been on the phone with our vet who gave us a ballpark figure of 260.00 . This price will cover shelby’s spay, bloodwork, bring her up to date on vaccinations, have a heartworm test and of coarse remove the tumor. I am headed to the shelter this afternoon to see and take photos of Shelby.I will post her photos this afternoon. We can not pull Shelby without help , our rescoures are stretched to the limit. We pulled 5 last week and were able to raise funds for only 1 of the dogs. As always our veterinarians name, number and address are available upon request to all that donate. To donate to Shelby simpley use the donation button on our homepage and note that it is for “Shelby”

Rescue Angels

Tail tucked between your legs,
Confusion in your eyes-
I know it’s hard to understand
That someone heard your cries.
When loneliness is all you know
And pain is all you feel
And no one can be trusted,
And hunger’s all too real…
That’s the time the Lord sees you
And let’s you know He’s there .
That’s when He sends his messengers ,
The hearts that love and care.
Yes, rescuers are angels.
You cannot see their wings .
They keep them neatly folded
As they do their caring things.
The medicine to make you well,
Good food to make you strong,
And finally to help you learn
That hugs are never wrong .
The perfect place then must be found
The home where you can live,
Secure and safe and happy
With joy to get and give.
When you reach your Forever Home,
Your place to feel whole ,
The Angels smile and off they go,
To save another soul.
~Author Unknown