WHAT'S NEXT

Justice for More Than 150 Huskies Neglected in Alaska
  1. Signatures
    14,128 out of 15,000
    Petitioning
    1. District Attorney (+ 2 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • District Attorney (Roman Kalytiak)
      • District Judge (David Zwink)
      • Attorney (Lindsey Burton)
  2. Created By
    Becky Breeding
    Chugiak, AK
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates
How We Won

Jan 24, 2012

Last year, 157 emaciated, neglected dogs were confiscated from Alaska breeder Franch Rich. The local community wanted justice for this extreme animal cruelty. In addition to protesting at hearings, they were supported by more than 14,000 people who signed a petition on Change.org by local husky owner Becky Breeding. The support was so overwhelming that the judge mentioned at the sentencing that he had to call the IT department to help him handle the flood of emails from the petition. Frank Rich received the maximum sentence under Alaska law -- 6 months in jail and 10 years probation, during which time he can't own any dogs.

On, January 10th, animal control in the rural Alaska community of Matanuska-Susitna Borough (a.k.a. Mat-su), seized 157 emaciated dogs from breeder Frank Rich.

Veterinarian Katrina Zwolinski told the Anchorage Daily News that the husky/malamute dogs were all in horrible condition. "All of the dogs have long hair, and you can still see the hip bones. Their spines. Their ribs."

There were no food and water bowls in sight. Many of them had already eaten as much of the fresh snow as they could reach. Another 22 dead dogs were found on the property. 

Rich had quit his job in October and said it was a struggle to keep the dogs fed. But he admitted that he had not asked for help. Instead, he continued to breed dogs.

Unemployment is no excuse for letting dogs suffer and die. 

This isn't the first time Rich has been in trouble. In 2007, his kennel was cited for unsanitary conditions. He currently has a license pending to house 168 dogs.

Rich is facing 50 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Help make sure he's prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Photo credit: timo_w2s

 

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Please Seek Maximum Penalties Against Frank Rich for Animal Cruelty

Greetings,

On January 10th, 157 dogs were seized from the home of Frank Rich in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The dogs were all emaciated, and one has already had to be euthanized due to its condition. Another 22 dogs were found dead on the property. There were no food and water bowls in sight, and many of the dogs had already eaten as much of the fresh snow as they could reach.

Neglect is animal cruelty. Even though Mr. Rich knew he couldn't care for them, he didn't ask for help and continued to breed more dogs. This is not the first time Mr. Rich has neglected his dogs. In 2007, his kennel was cited for unsanitary conditions.

Too many dogs have already suffered. Please seek the maximum sentence against Frank Rich and show that Alaska does not condone animal cruelty and neglect.

Thank you.

[Your name]

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