Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, December 12, 1994 TAG: 9412130039
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: DANVILLE LENGTH: Medium
The protesters, mostly family and friends of the dog's owner, carried signs around the Danville courthouse denouncing the death sentence imposed by General District Judge Ryland Dodson. The quiet rally lasted about an hour.
Dodson ruled Dec. 2 that 6-year-old Smokey is vicious and ordered the dog to undergo a lethal injection. The Postal Service had threatened to cut off service to Smokey's street if he was not restrained by his owner, Craig Jackson.
Smokey's case has drawn attention around the country. Rally organizers said they expected a heavier turnout, especially from animal-rights activists.
``I am an animal lover and I just can't believe there's no more of us in Danville than this,'' said protester Carolyn Jordan.
Representatives of several animal-rights groups said last week they were unsure whether they would attend because they questioned Jackson's responsibility as the dog's owner.
Smokey isn't neutered and has sired about 100 puppies over the years, Jackson said. Some people carried signs with pictures of the offspring and a request to ``Save My Daddy.''
Dodson had ruled that Smokey is vicious, although the dog hasn't bitten anyone. State law defines a vicious dog as one that has killed a person or caused serious bodily injury. The city code makes it illegal to harbor a vicious animal, but doesn't define the term.
Jackson has filed an appeal in Circuit Court that is set for next month. He said the death sentence was meant to punish him more than the dog. Jackson has been convicted of misdemeanors in Dodson's court.
by CNB