Payson Roundup

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

Tom, I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees the problem. I had never heard from Mr. Kendall at all. So, I shocked at his response to my letter about his dogs attacking me. I kept his name and the Animal Control officer's name anonymous as a courtesy . After all, it wasn't about getting back at anyone. I was hoping that, if I showed how animal control is out of control, other’s like yourself would step up to make a difference. I am so afraid that the apathy about Animal Control is an accident waiting to happen! I’m hoping it won’t take a tragedy or a child being mutilated to get people to wake up. Mr. Kendal’s response just proved my point. I was glad that Mr. Kendal did finally have to prove rabi shots for his dogs and have his dogs quarantined. He can blame me for that. But it sure took a lot of my hard work, with letters to Chief of Police, Don Engler, Supervisor to Animal Control,, Lt. Garvin, and, finally, to Payson Roundup to even get that done! Mr Kendal bragged that he did not get cited! Dog owners haven't got much incentive to be responsible, do they? Isn’t the dog bite policy that they must be cited if the dog bite causes a “break in the skin?” I have pictures of the dog bite, if anyone is interested. I’ll take one today, because It still looks pretty nasty and I am still tending to this painful wound that happened three weeks ago!! When his dogs attacked me, Mr Kendall never even bothered to walk the half block down his road to see if I was OK, let alone “offer me a ride home.” Furthermore, if he was close enough to have a “conversation” he would have noticed my torn-bloody jeans where his dog bit me. He just shouted that this was a “dead end road!”( By the way,I also live at the end of a “dead-end road. I have never prevented anyone from using it.) I was so terrified. I was so shaken at that point that I probably would have accepted a ride home from Charlie Manson! But, I walked away slowly, hoping not to provoke him or his dogs any further. Mr. Kendal watched from his driveway at the end of the road! Mr Kendal even suggested that I should be cited for “ illegal trespassing” on HIS dead-end road. W. Rancho Road is a public easement/city property! He arrogantly stated that his dogs “generally” do not cross the “electronic confinement system.” Well, that sure didn’t work for me! Besides, I have since done some research and, the Animal Control policy states that your dogs must be fenced or leashed. Shock collars are NOT part of Payson’s dog confinement policy; probably because they only “generally” work! His letter sounded like he was making it up as he went along. Maybe he thinks I’m one of those people who loves to sue. I’d settle for Mr. Kendal and dog owners like him to be treated like anyone else who endangers the citizens of Payson. I will not be intimidated. I WILL continue to insist that Animal Control learns from what happened to me before something tragic happens.

rtnaz (Rex Hinshaw) says…

Ms. Kelly , having read your letter to the editor , Mr. Kendall's letter , and now this post , I'm confused. Were you attacked on Rancho Rd., or on Mr. Kendall's property?
Mr. Kendall stated that he saw you ” approximately 70 feet beyond his gate into his yard”. If you were attacked on his property , I believe it's your responsibility. If your were on public property , I believe it's the dog owners.
I've known Mr. Kendall for many years and found him not to be a braggart , arrogant , or make things up….all of which you accused him of in your post.
Finally , I am sorry about your pain and suffering….but what does that have to do with your assertion that Animal Control needs to learn something from your experience?

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

Thanks for asking, Rex. I was attacked on W. Rancho road about 20 feet before there was a rock marked “111.” It's about a half a block down the road from Mr. Kendal's house. I am glad you shared that Mr. Kendal has great qualities and I hope you're right. He certainly did not treat me well when his dogs attacked me. You asked what that has to do with Animal Control learning from my experience. I want Animal Control to follow their own policies! It took letters to the editor and to the Animal Control Supervisor to even get them to varify rabi shots and to tell the dog owner to contain his dogs for a short time. That scares me! The dog owner was not even cited. That scares me! When Officer Tanner tells me, before he even talked to mr. kendal, that he is good friends with the family, that the Kendal's have him on “speed dial” because they get upset when their dogs get loose, that the Kendal's dogs are contained by an electrical fence which is against Animal Control policy, and that he won't be doing anything because it is a legal “grey area” since Mr Kendal owns a lot of property on W. Rancho Rd. That scares me! If Animal Control does NOT learn from my complaints, what are we waiting for?? If the Animal Control policies mean nothing, what do we have an Animal Control Officers for?? Maybe you're right. Maybe it doesn't have much to do with Mr. Kendal. It has to do with how Animal Control handles issues of safety for Payson's citizens. Again, Thanks for asking!

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

Mr. Kendall wrote in response to my letter to the editor identifying himself as the owner of the pack of dogs that attacked me. He also identified Officer Tanner as the Animal Control Officer who responded. I never mentioned Mr. Kendall's name, street address, nor did I mention Officer Tanner's name in my letter to the editor. My goal was to take pro-active steps to make Animal Control and dog owners take responsiblity and, hopefully, cause positive changes for all. If Mr. Kendall choses to identify himself or anyone else in what happened to me, that is his choice alone.

Tom_Garrett (Tom Garrett) says…

As i said on the original string, it looks like we have a whole new ball game, doesn't it?

I wondered how there could be such a vast difference between what Kathleen said in her letter and what the dog owner said in his. Having read the dog owner's letter which mentioned an “electrical fence,” and having done some research and found that it isn't a fence at all but simply a collar that zaps a dg when it strays beyond a given point, I was looking into it to see if it complies with state, county, and city statutes defining whether or not the dog was “at large,” in other words not fenced in or otherwise controlled in accordance with the statutes.

Here's the answer, in AZ statutes:

11-1001. Definitions

2. “At large” means being neither confined by an enclosure nor physically restrained by a leash.

Therefore, since the dogs were neither confined by an enclosure, nor restrained on a leash, they were, under state law, “at large.”

It may very well be that an a dog collar that zaps the dogs when they start to exit an area is a handy convenience, but it does not appear to meet the legal requirements for ensuring that dogs are not at large. And if Kathleen Kelly was where she says she was, then the dog owner is clearly at fault. Perhaps he feels that the fact that the road is a dead end lessens the likelihood of an encounter between his dogs and a human being, and I'm sure it does, but I see nothing in the statutes which gives him the authority to make that decision. Furthermore, we all know that when a dog is excited nothing short of physical restraint will keep it from reacting.

From her conversation with the animal control officer it seems unlikely that Kathleen Kelly was anywhere else except where she said she was. His comments, if he was quoted correctly, appear to indicate a situation where he was trying to smooth things over precisely because he saw there had been a violation, knew there had been others in the past, and did not want to see the incident to become explosive. Otherwise, it is very hard to explain the comment, “When Officer Tanner tells me, before he even talked to mr. kendal, that he is good friends with the family, that the Kendal's have him on “speed dial” because they get upset when their dogs get loose…”

I find it impossible to believe that anyone could create such a comment out of whole cloth.

Tom_Garrett (Tom Garrett) says…

Therefore, we are back at square one. This matter needs to be looked into.

We don't need to go crazy over it, or to overract, but someone needs to look into the matter and see to it that Animal Control is reasonably and properly enforcing the statutes requiring that dogs be kept under control.

I have always believed that a law enforcement officer of any kind should be afforded a reasonable amount of leeway in enforcing the law. Without that we have a situation where law enforcement becomes so rigid that every nit-picking little violation ends up in court. Warnings often do just a much good as citations, and if we don't trust the people we charge with the responsibility for enforcing our laws, we make a mistake. In this case, however, a decision as to whether or not this case falls outside the range of reasonable leeway needs to be made.

In addition, Mister Kendall may be a fine person, and I'm sure he is, but if he is not complying with the law he needs to do that just like anyone else. It appears that he tried to do it with an innovative system that allows his dogs more freedom that they might otherwise have, but until the law is changed my opinion is that he needs to confine his animals. I don't think that even he would argue that if his animals had been behind a fence this incident could not have occurred.

Furhermore, though we all love them, dogs are animals. They think like animals. They reason like animals. And they react like animals. There are times when dogs which are otherwise happy, friendly creatures, being pack animals, can feed on the behavior of other dogs around them and attack humans for no other reason than they are there.

I have seen that myself, seen it with my own eyes. It doesn't mean that dogs are “bad.” It simply mean that they are dogs.

As anyone who reads this forum already knows, I am bitterly opposed to over regulation of any type or kind, but I do not view laws which require that dogs be confined, or on a leash, in public areas as over regulation. I see it as a reasonable attempt by rational people to protect both the dogs and the humans they might harm. Once a dog bites the harm is done. Now we have a situation where a human has been harmed and the dog, should it ever bite again, is in danger of being put down. Many beloved animals have died under those circumstances.

Let's hope this matter has a good resolution.

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for really “listening” Tom.

Tom_Garrett (Tom Garrett) says…

Wecome! :-)

Tom_Garrett (Tom Garrett) says…

Looks like the Humane Society will get its full support from the Town Council. That's a good thing if we can do it. If Animal Control had to pick up all strays they would be overwhelmed.

In truth, I do not envy the job of someone who has to approach an angry, snarling animal, dog or otherwise, which might have rabies.

By the way. Here's a question? Is there an vaccination that humans can get for rabies? Is it a big deal? Do animal control officers get it?

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

Tom, thanks for asking. ER nurses love to get that preventative medicine information out there.
Unfortunately, we have no vaccination for Rabies at this time.
If you are bitten by an animal and you do not know if they have been vacinated for rabis, you MUST report it. The animal MUST be checked for the rabies vacination and quarantined if they have not been vaccinated. The animal MUST be found to determine if it has rabies. So, if you are bitten by an animal,be sure to be able to give a good discription so that it can be found. It is important to know that we have no cure for rabies. if you do not get the series of shots after you have been bitten by a rabid animal you will die a very painful death. But it is also good to know that the rabi shot series is now a lot more comfortable than they were five years ago. Thanks, again, for asking, Tom.

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

Tom, your neighborhood ER nurse was wrong! we do give rabi Preventive Vaccination (No Exposure) to People at high risk of exposure to rabies, such as
veterinarians, animal handlers, rabies laboratory
workers, spelunkers, and rabies biologics production
workers should be offered rabies vaccine.
•
The vaccine should also be considered for:
- People whose activities bring them into frequent
contact with rabies virus or with possibly rabid
animals.
- International travelers who are likely to come in
contact with animals in parts of the world where
rabies is common.
The pre-exposure schedule for rabies vaccination is 3 doses, given at the following times:
Dose 1: As appropriate
Dose 2: 7 days after Dose 1
Dose 3: 21 days or 28 days after Dose 1
For laboratory workers and others who may be repeatedly exposed to rabies virus, periodic testing for immunity is recommended, and booster doses should be given as needed. (Testing or booster doses are not recommended for travelers.) Ask your doctor for detail

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

FYI from your neighborhood ER nurse:
Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system. Rabies is almost always fatal unless treated before symptoms appear.
Risk Factors
The only risk factor for contracting rabies is contact with an infected animal. Death usually occurs within a week after symptoms appear.
Symptoms in animals may include:
Erratic behavior, often overly aggressive or vicious
Disorientation (eg, nocturnal animal such as a bat or fox appearing in daylight)
Diagnosis
If you think you have been exposed to rabies, see a doctor or contact a public health official immediately.
If the animal is available and appears well, it will be kept under observation for 7 to 10 days. If no symptoms develop, you are not at risk for rabies. If the animal is sick or dead, it's head will be shipped to a special facility where its brain will be examined for the presence of the virus. In the meantime, you may be advised to begin treatment.
If the animal is unavailable, treatment may often be recommended depending on the animal's species, where the encounter took place, and other factors.
Treatment
If an animal has bitten you, immediately do the following:
Wash the wound immediately with plenty of soap and water to remove saliva; this is the most important first step you can take in preventing rabies.
Call your doctor or seek care in an emergency room.
If it is likely that you have been exposed to rabies, your doctor will recommend postexposure prophylaxis. This involves two injections:
Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG)
This should ideally be given within 24 hours after exposure. It contains large quantities of antibodies to the rabies virus. In most cases, half of the dose should be injected into the wound and surrounding tissue. The remainder is given intramuscularly. If you have previously received rabies vaccine, you may not need the HRIG shot.
Over the next four weeks, your doctor will give you five shots of one of these vaccines.
Prevention
Vacinate house pets.
Avoid contact with wild animals.
Do not touch any wild animal, even if it appears to be dead.
Seal basement, porch, and attic openings to prevent an animal from entering your home.
Report any animal to your local animal control authorities that is acting strangely or appears sick.
If you regularly come in contact with animals, have the rabies vaccine prior to any exposure to rabies (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Booster doses are often required.

Tom, great question! Thanks for asking.

Tom_Garrett (Tom Garrett) says…

Great answer, but I'm a little confused. I'm trying to figure out where I said that a nurse had told me about rabies shots.

Anyway, great answer.

I read a lousy book, which was supposed to be good (John Master's “Nightrunners of the Bengal”) in which someone died of rabies. It was obvious the author was describing something he had seen. Horrible! Absolutely horrible!

The book was lousy; I quit reading it when just a bit past halfway done. Masters wrote some good books. That isn't one of them.

Shovelhead (Mike McLaughlin) says…

Do you actually think a person who would abandon their pet has enough conscience to drive 100 miles each way to abandon it?

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

OK, I thought I had heard it all. I thought I was done with my questions about Humane Society and their campaign to get more money for their budget. I do support the Humane Society's honorable mission to provide shelter, health care, neutering and treatment for animals. But, what-ever happened to the good old days when they took animals in, kept them for a few days,and got them adopted. Once they were adopted, they would get neutered and were given shots. If they were not adopted they would be humanely euthanized. The no-kill shelter has perpetuated a serious problem with animal over-population. Have we forgotten the overwhelming cost to neuter and give medical care to all of them? The Humane Society pushes the problem back on us and encourages us to adopt as many pets as we can. Many end up back in the streets. So, we are back where we started. They are transporting, at great expense, the animals that do need to be euthanized to Globe. Sounds to me like the logical solution would be to save on gas to drive to Globe and figure out how to euthanize humanely here in Payson. Their proposed building project is supposed to take care of their crowded facility. They are overcrowded because? So, the new facility would need more staff, more supplies, more and more everything to justify more money for the budget. It looks like they are solving problems by expensively creating new problems to justify asking for funding an ever- increasing budget. But, the last draw for me was this “Champagne in the Garden” event to be held in Star Valley. You won't believe what the benefit is for.
This ladies garden social will benefit the Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats! Yes, they trap feral cats so they can neuter them and give them back to us! Thanks but no thanks! Am I the only one that sees a problem here? Collecting feral cats is great. But why do we need to neuter them and how much does that cost? Feral cats are usually wild and unadoptable and, OK, I’ll say it, a nuisance . Is it just me? Do some people have too much time on their hands and money that they don't know what to do with?? I'd go to a Champagne garden party to raise funds for housing for people who have lost their homes in these hard times. I have done benefits for scholarships at the high school, breast cancer, and senior citizen causes. I would host a benefit for helping those many poor souls that come into the ER seriously ill because they can't afford to buy their medications. We live in Payson, not Beverly Hills. We are going through a depression. Is being sensible with money a contradiction to loving animals?

patrandall (Pat Randall) says…

Kathleen,
I agree with you and have been saying the same thing for months.
Draw a circle on your computer screen then bang your head on it every few minutes. (:

I don't want stray cats in my neighborhood. Neutered or otherwise. Yes, they can't breed but they still go potty where and when they want. They tear up screens dig up plants, steal pet food and I don't know what else. But that should be enough reasons to stop the program.
One more thing some people like my son are very allergic to cats. He doesn't have to touch one just go where one has been. His eyes and nose run and he sneezes and coughs. Not a pretty sight.

When I was a little girl here in Payson and there was no Humane Society or Vets. If people had animals they didn't want or couldn't care for they used chlorform. Painless. Problem solved. I don't know why the humane society can't do that.

Keeping animals in cages for months and wasting money because they are not adopted is not helping anything. Especially the poor caged up animals.

No I am not an animal hater. I have always had dogs and my kids always said I took better care of the dogs than I did them.

In Jan. I had to have my dog I had for 17 yrs put to sleep. He was cremated afterwards put in a pretty little wooden container and then I spent more money to have a brass plaque placed on it.
“George” Our soul mate April 23, 1991-Jan. 21, 2009
He sits on a table in my bedroom.
In March I got another Schnazer named Panzer. He has cost me over a thousand dollars since I got him for vet bills and medicine, not counting the fence I had built so he could run loose in my yard. He is worth every penny of it.

So don't anyone out there say I don't care for animals,

Kathleen (Kathleen Kelly) says…

AMEN, Pat, I think you and I figured it out. It has nothing to do about caring for animals. It's all about money. I don't think they'll invite us to the Chapagne lady's gardem party.

patrandall (Pat Randall) says…

Getting off the track of dogs and cats.
When we owned a ranch up here and lived in Gilbert, we took a steer to fatten up for beef.
After he had been in our pasture in Gilbert for about a month with me feeding him hay, grain and handing him lettuce over the fence, once he was butchered I could not eat the meat. I even had a hard time cooking it for the rest of the family.
He had become a pet, eve tho I couldn't get near him in the pasture or ever touched him.
All animals have a personality and feelings. He knew when I came out the back door if I had a snack for him or not.

Back to the cats and dogs. I don't think there is anything more depressing than going to the humane society or pounds. When I was looking for a another “soul mate” in March. I went to several including the one in Payson first. I feel so sorry for the animals that are caged up. All of them no matter what age look at you with hope and pleading in thier eyes saying please take me home and love me.
Is that anyway for an animal to live month after month? NO

Of the 12 or so dogs I have owned since 1955 I bought three. One for my 56 yr old son when he was 5 and the 2 schnauzers. All the rest were strays that came by and never left or someone had a dog they thought I needed and brought it to me.
Several I had to have put to permanent sleep because of illnesses that could not be cured after thousnds of dollars in Vet. bills, or so old they could no longer get around without whining every step. Yes, I ended thier misery. I did not take them somewhere to be caged up and suffer until they dropped dead. Yes, it hurt but the animals were no longer in pain and misery.

Tom_Garrett (Tom Garrett) says…

You know what the bottom line is in all this?

Actually, there are two of them I think.

One is that people don't have their cats spayed or neutered as they should, and that leads to a lot of cats that have kittens that end up as strays.

The other one is the people—I've seen this with my own eyes—that drive up from the Valley with an unwanted animal and release it. Otherwise, where do all those dogs and cats come from? I'm talking about the healthy ones, the ones that are obviously pets but don't seem to belong to anyone?

Okay, so why do people drive up here from the valley to release unwanted pets?

Get this now!

Because we have a no-kill policy and they can clear their %$#@! consciences by dumping an animal on us!

Another thing, if you compare the number of stray animals taken in up here with the number in a city of comparable size that does not have a no-kill policy you'll quickly see that we have an incredibly large number of strays.