Side Effects Section

02|25|09  Compiled By: Ken Sondej (4winds@viawest.net) & Linda D. Witouski (dropfred13@aol.com)

Aberporth, Wales, UK (2008) Defense attorney Colin Taylor said, "This must be the most ridiculous case ever brought before this court." The prosecution was going for the death penalty.

Allegedly, Beth the 13-year-old dog growled at two elderly women, and "they were left distressed." Under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 (c.65), the court "may order the destruction of any dog in respect of which the offence was committed." But then the defense called Beth, their star witness, to the stand. She was asked to open her mouth, and when she did, she revealed nothing but gums.

(Linda's note: Supposing she was asked to "show the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth." ...Sorry, couldn't resist ! )

Said Mr. Taylor, "The dog has no teeth. How on earth could it be classed as dangerous?"

Owner Maxine Turner of Aberporth told Cardigan magistrates that all Beth's teeth had dropped out two years before.

"She can't even chew her dog food because she hasn't got a tooth in her head. What is she going to do - lick people to death?" added Ms. Turner.

Beth was found overwhelmingly not guilty.

Click for state-by-state details on Animal Rights Agenda (ARA) in the United States, (and more quirky crazy examples of rabid law enforcement), also visit Legislative Articles. Linda and Ken have done an extraordinary and long-overdue job of bringing legislative groups and efforts together.