No ‘willful intent’ found in death of SPCA chief’s dog
The Richmond animal-protection office concluded yesterday that "no willful intent was found" in its investigation of the death of the family pet of Robin Starr.
The finding apparently will end all investigations into the demise of Louie, a 16-year-old poodle mix who died of heatstroke after being accidentally confined in the Starr family's car when the outside temperature was about 90 degrees.
Starr is the chief executive officer of the Richmond chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is a longtime animal-rights activist. She was with her family last night and did not attend an annual fundraising event for the SPCA that drew a record crowd and record donations, a representative said.
Jody Jones, manager of the Richmond Animal Care and Control Division, could not be reached for comment last night after the release of a two-sentence statement, which indicated that the office's investigation of Louie's death consisted of interviews with Starr and her husband, described in the statement as "both parties in the incident."
Ed Starr has said he left the dog in the car and did not tell his wife.
Since the dog's death was disclosed this week, the city commonwealth's attorney's office has informally maintained that there was no apparent willful violation of state animal-cruelty laws.
Starr could not be reached last night for comment but her office released a statement saying that "the Richmond SPCA and the Starr family have been greatly heartened by the outpouring of support from the Richmond community."
The statement describes Louie's loss as "tragic" and said the community's response has been "compassionate."
Contact Bill McKelway at (804) 649-6601 or
.
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Reader Reactions
Good point MJ.
(about the domestication)
As far as OUR desire to have a lil meat .....
I guess that people have varying degrees of empathy when it comes to animals.
Precisely my point about judging others.
Some people think that animals are lesser beings that people. I dont know what to think about that.
but I disagree with them as much as vegitarians disagree with us.
Still American law has protected MUCH worse in the name of freedom…right?
With so much injustice going on, I find people that picket against Starr or Vick have their priorities backwards.
It was ill advised for me to mock Starr. I am fine with letting the law handle both of them accordingly and, focus on more pressing issues.
BTW
Some hunters eat what they kill… but most literally kill for sport.
http://www.highadventureranch.com/youth_hunts.html
such sites are quite easy to find
Either way I dont see beef processing shows on Sat mornings.
Hunting and hunting shows are for entertainment
you know that…...
so do I.
Some people enjoy seeing “impact shots”
They watch the show not b/c they are hungry and, need to learn a better means to hunt but, b/c its FUN to them.
(like wolf hunting from a helicopter…... its not for food okay)
you know that…..
as do I.
The way people convince themselves of anything else is quite frustrating.
Even if just ONE hunter was killing for fun. That hunter killed anumals for FUN than some of the people that animal rights extremist go after.
The fact is MUCH more than one hunter is killing for fun and with a full belly and a cooler full of beer…. right ?
Com’on MJ are you serious?
Whats fustrating is that you are serious…. and may be formulating a defense for hunters now
I will not try to convince you otherwise
one more BTW
aren’t wolves K-9s too! :-)
If you dont see the world as I do than such things will not be as obvious
But I encourage you to try ..
I think the wolf killer just got a book deal..right?
but no jail time
but like Star her that murder of K-9s just may be legal. only in the USA
Maybe Vick should take up wolf hunting
HA…..... he’d be hated for that
You know that
So do I .........
If you would like to continue send me your email
Thanks
General…a hunter shooting a deer, is not the same as someone torturing and killing a dog. I do not hunt but hunters shoot and kill a wild animal, they eat the meat and keep the antlers etc.
A dog is a domesticated animal bred for thousands of years to look to humans for care and love. Because of the breeding, they intrinsically trust humans (though every individual is different). That’s why killing dog is far worse. A better comparison would be cattle, which also have been domesticated.
It is a bit of a double standard, but one has been bred for loyalty and service, while the other for meat. I like my burgers so I can see the difference.
I could never ever harm a pet but I readily eat meat when I want to. I can relate to vegetarians who see the hypocrisy of slaughtering food animals but being outraged when a pet animal is killed…..though I’m not ready to give up my burger, I am a bit conflicted.
Any thoughts on this line of thinking….?
?????????
I think that you are inferring alot.
Especially about blacks wishing bad karma.
I made a deliberate point in one of my post to say that Vick had supporters of all races but, those that were and are against him seem to be one color.
I said Vick’s supporters (black and white) got fed up with extreme animal right s guys and that’s why you may feel like the minority ( on this issue )
I did not think I had to repeat that since that post was meant for you.
Anyway
Its okay b/c I’m not the most eloquent writer so if you misinterpreted something that I wrote then I’ll take responsibility.
Plus I’m at work and, I dont take the time to try to read my pos, from your perspective (like I normally would before I send).
So my bad for not being more clear.
FYI
I also talked about hunting, the klan, disproportionate race on one side of the Vick issue and, other legitimate reasons to wanna vent about the subject yet, the most compelling thing you can pull from my post is a mis-interpreted comment about a black cat?!
I dunno about you now TF.
Anyway I am more concerned about events here in GA. Remember?
I dont think you read my post but, again I bet there really easy to understand b/c of my expert writing skills eh? :-) So its all good.
I still dont even know Ms Star’s full name.
I just stumbled on to this article.
I should have save us both some time and just said:
“how ironic :-)“
in my original post.
Thanks anyway
General-
Since you have mentioned “black” cats a couple of time as being “least popular”. Yes- you are right that some people-especially ones who are not fond of cats in general- dislike or fear “black” cats. Some people will target them especially on Halloween. The reason has NOTHING to do with RACE- it goes back to the days of witches and black magic- witches were known to use black cats in rituals- supposedly. Some think they are evil and posses powers and bring bad luck. That is TOTALLY RIDICULOUS! I have had the privilege of being the owner of MANY cats since I was very young. Most of my cats were either black or black and white. Cats are beautiful, smart and nothing evil about them. They just are a variety of colors. However- I did always keep a closer watch on them for that reason.
As far as “black” people wanting Starr to get “karma”-it should NOT be an issue or BLACK OR WHITE. It should be an issue of how dogs or pets are treated. They are glad “Louie” is dead to prove a point and bring her down?
I do not like Vick because of his HORRIBLE treatment of dogs- before then I did not know who he was-(don’t watch football). Regardless of color- I still would not like him because of what he did INTENTIONALLY.
As for Starr- I hope the SPCA helping animals do not suffer for this tragedy/accident or whatever happened. It has been said she has accomplished a lot for animals-I am sure it was unintentional- but ended in a horrible death. I do not know what should be done- but MY HEART GOES OUT TO LOUIE AND ALL ANIMALS! Whatever is best for them is my interest.
Think First
Thanks for reading all of that.
I noticed so many typos.. :-(
I had to rush out.
Anyway
You know what ?.....
I was venting. I dont want to see Ms Starr suffer. I wish the best to her. If I wrote the law then, I would not think that she deserved one second in jail during this tragedy.
I do think that Vick deserved at least a year in prison maybe 2 but THAT’S IT !
You may wonder what the heck I was venting about. Well I know that a 29 year old MV made a terrible disgusting mistake in judgment…repeatedly!
I profusely agree that he should have been punished but, I personally think he was made an example of due to his social stature.
Now the shoe is on the other foot and, I personally just became aware of the topic. I implied that I was happy about Starrs circumstance..
I’m not.
I dont think that anyone is.
BUT
You mentioned that you feel like a minority on the topic. That maybe b/c many wanted to vent and, though the two crimes are nothing alike, Ms Starr gets a taste of what she dished out.
As for the people that are fans of MV we think that the guy should have certainly been punished but, some groups like the SPCA went a bit over the top.
I think that this “majority” wants to give her a taste of that. And yes I am was deliberately “going over the top” as well. However her kind of neglect is a crime and, for the sake of fairness something must be done or, maybe some extremist can just admit that they went over the top (boycotting the NFL ..and comments like “Hide your beagle Vicks an Eagle……”)
Why not go after the deer hunting community with the same passion! ?
In 24 hours I now have a cooler head but, man…….some animal rights extremist had over 23 months to cool off and still…..
So though the incidents are completely different, Ms Starr does get a taste of that machine that she helped to create. It saved so many animals but destroyed families, careers, and lives of people that made mistakes. Some much worse than others. You can save animals without hurting families.
Sure people should be punished for ruining the life of any animal but, the extreme actions that some groups take often cause PEOPLE to suffer. MV has a family too. I cant believe how many were calling for his job. After the guy serve time in PRISON not a community jail. The majority got fed up with such extreme methods taken (in the name of saving animals) .
-There is another group/klan that does a ton of questionable things in the name of Christianity-
Our laws protect them. That group that I am eluding to has done MUCH WORSE to PEOPLE than Vick ever did to a dog…much worse.
So Try to imagine my perspective as a black male. In addition to the above I only saw one type of person protesting.
What if you saw a bunch of black guys standing our side of Starrs job with signs and EVERY DAY on the news. I realize the crimes/mistakes are not the same but I am certain that you will get my point.
So Again I was venting. May be an inappropriate forum for it.
In any case…. Do well Think Fast… I have no business here.
I’m from Atlanta!!!!! That may explain a conscious bias huh?
;-)
Oh yeah I meant nothing about the black cat except that its the least popular but I still love her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The “you people” comment can always be misread especially in text. Its not PC in the US to say that, so I took it in the most negative context. My bad.
Finally, I don’t think that b/c a terrible institution, like fighting dogs, should be excused due to its age but, with so many hunting shows on (sat morning of all times) and senators going hunting for wolves…. I still question the authenticity of going after Vick b/c he influences children… Usually sat. morning shows target children right? And it the youth of America that look up to the senator that I mentioned.
I admit that my position towards Starr is inappropriately grounded in a desire for revenge.
I’ll get over it….
Now tell your buddies to Support the NFL or we’ll all be FORCED to watch that other football :-/
ME and, I’m sure the rest of the majority will eventually wish Starr the best
Thanks again,
General,
I am just about done with the debate. I have other life priorities, as I’m sure you do, that I prefer to spend my energy on. It is unfortunate it was tough for you to read all of my post. I simply have felt an internal push to make known just some of the good this woman has done. A lot of people seem to be excited watching her suffer, most of whom have never paid any attention to what the SPCA has accomplished under her guidance, but feel good about themselves when judging her family’s tragedy. I can only think “good for those people” that they have never experienced true tragedy in their lives. My hope is that it never happens to them, but they somehow find compassion.
I’m not sure what you mean by telling that your cat is black. Does that mean something in the animal welfare world?
I have no earthly idea how you took “people like you” or how that is a jab. “People like you” simply means those who feel differently than I do, in that I do not feel strongly she needs a public consequence. I am not sure what should happen for the best outcome for everyone- animals certainly the priority. I am not reinforcing your point- that is for sure. My point is donations may decline until she regains respect of current supporters and she gains respect of future supporters. That would be another heartbreak for her. However, because she is one of the best in the business, I do not think she can be replaced by anyone else who would be as successful saving animals, EVEN given the current situation.
Because a harsh, disrespectful practice is an “old institution”, it should not be punished severely? I find it hard to believe that is what you think. In hopes of abolishing a violent activity that victimizes the innocent, Vick should not be treated differently because he’s rich and famous. He made the conscious choice repeatedly to create this situation for himself. So how is he a victim, being made an example of? Dog fighters do get punished. But never before has there been a successful American “hero” that would lower himself to such an activity. That made it newsworthy. Almost unbelievable. And it’s almost unbelievable that “guys like you” (whatever the heck that is) wait around to see if “animal nuts” are less than perfect. Being a fan of Vick, you should know more than anyone no one is perfect. No one, I’m sure not Starr, has pretended to be perfect. I am actually not an extremist, I don’t hunt (and there is no comparison there either- as it is much more humane and the meat is used for food), I did not spend a penny on seeing Vick prosecuted, I was tired of seeing/hearing about it, and I have not wished him to be unemployed. I do NOT think he should be paid a lot to be in a position in the public eye that many, many boys look up to in admiration. THAT does not help anybody, except for Vick. I do not exactly agree he “stepped down” from his career. He temporarily left, was in jail, and was then given another job in his career.
Your strong opinion on Starr’s consequence sure seems to be the majority, and mine the minority. I guess that is why I felt the urge to let mine be known.
Think First
Thanks for reading all of my post.
It was tough but, I read all of yours as well.
Its great to have a civil debate such as ours.
I especially appreciate the comment about the good and bad that can be done with hands(both comments) I got them.
The “people like you” comment was also a well place jab.
Nice work!
Ms The hands that closed and locked the door were the hands that KILLED poor dog. (your making my point)
However, you are misinforming yourself about what I said.
Yes you are right. if she stays on board SPCA will miss out on donations.
I want her gone so they dont lose donations.
I repeatedly said that she should not be punished the same as VICK but the head of the SPCA KILLED* her dog………
What do you suggest should happen??
Anyway
I’ll re-invent my point (without flip/flopping:-)
I am an animal lover. I have a golden lab mixed with something else and. I love him.
I have a cat (all black by the way) and I love her too.
I hate to think of what I would do to anyone that hurt my animal buddies.
BUT
My point is this:
I do think that animal right ‘extremist’ really made an example out of VICK.
That was obvious to me. Dog fighting is a VERY old institution but, the hype of prosecution began with VICK.
I thought that was especially unfair.
I thought it was more unfair that after he served his time the outrage continued?!!?
“Guys like me” wondered what would happen if one of those animal rights nuts was proven to be less than perfect. Now we get the chance to see….
We’re watching.
Guys like me also think that race plays a part in this but, guys/gals like you ignore the possibility.
For example:
I feel that Vick has supporters of all races but, those that hunt his reputation are all white.
I also feel that killing dogs is DISGUSTING drowning electrocuting ...absolutely make me sick. Making dogs fight is not much of a sport either.
but killing a deer from a half a mile away is a sport ??
I mean you extremist spent thousands if not millions getting VICK prosecuted but, these nuts that hang up deer heads in the living room……. have SEVERAL of their own shows on ESPN?!?!? and dont worry about any jail time.
Thats fine but, all this and more is going on and, you people would rather spend time and money in hopes that Vick will never work again!!?
That’s Another reason why I think that race plays a roll in groups like the SPCA or PETA (do you know PETA’s history? Read up on that) .
Anyway
This is not about VICK its about Starr but, guys like me believe that if you went home tonight and found that MV was guilty of KILLING his dog……. by mistake that he would NOT be forgiven as easily as you want me to forgive Ms Starr. Difference is that it’s the job of Ms Starr to save animals. that is why she should resign
Yes I got waaay off topic and, I used VICK as an example but com’on this chick killed her dog ...by mistake and her timing could not have been worse.
You can defend her if you like but, you said yourself that having her as the head of your cause indirectly KILLS more animals.
Have her step down. She deserves it. I am sure that she would agree.
If not than she is doing more harm than good and, her motives will be in question.
“Is she going to work to get paid or to save animals”?
I think she’s just like the rest of us she is going to work to get paid… but she is no hero unless she steps down to save animals .
She can love animals without getting paid for it…….. I don’t get paid …do you?
That person should step down b/c now she is indirectly KILLING more than just her own dog by staying on board…right?
Now. why was it so important for Vick to step down from his career?.....
Oh yeah b/c I’m sure that would save a ton of animals too… if he could not play again.
You get my point.
Thank you for hosting this tangent author
Peace :-)
To General,
I honestly believe if Michael Vick had accidentally and tragically left his beloved pet in his car and it died, he would certainly not be found a criminal by the general population OR the court of law. I am sure he would have received multitudes of sympathy wishes from animal lovers and NFL fans alike. After all, he was (and for many, continues to be) a “hero” in our nation. NFL receives far more money, fame, and respect than people who work endlessly for a cause they are passionate about.
And, to answer your question…without being a leader of a respected animal welfare organization, you cannot save tens of thousands of lives. There are few organizations that save that many lives, much less individuals. Let’s be real…of course she didn’t save those lives with her own two hands (and she didn’t kill them either). She did start working at the Richmond SPCA when the conditions were depressing and diseased, the euthanization rate of the SPCA and Richmond metro area was high, there was no spay/neuter, etc….and with her own two hands she recruited the right employees, volunteers, supporters, vets, techs, etc. who saved tens of thousands of lives. It is amazing what one’s own two hands can do- good and bad.
I cannot honestly say what I think should be done to make people like you satisfied. I do know respect for her will suffer, which likely means donations will decrease, which likely means more animals will suffer/die. Perhaps that is the punishment you feel she deserves? Because my guess is that would be her ultimate punishment. So…you might already have your satisfaction- it just wasn’t handed down from a judge. I also know if she steps down, there are very few people who fight for animals the way she does. So, I don’t know what her “punishment” should be. I just think people who are completely disconnected are quick to judge and act better-than-thou without educating themselves.
It is wild that you think she should receive the same punishment that she (or anyone else who appreciates animals) would want Vick to receive. In my world (not one you are obviously interested in) one simply cannot parallel intent, repeated torture and death for fun and money to a one-time tragic accident. Although it doesn’t surprise me that people are bringing Starr’s passionate disapproval of what Vick did into this, it nonetheless disappoints me. I am grateful she spoke out against his violence, knowing she likely would not win the popular vote. I am not saying I believe Vick is capable of this, but animal torture and killing is almost 100% a first step of a serial killer before they move to humans. I, for one, am glad I live in a place where the judicial system and others take it seriously.
The public does not pay one ounce of Robin Starr’s salary or the Richmond SPCA’s budget. It is a private, non-profit organization. She and the talented fundraisers she hires work to raise money to help these animals. So don’t worry, none of your tax money is going to the Richmond SPCA. So, you can have that much more money in your pocket to drive to PA to watch your man do good in this world.
Peace.
TO
Think First…..
If I or you were the CEO of the SPCA than we could also wear that badge of saving tens of thousands of animals
I understand what you mean but, dont imply that Starr saved tens of animals a day for a thousand days with her own 2 hands.
Her position afforded her that badge .
My point is the her negligence has earned her another badge.
DOG KILLER*
*= by mistake
No way in the world should she receive the same punishment as Mike however, she, most certainly, should receive the same punishment that she would issue VICK .
A ton of people that were hunting MV said they just wanna see justice served.
Well thats all I want to see.
I don’t think that Starr needs to go to jail for 23 months.
But she needs to serve the time that the law requires.
Unless you think that she should just go back to work aggressively prosecuting those that commit the SAME crime.
No way in the world does she deserve to “go back to work” like nothing happened
Are you implying that NOTHING should be done?....
She does not have to be a CEO to save animals. she can save “TENS OF THOUSANDS” of animals without that title……. right?
Well she needs to step down. B/C Anyone that she goes after has an instant defense which is …..
“Didn’t your CEO KILL her dog”
Her response will be
“yeah but its okay it was a mistake”.....
My point is that NO ONE should be able to get away with the “yeah but it was a mistake” plea ESPECIALLY the CEO of the SPCA!
No one is saying that she should stop saving animals but, the public should not have to pay her salary to do it as she has proven herself to be incompetent to care for her own. FACT
As I mentioned in my last post. You sound like every other sympathizer that you yourself may have discredited.
I would not compare her to Mike Vick, but as a fan of Mike Vick I am very interested to see how the people that went after Vick go after one of their own.
I’m learning a lot about people like you here
I asked this question in my last post:
What would you do to Mike if you found out that he locked his dog in his car …by mistake….. oh yeah, and asked that it not be made public….oh yeah lets say that his wife tried to take the blame.
Think First …What would you say?.......
Now say the same thing about Starr…….. and lets move on.
If not then, its fair to call you a hypocrite or worse.
Robin Starr, because of her unwavering passion for animals, has saved TENS of THOUSANDS of animals’ lives in the Richmond metro area. TENS of THOUSANDS of animals in our community would have died if not for Mrs. Starr. No one seems to care about those animals. Selfish people, pretending to care about Louie, are eager to judge. The Richmond SPCA is one of the most successful no-kill animal shelters in our country because of her endless dedication. The Richmond SPCA works tirelessly with private pet owners and area municipal shelters to save every life possible- many lives that others would not even think possible. Because of Mrs. Starr, the Richmond SPCA rehabilitates old, sick, deaf, blind, diseased, and premature animals that later become a part of an adoptive family. She has worked tirelessly for years to make sure the animals in our community do not suffer and that they are spayed and neutered (because of the countless irresponsible pet owners). Her life’s mission is to help animals. I am extremely confident her heart and her family will never recover from this, and she was smart to allow her family to grieve with this devastation in private first. I am sure she wisely knew selfish, clueless people would be there to attack her. To compare her to Michael Vick is ignorant and completely out of reality. Accidentally aiding in the death of her beloved pet will certainly be a life altering tragedy for her. Michael Vick enjoyed purposely torturing and killing countless dogs with his own two hands. Not only is that scary and sick, but anyone who uses their two names in the same breath or even starts to say it is similar, needs to do some serious soul searching.
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