Tom and/or Nancy, The truth is that the Township is not spending money to try and kill dogs, we are not spending money to save them, we are spending money because an antiquated state law is forced us to do two things and now we must show the state that we did it right. The 1919 Michigan law says that when a complaint is filed that claims that livestock was killed by dogs, the Township MUST have a hearing and after the hearing if the dogs are found to be responsible for the deaths of the pigs. Item 1, the hearing was called in a timely manner as prescribed by the state law. Both sides asked for time to negotiate and we were more than happy to accommodate them. It meant less dollars and time that come from the taxpayers. A point here: A settlement between the two is still the only way to save the dogs. And that is still being done. The hearing was held, we once again did what the law demanded. The Hog owner submitted her side, the dog owners did not show and their lawyer showed no contradicting evidence and only indicated that a settlement was not reached. With the absence of any contradictory evidence and the hearing being a civil matter, which means a preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a shadow of a doubt as in a legal matter, the Township had no choice but to turn the dogs over to the County Sherriff’s Department as dictated once again by the Michigan State Law. The legal involvement and the tax payers dollars being spent now are not to kill or save the dogs, they are being spent because the dog owner appealed to the courts. An appeal does not re hear the case, but reviews the process. We are defending the process that we used and that we followed the state law. It might also be noted that Judge LeBeau found that Bedford Township did preform the mandates of the law correctly. It might also be noted that Judge LeBeau has also taken the time to bring the two parties together to find a solution the same as the Township tried in the beginning. I believe this State law is an unfunded mandate and should be addressed by the state legislature. The only way to change this law is through the state legislature. I apologize for the delay in a reply, I hope this answers your question. Greg Stewart From: Badfoot68@aol [mailto:Badfoot68@aol] Sent: Friday, March 21, 2014 5:43 PM To: Greg Stewart Subject: DROP THE SUIT...NOW! YES – THE BEDFORD TOWNSHIP BOARD CAN LEGALLY DROP THEIR SUIT
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 20:49:26 +0000