Feats of animal cruelty and mourning the passing of an icon

Editorial | January 13th, 2016

Police Dogs and Diamond Dogs

Police Dogs

A law was recently passed Under the Federal Law Enforcement Animal Protection Act, that anyone assaulting federal law enforcement animals could face up to ten years in prison and pay upward of $1,000 in fines.

What happens when the guilty party is another officer of the law?

What if said officer of the law is only charged with misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty?

Ramsey County (MN) deputy Brett Barry was caught on video picking up his K9 partner, Boone, by the collar and throwing him to the ground and then striking him numerous times. At the time of the incident Barry and Boone were in Carlton county along with other K9 handlers for certification and training, but the real question is, who was the one who needed to be trained?

What I find to be the most disturbing part of the video, is that Boone, the dog, turned around and returned to his “partner” without striking back.

Good dog. Bad Deputy.

There have been multiple studies linking animal abuse with abuse towards human violence. According to humanesociety.org, “A 2001-2004 study by the Chicago Police Department ‘revealed a startling propensity for offenders charged with crimes against animals to commit other violent offenses toward human victims.’ Of those arrested for animal crimes, 65 percent had been arrested for battery against another person”.

With all due respect officer, please seek help. If you are beating an animal in a blackout and pleading not guilty while the proof is

Diamond Dogs

Earlier this week David Bowie succumbed to an 18 month battle with cancer. Eulogizing the late, great Bowie, would be quite the undertaking. Really, what’s to be said that hasn’t been said. Other than the initial shock of waking up to receive word that yet another icon had passed.

Bowie was constantly evolving. He was the outsider that understood outsiders looking in -- if that makes any sense. A chameleon among the art, fashion, and musical world, bending ideals of gender norms and sexuality, but that’s rock and roll baby -- these days. Someone had to pioneer that field.

Bowie’s work first resonated within me when I was but an angsty lass of 18, trying to find my place in the world. At that time, my life consisted of art school, punk shows, and whatever else I managed to fall into. I worked at Discontent in Moorhead and would often raid the used CD selections in hopes of finding some stimulating ear candy. In which I found many a gem, though one day I picked up “Ziggy Stardust,” and I was done for. Naturally this led to many more Bowie albums in the old album collection, but the latter holds a special place in my heart.

To me, “Ziggy Stardust” reaffirmed that it’s ok to be opulent and defiant in the face of the status quo. It is ok to hold onto your individuality and live unconventionally..in fact you will be embraced for it. When you feel alone you will run into others that live and think on a similar level and they will be a breath of fresh air. As you grow older your tastes will evolve, but hold onto the very fabric that makes you who you are. If I’ve learned anything from Bowie, it’s OK to be a little weird. We may be all looking in from the outside, but at least we are standing together while doing so.

Police Dogs and Diamond Dogs

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