Thursday, March 18, 2010

Sic 'Em, Mike Speedy

Just recently there was an attack in Indy from a pit bull adopted by the Humane Society of Indianapolis that attacked a boy and this pit had a complaint within four days of the adoption to a Sheriff's deputy. Now there has been an attack by a pit at a shelter of a 6 year old boy. Seems this boy walked into an area at the Hamilton County Humane Society with an injured pit. The pit attacked him. This is an invitation sent BEFORE the attack by the President of the Humane Society that owns the shelter and received by several people on March 11, 2010 including Michael Speedy, the campaigner for the safety of people through MSL/BSL. Speedy's response is after this, so keep reading.



Good morning,
I serve as the President of the Board of Directors at the Humane Society for Hamilton County and I would like to extend an invitation for you to attend an upcoming event at our facility. Each year, our organization recognizes March as “Pit Bull Education Month” and this year is no exception. On Saturday, March 20th, we will be hosting various programs in support of this initiative. I have attached a flyer summarizing the programs included in the event for your review.

Given the recent news regarding a few incidents in our community, I thought you may benefit from becoming a bit more educated about the facts related to the breed. Opinions, both for and against, the breed are certainly very strong by many in the community and I feel this event would serve as a great way for you to get a better understanding of some of the issues related to this issue. Please note that RSVP’s are required as seating is limited and I encourage you to invite others you feel may benefit by attending the event. I hope you will be able to attend and I look forward to seeing you there. Should you not be able to attend, we would certainly welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you have about this topic at a time that is more convenient for you. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Joe Ridenour
Vice President
(317)558-6321 Phone
(317)558-6320 Fax



Hi Mr. Ridenour,

By now I’m sure your have seen more “recent news”:

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/hamilton_county/boy-6-mauled-by-dog-at-humane-society

It would be good to educate us on how pit bulls, because of their physical capabilities, need greater care in confining, even when or especially when they are injured. Remember, they are bred to keep fighting even when injured. It is not the dog’s fault to have this key trait of a fighting breed.

Also, it would be good to educate us on how an agency who wants to maximize adoptions, which more often than not come from families and kids, could not have foreseen a six year old getting away from his parent. It would seem unreasonable to expect a six-year-old to understand and appreciate a “No Access” sign.

It seems unfair to me that the price of all this is “dozens of stitches” in a six-year-old, when a better understanding of a pit bull would have been all that is necessary to avoid.

Thanks for the invite, but I’m out of town that day.
Mike Speedy
Councillor, District 24
City County Council
City of Indianapolis, Marion County
4733 Moss Creek Terrace
Indianapolis, IN 46237
T: 317-786-6689
E:
m.speedy@sbcglobal.net
Chairman, Public Works, Member, Parks & Recreation,and Metropolitan Development




I got a nice laugh on this one. Way to go, Mike Speedy!!!

9 comments:

scurrilous amateur blogger said...

pit bull awareness month?!?!?
this little boy was attacked in the shelter DURING their pit bull awareness month event?
wow. and the clown in charge of this event seems to be really proud of himself work!

i am sorry this little boy was attacked and i hope the family sues the pants off of this shelter but man this was GREAT TIMING!

HonestyHelps said...

I bet this was not the way they wanted to make the public aware of pit bulls but it's the best way. Wonder if they'll adopt any pits the rest of this month.

Anonymous said...

There has been a history of dog attacks at this shelter.

How could any animal shelter continue to hire Rebecca Stevens, the person responsible for these attacks?

She has already cost the shelter a lot.

She has already depleted the shelter of funds and credibility.

Clearly Lee Ridenour, by continuing to hire incompetent staff, is destroying the shelter. Not to mention the public safety problem.

So what is the background of this Ridenour?

HonestyHelps said...

Anon, got any links for this?

Anonymous said...

Sorry that is JOE Ridenour not Lee

There is a pending lawsuit for this shelter for an Akita attack within the past year.

And Stevens has admitted that there have been other attacks.

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=12153659#

Anonymous said...

Someone posted this comment from a shelter worker on craven. Rebecca Stevens is a LIAR. She lied to the reporter about everything from this dog's history (it did NOT come from a home with kids) to the problems the dog had at the shelter.

"Guido actually came from a home with no children, a man surrendered him in the fall because the man was having many health problems and could no longer care for the dog. After arriving at the shelter Guido was depressed but manageable. He did end up becoming a "problem" dog and only certain members of the staff were allowed to handle him while others were afraid of him. The sad truth is Guido was a liability and this tragedy could have been prevented by not having him in an unlocked visiting room in the lobby. Signs do not keep people out of where they should not be, he was not in a staff only area, why? I think the family should sue because if not these incidents will continue to happen. One staff member was in fact yelled at because while attempting to handle Guido he got away and ran through the kennel and lobby, the director knew that Guido was a "problem" dog, as are many others at teh shelter that really should probably be euthanized because they will never be well adjusted happy animals, and quite frankly some are dangerous"

Anonymous said...

How is this for CRAZY!!!!

Joe Ridenour, who is running a shelter where they are harboring vicious pit bulls, getting people attacked in the shelter, and promoting pit bulls for dog breeders

apparently goes to other communities and "advises" them on how to sell pit bulls and get people attacked in their own communities!

He is selling himself as an ANIMAL CONTROL CONSULTANT.

No joke, this guy should get arrested. He's a danger to the public.

I found a posting of his online. Here it is

"Joe Ridenour I am the President of the Board of Directors at the Humane Society for Hamilton County and I was born and raised in Pittsboro. The majority of my family still remains in Hendricks County. I would be happy to assist in getting the situation improved as we frequently consult with other counties, municipalities, and shelters on ways to improve their animal care and control. Feel free to contact me at hshcbod@hamiltonhumane.com"

HonestyHelps said...

It appears that the koolaid of Nathan Winograd flows freely in this shelters.

scurrilous amateur blogger said...

wow, i really need to start using that preview option and proofread my comments :)

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/joe-ridenour/3/772/853

Joe Ridenour Assistant Vice President at FORUM 1st Investment Services

http://www.forumcu.com/forum1st/investmentServices.aspx