PLYMOUTH – A petition on change.org directed toward Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride regarding a matter involving a dog has garnered not only local attention, but also nationwide and global recognition.
According to the information described in the petition, a Rottweiler named Rocki remained on a road in the Town of Plymouth for four days during the month of May, unable to eat, drink, lift his head, or move.
The description in the petition also read that an area veterinary clinic ultimately euthanized Rocki.
The petition alleges that the Dog Control Officer in Plymouth, Matthew Bates, knew about the situation with the ailing dog in the road and did not take action. It further alleges that Bates threatened to arrest a citizen who attempted to take the dog to the vet on his own.
“It (the dog) was not a stray and in that case, the DCO can’t do anything about it,” said Plymouth Town Supervisor Jerry Kreiner in the days following the incident in May. “When he was made aware of the situation, he looked into it. He found who the owner was and it was her responsibility to take care of it.”
A Canadian signer of the petition wrote, “What is the purpose of a dog warden, if he/she refuses to assist a dog in need? What is the purpose of an elected town official if he/she does not assist the citizens of the town? This is shameful. This needs to be looked into further. This kind of behavior should not be tolerated by taxpayers.”
According to the Executive Director of the Chenango SPCA Annette Clarke, “There are a lot of rules and regulations.” She said that the only way a dog is brought to the SPCA is via a dog control officer.
“Obviously, we are disturbed that a dog is treated that way, but the SPCA needs DCO permission or (that of a) Town Supervisor to accept,” said Clarke.
A petition signer from California wrote, “Everyone who observed or knew about Rocki's pain and suffering and did nothing are bystanders and guilty, as well. People who do nothing are as bad as the owner. What does this say about the people living in this community? What does this teach our children?”
