High cost of legal representation by Town Attorneys

In response to Greg Cann’s questions, of  Nov. 7th., regarding the cost of legal representation, by the Town Attorney’s Office: In Sept. of 2010, when the new animal shelter was opened, there were 30 dog and 40 cat runs. Within one month there were two dozen cats impounded, and 13 dogs that had all been impounded for cruelty violations. All the pet owners were arrested or threatened with arrest and or signed over their pets.

One pet owner released 15 cats who were subsequently euthanized after being inoculated for rabies,  sedated,  and prepped for disposal, this occurred in Oct. of 2010.Tax payers paid $1,500.00 dollars for these procedures. In December 2010 another bill for the same cats and the same procedures was submitted to the Town and paid. This cost the Town an additional $1,500.00. You can check with the Deputy Chief of Police.

The next is Marion Peirera, a ninety plus year old woman who was arrested in 2010 on 9 counts of animal cruelty. She was later arrested on 5 more counts of animal cruelty. This case is still in litigation. It is approaching three years. This is not the “Lindberg Case”. How long does it take to litigate this “simple” animal control case?

The Pieger case began in 2010, and continued for 10 months. This case like all the others has been litigated by attorneys employed by the Town to the point where Ms. Pieger could no longer afford her attorney’s fees as the Town attorneys postponed and continued this case for months.

Finally I give you the Donna Best case. If you haven’t paid attention, this case, if it goes on the national wire services, will be a Cause celebre. It will put Stratford on the map as in Brown vs. Board of Education and all the other litigation of the people verses the powers that be.

The budget for the Town of Stratford’s legal fees is out of control. Having the town attorneys decide how long a litigation must go before it is adjudicated is like having a New York City cab driver decide how long he can drive you around before you catch on that he is taking you for a ride.

M. H. Griffin