[nagdu] Re NAGDU resolution and guide dogs at zoos

[Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)]

Elizabeth, 
I like your perspective and you do make a good point that criminal
activity goes both ways. 
I'm wondering though why the laws im place for animal cruelty wouldn't
work? 
The way I understand it, criminal penalities for busineese are in place
because clearly civil suits aren't getting the job done. 
If I do something to harm y dog, whether or not it's a pet or guide or
whatever, there are laws to prosecute me. Why wouldn't this work with
guide dogs? Why is the zoo the example you picked and how far does it
extend? Will I not be able to take my dog to a Jimmy Buffett concert
because people drink at those shows? I'm just trying to get a handle on
what you're proposing and why.
-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Elizabeth Rene
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 3:14 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Re NAGDU resolution and guide dogs at zoos

Michael and Rebecca, your points about red herrings and individual 
discretion are well taken.

But I raise my own point because our resolution supports the
criminalization 
of activity that might have a rational basis other than discrimination.

As a former prosecuting attorney, and one with a guide dog, I've learned
to 
be careful about when criminal sanctions should be invoked.  I also
believe 
in filing charges and going to the matt for a conviction when needful.

Very few, if any, rights are absolute, and just about every right
carries 
responsibility.  I believe that when we engage the life of another being
in 
the pursuit of our right to independence, then we have a corresponding 
responsibility to protect that life, and to uphold laws that honor its 
quality and dignity.

No human is an island.

Elizabeth



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