DEAR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, AND CAMPAIGNERS AGAINST VIOLENCE:

On Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Judge Savioe will be holding the sentencing hearing for Aaron Simoneaux -- the man who plead guilty to felony animal cruelty
for the brutal slaying of a miniature chow last year around the Xmas/New Year holidays.

As you may recall, from both local and national news coverage of his horrific crime, he took a samurai sword to the friendly and docile dog and hacked it to death
while a number of people -- including children -- watched.

Study after study has shown that crimes like this against animals are indicative of a person's propensity for violence against women and children in their home.
This man is dangerous, and not just to animals.Additionally, this kind of brutality should not be punished with a warning or suspended sentence.

We are asking all supporters of the fight to rid our parish of all forms of domestic violence to join together on Wednesday, October 7 at 8:45 in Judge Savoie's
courtroom to show our support for the toughest sentence allowed by law: 10 years.

*Please come to the courthouse located at the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Kirby Street and show your support for real justice.*

*We cannot bring in signs or placards to the courthouse, but we can wear our t-shirts that show the organizations that we are members of and that we support.
(If you don't have a t-shirt, you can come to my office, 607 Ryan Street, and you can get a Humane Society T-shirt with the wonderful Ghandi quote on the back) *

We are a coalition of organizations supporting justice for victims of violence: Humane Society of Louisiana-SWLA Chapter, The People's Advocate,
Four Paws Society, Hobo Hotel for Cats, and Lake Area Animal Hospital.

We look forward to your support and your voices -- to help end violence in Calcasieu Parish. Please call with any questions, thoughts, ideas, etc. 436-3475

Most sincerely yours,

Beth Zilbert
Director of the People's Advocate
President of the Humane Society of Louisiana -- SWLA Chapter