CUMBERLAND — In early January, Annie — short for Little Orphan Annie — a 40-pound black dog with a red collar, was shot through the heart and killed.
There was a two-day deer season unfolding in Dorchester County and Annie had left her home and owners, Jim and Carole Spicer, and wandered 25 feet onto an adjoining property, 45 feet from a deer hunter’s stand.
These details are in a report filed by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department and included in a letter written by the Spicers to their state senator, Richard F. Colburn, after they found Annie’s body.
Colburn provided the letter to the Times-News.
Hence Senate Bill 1031 introduced by Colburn at the Maryland General Assembly: “While engaged in hunting or pursuing any wildlife, a person may not intentionally or willfully destroy or damage any ... domesticated animal ... or any stray or feral animal,” the bill reads.
This wording is added to existing law that already makes it illegal to shoot personal property or farm livestock.
The shooting of humans is covered under separate law.
Sgt. Brian Albert of the Maryland Natural Resources Police confirmed Thursday that the only existing law dealing with the killing or wounding of domestic, stray or feral animals is one that allows NRP officers to take down such an animal that is chasing wildlife or disturbing nesting areas.
The Spicers say in their letter they are pretty sure they know who killed Annie.
In fact, that person, when confronted by the Dorchester County deputy, described the dog accurately, but said he didn’t shoot it and didn’t know who did, the police report states.
The deputy consulted with the county’s state’s attorney and concluded that “unless a confession was admitted, no charges would be applicable.”
The Spicers told Colburn they were “calling this story to (his) attention, not because of any gun law, (family members) are lifetime NRA, but because of an uncaring, hard-core individual who shot the family pet and best friend.”
Companion legislation has been introduced by Delegate Rudolph C. Cane (House Bill 1482).
Annie received her full name because the Spicers found her roaming the woods as a pup and took her in. Now, they told Colburn, they hope their pet’s name can be used once more, as in Annie’s Law.
Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com
Latest news
Death of family pet inspires bill to protect animals
- Latest news
-
-
County: Increase in water rates planned
Many customers in Allegany County will likely see a small increase in their water and sewer rates during the upcoming fiscal year.
-
Rocky Gap Casino Resort flush with visitors; 1,000 estimated on first day
Nearly 300 people were waiting outside and in the lobby Wednesday when Rocky Gap Casino Resort officials emerged at about 4 p.m. to announce they had received a call from the Maryland gaming commission that they were approved to open.
-
Live music takes center stage at 6th DelFest
With more than 30 musical acts set to take the stage at the 6th annual DelFest this weekend, now might be a good time to let folks know about some of the bands that will headline this four-day music festival.
-
Bear in tree
A crew from the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service successfully removed a young female bear from a tree in South Cumberland Thursday morning, eventually releasing the bruin on state-owned land in Allegany County.
-
Frostburg adopts $9.7M budget, keeps alley open
The Frostburg mayor and city council have voted to adopt a $9.7 million budget for fiscal year 2014 and to keep open an alley that many citizens feared would be closed by the city.
-
6th annual DelFest has arrived
Thirty national recording artists are preparing to step into the Cumberland spotlight this weekend at the Allegany County Fairgrounds as DelFest rolls into town for its sixth annual musical festival.
- Rocky Gap casino opens
-
‘Time just kind of stood still’
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.
-
City hopes economic strategies clear way for job creation, growth
Shawn Hershberger, economic development coordinator for the city, gave an update of the strategies being pursued for economic growth, including developing an educational center at the former Human Resources Development Commission location.
-
Protesters rally at FirstEnergy meeting
At least 200 union workers picketed FirstEnergy’s annual shareholder meeting in West Virginia on Tuesday, demanding the Ohio-based utility hire enough people to keep the power on without forcing an ever-shrinking labor force to work as many as 1,800 hours of overtime a year.
- More Latest news Headlines
-
County: Increase in water rates planned
