With indicators studying “Justice for Rocko” and “Paws up, do not shoot,” protesters stood exterior the Algonac Police Department workplace Saturday to make their displeasure identified.
Several passersby honked in help of the seven protesters on St. Clair River Drive.
Maggie Meldrum was there protesting the capturing of her canine Rocko, a cattle canine combine, by St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Daniel Jehl on Sept. 12.
Video of the capturing has unfold on-line, and a number of other members of the neighborhood spoke on the Algonac City Council assembly on Tuesday. The metropolis contracts with the sheriff’s workplace for legislation enforcement companies and workers the police division building.
St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King introduced Jehl could be reassigned from Algonac. The sheriff has supported Jehl all through the controversy, and stated Jehl was being moved as a result of members of the neighborhood had despatched him loss of life threats and threatened to kill his personal canine.
Jehl was responding to stories that two dogs, together with Rocko, had run right into a yard after escaping Meldrum’s property. With St. Clair County Animal Control busy on one other name, Jehl tried to lure the dogs into his automotive with meals when he says Rocko turned aggressive, prompting Jehl to shoot the canine.
At the protest Meldrum stated she was glad to listen to Jehl could be reassigned, however stated he must be required to undergo coaching and be additional disciplined for killing her canine. She stated Rocko had helped her by the loss of life of her fiancé a yr in the past and his loss of life now was additionally devastating.
Many of the opposite protesters have been individuals who had additionally spoken on the metropolis council assembly. Tamy Walzak, a protester who noticed the video of the capturing on-line, stated she joined the protest as a result of she thought Jehl overstepped.
“I’ve labored in a vet clinic for 13 years and I’ve by no means seen a imply cattle canine,” Walzak stated.
Meldrum stated she has contacted an legal professional and is contemplating authorized motion towards the sheriff’s workplace.
Contact Johnathan Hogan at [email protected].
