Andrea Rosebrock 
Many of you know the story of Congo the German Shepherd from Patterson, NJ.
Congo was sentenced to death for doing what he felt was the right thing to do, for protecting his pack, his family. While waiting for the appeal he was allowed to go home with his family under many restrictions but now the time has come to do everything we can to save Congo!
His life is still in danger, this has not passed. His appeal will be heard on April 4 by the same judge, Ostrer, who allowed Congo to go home with his family, the James’ during his appeal after his death sentence by Municipal Court Judge Russell Annick.
Now is the time that we MUST ACT! Many of you have been waiting and asking for updates, wanting to know what you can do. Well here it is and there’s no time to lose.
We need to get letters to Judge Ostrer right now. Actually letters will have the most impact so we have to flood his office and we only have a few days to do it!
Please write Judge Mitchel Ostrer, polite and professional, letters of support for Congo.
Judge Mitchel E. Ostrer
Mercer County Courthouse
209 South Broad & Market Streets
PO Box 8068
Trenton, NJ 08650
Mention in your letter or phone call that he needs to take into consideration that the laws are old and they don’t take in to consideration how the dog perceived the threat. Also, there is no case law out there in NJ that has interpreted the statutes. This is the first one. Another point to use is that the last case of a dog attack was back in 1994 and the Governor then, Christine Whitman, had pardoned the Akita and he was exiled from the State. This is a last resort option so we can keep him alive.
We can follow up our letters with phone calls early next week. The number is 609-571-4188.
We also need to keep hammering on the Governor to pardon Congo. Please contact Governor Jon Corzine at 609-292-6000. You can also email him at: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html and where is says- Select a Topic choose- “Law and Public Safety” and select a Sub-topic, choose- “Pardons and Clemency” and fill in your information to send a note to him. You don’t have to live in New Jersey to call or email the governor.
Also please take a moment to sign the petition
PETITION
The Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Doris Galuchie is arguing that Congo’s reaction was not what would have been expected by a normal dog but if you can imagine Congo’s thoughts, he saw his mistress grabbed and dragged to the ground and heard her scream. Any dog with protective instincts is going to go into a mode in which he will do whatever it takes to get rid of what he sees as the threat. It is a normal reaction, Congo was protecting as he knew how. He should not die for this!!
You can read the full news coverage from Time of Trenton HERE.
You can find all the posts and news coverage that I have HERE.
Please, help to get the word out quickly!! Post this in any groups, forums, blogs, MySpace. Our time is very limited and we need to get letters to the Judge to let him know the eyes of the country are on him and we support Congo and the James family.
Please use the email icon below the story to share the story with friends, family, anyone who can take a moment to write a letter or help to get the word out. There is also a icon to ‘Blog this Post’ which will give a link back so you can share the story. Please, please, please… help, share, get the word out ASAP!!!
I already sent my email to Gov. Corzine. I will make the call to his office very soon. In fact, I made the same call last year before the case went into appeal. Call and be counted!
Getting my pen and paper out as we have very little time to mail actual letters, I agree, they really do make a strong impact.
I will get the word out as much as possible, thanks for the reminder…his appeal date is almost here so we must move quickly!
This is so unfair and stupid. I hope that the politicians realize that by making this law enforced and killing the animals in which protect their homes is ludicrous. Next they will want to allow law suits against home security systems.
Doesn’t it look like our laws are for those that are in crime. Laws, layers and our legal system is all about the money. What happened to do the right thing and enforcing laws that will protect the citizens.
The long term affects of killing the animal is going to be disastrous for home owners who have pets to save them. The human entering the dwelling and knowing that there were dogs on the premise and still entering is giving up his right of protection. It’s enter at your own risk.
It is really sad and degrading to watch our USA turn into such a negative, greedy world. It’s such a shame!
Mugzzi
We are going to get a petition started on the care2 network to save Congo. We’ll post the site link as soon has they get it done.
The German Shepherd is the most loyal of all the breeds in my opinion:) At any rate with loyality comes a natural aggression to protect. What Congo did is no different from what any loving family member wouldn’t do to protect their family. The man he attacked is alive which means the dog had no intenstions of doing anything but making him release his mother (the woman the man grabbed and hid behind). I know what a German Shepherd can do and if he was bent on killing this man the man would be dead. He was only defending his family. We need to get this across to the judge that Congo has the people’s support and we demand he & his family get a second chance. Most States have a one bite law. This State needs to improve their laws to show compassion for the family dog. Actually compassion for all animals but we’ll cross that bridge later.
Congo done nothing wrong, What he did do was right and that was to protect his family. The people were told to wait but, they did not so when she came out he grabed her, what else was she suppose to do? In her eyes this person was hurting her master. I know German Sheaprds too. They are very loyal to there family and friends, but, not to someone who also beats you with a rake. Congo does not deserve death, he deserves life and a medal for he done what he was suppose to do. Protect his family. she was in the fence they let her out. And he pups as they say all for one, one for all.Give Congo Life!!
Kathy,
We have started a NEW petition for Congo which has certain provisions in it. Please sign ASAP since Monday, 3/31/08 is the last day to sign the petition. Thank you, Daphne
http://www.petitiononline.com/gcd01/petition.html
Let him live!
Yes, let Congo Live!!!
At this point,please contact Governor Jon Corzine at 609-292-6000 and ask the governor to pardon Congo. You can also email him at:
http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html and where is says- Select a Topic choose- “Law and Public Safety” and select a Sub-topic, choose- “Pardons and Clemency” and fill in your information to send a note to him. You don’t have to live in New Jersey to call or email our governor.
Congo is Free and back home with his family! My friend’s called the courthouse and Congo won.
Congrats everyone on their hard work and warm wishes. I’m sure Congo and his family are very happy right now.
happy days!!!!
I am so glad that everything worked out for the Best for Congo NO animal that is protecting the family he truly loves should be put to harm from that protection.. He certainly has nine lives…