To the editor:

There is a foul aroma arising from Boston.  The source of the stench can be traced to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. What we are smelling is a huge steaming pile of bull excrement. 

This week, Attorney General Maura Healy’s office (please note it was her “office” not really the AG herself – because hey – that’s how you spread the excrement) announced that they were dismissing the charges against 25 defendants in the Medeiros tenant farm animal cruelty cases.  Their statement read: 

 “We reached this conclusion reluctantly,” the AG’s office continued,” based on the understanding that the facts concerning the detective, whose testimony would be needed at trial to prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt, gravely compromised our ability to successfully prosecute these cases. Our office remains committed to prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and abuse.”

Let’s dissect that, shall we?  The AG wants us to believe that the testimony of one officer, whose credibility might be called into question for actions he took two years after he was involved in the investigation into the tenant farm case, gravely compromised their ability to prosecute?  Really?  What about all the other witnesses: the other police officers, the many veterinarians, the ASCPA and Animal Rescue League workers who were all on site those first few days?   

Many of these witnesses were ready and willing to testify in court to the horrors and unimaginable cruelty they saw.  Does AG Healy really think that her Assistant AGs are so inept that they are not capable of securing convictions based on the testimony of these people plus the thousands of photos of the site taken those first few days?  The facts in the case are straightforward and well documented. Fourteen hundred animals dead, dying, diseased found in deplorable conditions.  Many of the sites on the tenant farm had never received a state barn book inspection.

The AG says she is committed to prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and abuse – I for one want to see that proof.  Shame on her, on everyone in her office who let these cases be dismissed.  They should have taken those remaining 12 defendants of the original 25 (the ones who had not yet already plead out or died) all the way through the court system.  Then, and only then, would the thousands of photos and reams of testimony obtained in the grand jury investigation have been made public. Only then, would all who witnessed the situation on the property been allowed to publicly describe what they had seen. 

For years now, those who had first-hand knowledge had been asked to remain quiet so as to not compromise the case.  Newspapers and other media where asked not to publish or broadcast the crime scene photos, as that too (they were told) might have damaged the prosecution’s case.  Our group, Stop the Insanity, Westport!, was asked to stand down multiple times by members of the Westport Select Board and representatives from the AG’s office.  And, by and large, we did.  And now we are proven foolish for having done so.

There is also a strong odor coming from the Westport Town Hall.  When asked by a reporter to respond to the AG’s decision Select Board Chairman Richard Brewer stated: “Some time ago the town finished its deliberations and was satisfied we had pursued the issues as far as we could go.”  That’s it?  What happened on Rt. 177 just isn’t the town’s concern anymore?  I’ll let you all poke through that steaming pile for yourselves.

Remember, Westport – this happened twice on the same property. Until there are stiff penalties and sentencing for those who perpetrate abuse on farm animals, it will happen again —in Westport and across Massachusetts. These necessary changes in laws and in the attitudes of elected officials will never happen until more citizens become involved.  Hold your local and state officials accountable each and every time there is a case of animal abuse. Attend meetings, speak out when you see officials willing to look the other way. Remember who did and did not stand up for the animals each time you vote. Our struggle continues.  Join us as we fight for justice for animals.

Stop the insanity, Westport.

Kathy Feininger,

Stop the Insanity, Westport!