For Immediate Release:
July 11, 2005

Contact:
Martin Mersereau 757-622-7382  

Titusville, Fla.--- This morning, PETA sent an urgent plea to State’s Attorney Norman R. Wolfinger, urging him to vigorously prosecute Alonzo Hair, Philip Hair, and Derrick Hamilton, all of Titusville. Each faces felony charges stemming from their alleged roles in a June 17 incident in which two pit bulls were allowed to maul and gnaw on a tethered feral hog in the presence of two children. Authorities reportedly killed the hog after witnessing the bloody event and hearing him squeal in agony as he attempted to escape from the dogs and the tether attached to one of his rear hooves.

"Anyone capable of this kind of cruelty poses a serious risk, not just to animals, but to fellow human beings," says PETA Casework Division Manager Martin Mersereau. "Communities should be concerned when animal abusers are found in their midst. Research in psychology and criminology reveals a consistent pattern of cruelty to animals among perpetrators of violence toward humans." Mersereau also points out that animal fighting is almost invariably associated with drugs, weapons, and illegal gambling.

PETA is also sending its anti-violence public service announcement hosted by actor Dennis Franz to TV stations serving the Brevard County area.

For more information, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.

PETA’s letter to State’s Attorney Norman R. Wolfinger follows.

July 11, 2005

The Honorable Norman R. Wolfinger
State’s Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg. D
Viera, FL 32940

Dear Mr. Wolfinger:

We hope this finds you well. This letter is in reference to a recent cruelty-to-animals case that your office is handling, involving Titusville residents Alonzo Hair, 40, Philip Hair, 26, and Derrick Hamilton, 25. Each faces felony charges stemming from their alleged roles in the June 27 fatal torture of a feral pig. According to news sources, the trio tethered the animal near Gibson Street and allowed two pit bulls to maim and gnaw on him. Reports indicate that the pig sustained severe injuries in the melee and was heard squealing as he attempted in vain to escape from the rope tied around his right hoof. Responding officials reportedly shot and killed the pig and one of the dogs. Thankfully, the other dog was seized, according to reports. The defendants also face child neglect charges stemming from the fact that Alonzo Hair allegedly gave permission to his two children, aged younger than 10, to be present at the reported spectacle.

Mental-health professionals and top law-enforcement officials consider all forms of cruelty to animals a red flag. The American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to animals as one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders, and the FBI uses reports of animal abuse in analyzing the threat potential of suspected and known criminals. Experts agree that it is the severity of the behavior—not the species of the victim—that matters. Furthermore, animal fighting is invariably linked to illegal gambling and the presence of illicit drugs and weapons (our investigators have concluded that hog-dog operators and attendees are often participators in dogfighting events). Violent crimes are also commonly associated with blood sports. In response to these trends, a number of jurisdictions have formed interagency task forces to ensure their communities’ safety. Needless to say, we are relieved to know that your local authorities treat such crimes with the seriousness that they deserve.

On behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in Florida, we respectfully urge your office to prosecute Alonzo and Philip Hair and Derrick Hamilton to the fullest extent of the law. Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception among animal abusers—and this is especially true of animal fighters—we ask that, upon conviction and in addition to being sentenced to a meaningful period of incarceration, each be barred from any future contact with animals and that any animals who may remain in their respective charges be immediately seized. We also ask that the defendants be required to undergo thorough psychological evaluations followed by mandatory counseling at personal expense—the safety of the community may depend on it.

Thank you for your diligence and for your time and consideration. I can be reached at 757-622-7382 if you have any questions or if our office can be of assistance.

Sincerely yours,

Martin Mersereau, Casework Division Manager
Domestic Animal and Wildlife Rescue & Information Department