Date :1/26/2008
Subject :progress in the lawsuit
There is not much to report with regards to the lawsuit. I did attempt to contact our attorney this week and like all good attorneys he was working and I couldnt get through to him. The petition for the injunctive releif was to be possibly filed this week and I cant accuratly report that it was accomplished. I would like to again express my gratitude to those who sent words of encouragement and support for the past two weeks since our withdrawal from RDOWS, I continue to wish them well and certainly hope the feeling is mutual as we both have the same goals and are simply taking a different path to accomplish them. If I am able to affirm the filing of the petition for the injunction I will post it here so that those of you who will be effected will know shortly after I do. I would like to again remind those who have called or e-mailed questioning the future of the BSL challenge here in Arkansas, ROADSInc. is proceeding with the suit and we are as strongly opposed to BSL as we ever were and WILL continue the legal challenge through it's completion and proceed with the phase two and three as previously laid out in our long term plans and goals for ROADSInc. The donation button on the website is beginning to report some good activity and I would also like to express my gratitude for that, ROADSInc can use the donations and again my assurance that ALL funds donated will be used ONLY for the BSL challenge. 12:15am and time to turn in. Check back often as I will have info on the injunction and gie you an update asap. Roger
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Date :1/10/2008
Subject :Update on ROADSInc Lawsuit and Modification to website
Greetings all: The reduction of the information on the website is due to our decision to withdraw our affiliation with the RDOWS organization. This action was effective as of 01-11-2008. ROADSInc Board of Directors met on January 9th and made a unanimous decision to refocus our efforts solely within the borders of the State of Arkansas in an effort to devote all possible time to the preparation of the trial coming up in the Federal District Court. We have talked recently with two professional dog trainers and when we have moved closer to being fully prepared for the trial we will begin to formulate what was to be the third phase of ROADSInc’s long range plans in being able to offer educational programs to the general public on various pet related responsibilities such as Proper Pet Selection, Pet responsibility, Proper care and nutrition and many other pet related subjects. As we draw nearer to the completion of those programs and presentations we will announce the scheduled times and places that they are to be offered. Upon the conclusion of the Breed Specific Legislation trial we will initiate phase two which will possibly include additional legal action and hopefully not be as long and drawn out as the present trial appears to be. The focus of those efforts will be announced in the not to distant future.
Back to the website update, we would like to hear from you as to suggestions to make the website more pleasing and informative to you and what you would like to see and hear about relative to the Dog World in Arkansas. We would like our reconstructed site to be more informative and less “position “ oriented as we want to keep you informed in a friendly and useful way. We have three scheduled speaking engagements to present the program on Breed Specific Legislation and look forward to visiting with folks in other areas. We appreciate ALL of the support we get in the central part of the state but want those of you out in the four corners to always know that you a equally as important as the friends in the central region. I would hope you would keep in mind we at ROADSInc are dedicated to representing all of Arkansas in issues relative to BSL we will not interfere with you or your efforts to either speak to your city council members, quorum court members or legislators but when we are invited or you request our assistance, be assured we will be there. ROADSInc is an Arkansas non-profit here to serve Arkansas pet owners and breeders without charge to you. We operate with the donations and pledges you make to our organization and appreciate the financial support you have entrusted to us. At each presentation we have made throughout the state I have pledged and now would like to repeat that pledge: EVERY SINGLE PENNY you donate goes to the BSL legal challenge; nothing is used for mileage, meals, postage or any other expense incurred by ANY member of ROADSInc.
In closing I would like to wish all of the folks in RDOWS much success in the future as they attempt to address the issue of BSL on a much larger scale than ROADSInc could ever imagine, it appears it is a never ending battle that the only reward is the victory we look forward to when we receive a favorable ruling relative to our challenge. Please check back to our site and the “notes from the director” as this may be the only source for updates on our trial and other pet related issues. To all ROADSInc members and also those RDOWS members I extend a big thanks for all of the support you have given to myself and to ROADSInc and we look forward to only good things in the future and to be able to share them with you.
Respectfully,
Roger C. Schnyer
Chairman, Responsible Owners of Arkansas Dogs Inc.
P.O. Box 18
Lonoke AR 72086
cajun9@sbcglobal.net
http://roadsinc.org
Phone: 501-676-7582
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Date :10/31/2007
Subject :a lot to talk about
Greetings all.....It has been quite a while since I updated the Directors notes. It was not because there was not anything going on, but simply I got severly down in the dumps because of the delays in filing the lawsuit. The most important thing going on in my life right now is getting relief from the BSL ordinances that seem to be multiplying as if they had a life of their own. I received a new and what appears to be a final draft of the lawsuit and now have to contact the persons injured by the various BSL ordinances in the three cities involved in the suit to get affidavits as to the harrm caused to them and their animals, and with that hopefully the next step is the filing of the suit. Since I last reported to you I have been to Springdale and spoke to a fine group of folks there. I am referred to by some folks as a "flat llander " because of where I was raise, but I must compliment the folks at the Springdale meeting the were most cordial and I look forward to their nex invitation to a meeting to be held in Mtn Home( I think ). I also made a trip this past Tuesday to the PetsMart store to visit with the manager there as I had received numerous e-mails and phone calls to advise they were banning Pit bulls from their store while allowing and encouraging other breeds of dogs into the store as the owners shopped. The manager was very pleasant to talk with and gave me the time to hear what I had to say without interruption. He advised me that ALL dogs were welcome regardless of breed but that if the dog catchers from North Little Rock came into the store and saw Pit Bulls or any dog having the appearance of Pit's or a mix of Pit's they would according to the N.L.R dog catchers seize them and they would be euthanized. This would without question be a clear violation of one of the points in our lawsuit that deals with intrastate and interstate commerce. and while I dont want anyone to lose a good animal or be charged with resisting and/or related charges I sure dont want them to be sucessfull in their efforts to eradicate the Bully breeds by mere threats and intimidation. Many many more things are going on, and now that I've broken the ice, I'll do my best to keep you informed as to the progress of the lawsuit as it looks like we are finally getting to where we can see th light at the end of the tunnel. Please remember we are stewards of God's creations and be responsible. Thanks for checking back, Roger
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Date :9/19/2007
Subject :Another slight delay
Greetings all I made a quick trip to the attorney's office this afternoon to try to find out why there was a delay in some of the paper swap between those involved in the preparation of the anticipated filings. I spent quite a whlie at our secretary treasurer's house last night trying to expedite the exchange of documents and scan documents and send them to the parties involved. The questioned documents were and are a valuable part of our filings and NEEDED to be included in the initial filing. All of that to say they have now reached their destination and will be reviewed entered and the final review to make absolutly sure that all points have been covered. If they are able to complete the review then the documents can be filed either late Friday but more likely on Monday. No one in particular can be blamed for the delay as all concerned were trying to enter and send the paperwork and some where in the vast internet the documents simply didnt arrive at the appointed place. I can proudly say they are all there now and all parties concerned can finally vouch for that. I do want to express my gratitude to everyone on the team for being just that "on the team " and throughout the entire confusing situation remained calm and cordial knowing we have quite a few friends and observers watching our progress. We finally can see the light at the end of the tunnell and thank goodness it is not a train coming the other way. I previously stated when the documents have the courts file mark on them I will celebrate and I hope you will join me. Our next step will be to get the Judges signature on the injunction to prevent any further enforcement of the "bans" until the case can be heard. I will pass this on by way of a backdoor compliment. While I was venting my frustration at the delay's one of those "in the know" stated they were surprised and very pleased at the progress we had made in such a short period of time.. So maybe it is not as bad as I presonally thought. I'll close this missive by thanking everyone who called for a status update. The calls were many and from both local and very distant places, it's very satisfying to know we have such caring and encouraging friends most of which we have never met and possibly will never meet but their sincere encouragement makes them valued friends. Oh! a last thought for you in the White County area I have been invited to come and speak to a group in that area on Sunday afternoon, I will post the time and location here as it gets passed to me hopefully tomorrow. Be safe, rest easy, our fight and victory will make it all worth the effort. Roger
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Date :9/17/2007
Subject :Greetings All
It is unusual that I am updating the Directors notes at 4:45 in the afternoon. I got back from the attorney's office about an hour ago and he advised they were almost done with their paper swapping and he was almost to the point of finalizing the papers to be filed. I cannot apologize for the delay because it was not somthing I had any control over. I've worked in the judicial system for the better bart of the last 35 years and I've always preached "the wheels of justice turn slowly" it's just hard to practise what you preach. At the last count it appears everything should be in order and filed no later than Thursday and I'll yell hooray so loud you'all being within 100 miles of the Mississippi river will have to check your e-mail to find the commotion was be celebrating I would like to take a belated moment to thank Grover and all of the folks in Northwest Arkansas for the invitation to the EXPO, it was worth the trip, I met some real fine folks and certainly do look forward to seeing them again and exchanging idea's and working together for the good of the various breeds, and there sure was a variety well represented. In a lighthearted way I mentioned eats while extending the invitation for anyone wanting to go, and bless their hearts within ten minutes after I arrived there was a catered lunch, which made it all that more pleasant. Again a big thanks to you Grover and all of the other folks who made it worth the three hour drive. Hats off to all of you for the support and encouragement, hopefully tomorrow when it comes time to update I'll be shouting with joy Roger
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Date :9/14/2007
Subject :More Good News
This missive will be rather short as in my computer illiteracy this is the third time I am attempting to type this entry the third time. As I did yesterday I spent the better part of the afternoon at the attorney's office reviewing documents, planning strategy, talking with potential witness's and in general preparing the things that lead up to filing our lawsuit in Federal Court on Monday the 17th. My hat is off to those involved in the preparations they have today kept the internet hopping sending and receiving case law, copies of law and statutes and various other docnumentation needed to properly prepare a lock solid case. I think for tthose of you who will be present at the trial will be pleased with the presentation, the research and detail that has gone into the preparations. It is now 2:18am and I am to be in Fort Smith for the EXPO in about 7hrs so I had better cut this short. To end on a sad note one of our new friends and a plaintiff in our case that I mentioned last night, so sadly his two pets were killed by the Jacksonville animal control today. We tried to intervene on his behalf, but were not successful I just wonder when the guardians of God's creatures who profess to be " animal control officers " and not just mere dog catchers can brag to their children as to how many other of their childrens school class mates pets that they killed today and how much they got paid to do it. Life is strange, in my younger days when someone stole somthing from a store they were called a thief, now they are only a "shoplifter ", when they entered our country illegally they were illegal aliens now they are "undocumented aliens " when someone stole your prpperty ( a pet) and harmed it they were prosecuted to the full extent of the law. now they are escorted by a uniformed policeman bearing arms without the benefit of either a search wzrrant or an arrest warrant, demand you turn over your valuable property (your pet) and take it and KILL it and then demand you respect them and not call them dog catchers but insist they are animal control officers. I have a more appropriate name "GUTLESS WONDERS'' Goodnight all
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Date :9/13/2007
Subject :Another extremely good day (with one exception )
GOOD NEWS>>>>GOOD NEWS. we found out yesterday the ADBA board of Directors approved a request from Hank Greenwood their President that they assist ROADS in their court case to overturn the "pit Bull Bans in Arkansas. ADBA has pledged to donate one dollar to match each dollar donation received by ROADS up to a total of $5,000.00 If we all get out and hustle to raaise the initial $5,000.00 the $10,000.00 will go a long way towards paying the Attorney's and related cost's of the trial. I cannot find the words to appropriatly express my gratitude to the ABDA and Mr. Greenwood all ROADS needs t do now is WORK,WORK and get out part so we can take advantage of their generous offer.and challenge. I do have a sad and serious concern to share with you. I met a young man this evening who is a resident of Jacsonville who has had his two dogs seized by animal control and had called him today to advise him to come and pck up his dog's tags as animal control was to euthanize his pets either this evening or tommorrow. ROADS attempted to contact our atty to have him intervene and unfortunatly his was involved in a trial and could not respond. I will contact our Atty the first thing in the morning to see if it's not too late. It is almost a crime to kill two young pets that are beautifull animals who have done nothing in their short lives to harm, threaten or even inconvenience anyone. KILL THEM just because they are " Pit Bulls" that is tearfull emphasis as to why RDOWS, ROADS and many other fine organizations exist today. I would give almost anything to meet new friends a totally different way. speaking of friends it's now 01:12am and friends it's been a long time since 05:40am Thursday and a very short time till 5:40 am today ( Friday) my prayer tonight is that the two dog's we've talked about have made it through the night and we can find compassion in someone's heart that they will be returned to their family tomorrow. We learn so much from our canine friends, total unrelenting love, peace of mind and heart and sacrificial loyalty. How great a world this would be if everyone could learn from them. good night and an even better Friday your encouragement and support is so greatly appreciated. Roger
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Date :9/11/2007
Subject :Wheels of Justice Correction
My previous entry was supposed to say bring the enforcement of BSL to a stop...........Excuse my goof. chalk it up to the late hour, its been a long day. Roger
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Date :9/11/2007
Subject :The Wheels of Justice
The wheels of justice turn slowly, but THEY DO TURN SURELY. We are still gathering case cites and other pertinant information to be passed to our attorney. I'm eagerly looking forward to getting the injunction in place to bring the enforcement of BSL in Beebe, Lonoke and Jacksonville. We are still on schedule for the filing date of Monday the 17th. As soon as the papers are officially filed I will update the notes so you'all will know within a matters of 2 or 3 hours of the filing time, then joing with me in a timy celebration for at least getting our foot in the door and with prayers and basic common sense judicial response will be forthcoming in our favor. I'm still on schedule to attend the ABCDA &STEPP Expo in Fort Smith on Saturday, havent had any takers yet on my offer for a ride up there and back. You can scroll back in my notes and pick upon the details if you're interested give me a buzz @ 501-676-7582 ( that's of course for all of you folks from the central Arkansas area). More to come tomorrow, Check back. Roger
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Date :9/11/2007
Subject :an exceptionally good day for roads inc and our friends and supporters
I'm happy to report to you'all that I spent a part of the afternoon with our attorney Andrew Clark reviewing the preparations for our upcoming BSL suit. I am to deliver some case sites and other pertinant inforrmation which he will review and prepare the legal documents on Saturday and Sunday and should have them all prepared for filing next Monday. also included in the filings will be a petition for an injunction to prevent the cities of Jacksonville, Lonoke and Beebe from any further enforcement of thier "pit bull bans " until the completion of the trial. so basically you will be able to bring your dogs back home and not have to worry about unwanted visits or harassment from " animal control". I met with Larry Kyle this evening and discussed some of the problems in Jacksonville it was a very productive and enjoyable evening and I look forward to him assisting in the ROADS effort against BSL.From all appearances there is a large contingent of dog owners who are sincere in their efforts to better their various breeds, and that's my kind of people. 12:30am and time to call it a night. Be sure to catch the update tomorrow GOOD things are happening.........Roger
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Date :9/9/2007
Subject :Progress, Progress, Progress
Much good to report today. I contacted PayPal today and after almost on hour with a very pleasant and patient young lady, the PayPal account is now ready (and has received one donation ). A vrey sincere thanks to the donor. Coincedently I spoke with our attorney this morning by phone and will meet with him tomorrow concerning the filing of the lawsuits.. We discussed filing against three jurisdictions simultaniously, we will go into that at our one on one meeting tomorrow ad I'll advise you'all as to the outcome tomorrow evening. The bank account is corrected ad will receive donations at the bank's p.o. box either to ROADSinc or to th proper name "Responsible Owners of Arkansas" Please dont forget the STEPP & ABCDA 2007 expo this coming weekend in Fort Smith at the Convention Center from 8:00am until 5:00pm I still have room for three in my car and will gladly bring you up there and back at no expense to you (other than your food ). I'll elaborate more in the next few days. The best news yet is we are so much closer to the filing of the BSL lawsuits, keep watching this portion of the website and I'll keep you up to date. Roger
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Date :9/6/2007
Subject :Progress made, Error At The bank corrected
For those of you who contacted me advising you donations sent to the bank had been returned because they couldnt find an account for ROADS. The error has been corrected and the correction should be in place in their computer by Tuesday the 11th. PLEASE redeposit your donation so it will arrive at the bank after Tuesday. I received a phone call today from Grover Jameson the President of STEPP, Sociiety for the Training and Education of Pet Professional along with an invitation to the STEPP & ABCDA ( Arkansas Breeders of Companion Dogs Association ) 2007 EXPO to be held on Sept. 15th from 8:00am till 5:00pm at the Fort Smith Convention Center. It is a one day affair that I am planning and have room for 3 and possibly 4 in my car if you would like to ride with me. Contact me by phone (501-676-7582) and we cam make plans to car-pool ( I'll provide all the gas.) There is no admission or registration fee and they will have vendors and speakers and hopefully eats available. There is strength in numbers and I am looking forward to our groups finding ways to work together as we share many of the same goals and WE ARE NOT IN COMPETITION we can share idea's, strategy's and overcome any shortcomings to accomplish the good for all. I;ll have more on the EXPO prior to next Saturday, I hope at least three of you will contact me and enjoy a day with the folks from that area. Thanks again for your support and encouragement in the battle against BSL. Roger
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Date :9/4/2007
Subject :Activities from a busy day
Wednesday was a busy day. Channel 11 KTHV in Little Rock contacted us for an interview which aired on the ten oclock news. Check their website it most likely will be there until after their next news cast tomorrow morning. It was a short interview but we were able to get some of our positions across and some got edited out because of time constraints. There will be a Qourum Court meeting wherein they will review a new proposed county "dangerous dog" ordinance and possibly make it a first reading if it meets the full qourum court. I'll be there to see if we need to have any input. All members of the quorum court have been very cordial and respectfull in trying to do right and avoid litigation, My hat is tipped to all of them. Check back tomorrow night and I'll let you know what happened at the meeting. Roger
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Date :9/3/2007
Subject :Initiation of Notes From The Director
Greetings All; This is an addition I requested while we were formulating our desires and needs for the ROADSinc website. The directors notes will be updated on a daily, weekly or as news occurs basis, such as the filing of our lawsuits, progress on the suits, information on our fund raising efforts or anything of interest concerning BSL in Arkansas. Please check back on what ever frequency is comfortable with you. Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement...........Roger
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