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SAVE ATO, WEST versus ATO.

Below we present a reaction from Robert W. West (assistant city attorney of Ann Arbor) , which has been recieved by (an) Ato Supporter(s), who had sent a concerned letter to Mayor I. Sheldon of Ann Arbor. West's letter tries to convince that Ato's supporters have been completely mis-informed about the facts. Moreover that the information presented in Ato's websites is incomplete and in many aspects false ! The only persons who seem not to be upset and know the truth are the citizens of the community (Ann Arbor). He continues by giving his opinion of the case and finally ends 'It's too bad that good people can be so easily misled by lies and distortions'.
In other words, according to Mr. West, all those who learned about the case through the website and became concerned are simple-minded people.......
Well, we all know, not only through this website but also what has been published in the local newspaper (AA News), that Mr. West is very strong in his 'ethic' statements; "We lost the prize", etc.. Moreover that the only resource bringing ALL the facts is this website, whereas the local newspaper is incomplete, mainly referring to West and ignoring essential facts of this case.
Maybe we have to feel sorry for the mayor of Ann Arbor, having such an assistant city attorney.....
Better keep in mind that each human  has all the rights to fight for justice.  Humans do that in court, while dogs defend their domain when someone intrudes, like Ato did ! Oh, by the way, humans seem to  defend their property too....very often by killing the intruder and becoming a hero !
Well, website viewers just read below what assistant city prosecutor Robert West must say and read on further for the comments. Feel free to react to the City of Ann Arbor by sending a concerned (e-) mail e.g. to:
Mr. Robert West, assistant city attorney: e-mail: RWest@ci.ann-arbor.mi.us
Ms. I. Sheldon, City Mayor: e-mail: ISheldon@ci.ann-arbor.mi.us
Check for more addresses by clicking here "Important Addresses".

 
SUBJECT: "Ato the dog"
by Robert West, assistant city attorney of Ann Arbor, dated August 1, 2000   13:10:06 -0400
Thank for contacting us with your concerns about the case involving Mrs. Ikuma and her dog Ato.  I'm sure you're a caring person and that your message was well intended.  However, you have been completely mis-informed about the facts of this case.  The information contained in the Ato websites is not only incomplete, but in many respects is intentionally false.  These lies are being spread by people who, for their own personal gain, want people like yourself to believe that this case is about racial prejudice, money, politics, animals protecting their owners, or whatever.  In truth, this case is about only one thing - a very dangerous dog.  We have received other messages similar to yours, but only from people who learn of this case through the internet.  The citizens of this community are not upset by this case because they know the truth about what happened.  The local media has accurately and responsibly reported the real situation, which is that a  young boy was savagely mauled by a large dog under circumstances that could never justify such an attack.  We are not anti-dog here in Ann Arbor, but we are anti-dangerous dog.  Examples of the deliberate falsehoods published in the websites: that the newsboy entered the Ikuma's house - there is no evidence to support that claim; that Ato has only bitten one person - I have personally spoken with and/or seen hospital records of four people who have been bitten by this dog, and three of those were unprovoked attacks; that the trial court applied the standards of a 1919 Michigan law in ordering Ato destroyed - in fact the court applied the more stringent standards of the 1988 Dangerous Animal Act.  Mrs. Ikuma is now on her fifth attorney.  The first four were very competent, very ethical attorneys who provided her with good legal representation.  None of them contributed to the lies and distortions about this case which are now broadcast worldwide.  Apparently Mrs. Ikuma has now found a lawyer who will represent her in the manner in which she wishes to be represented.  Unfortunately this does not reflect well on either Mrs. Ikuma or their current lawyer.  You may not believe what I've written here, but everything I've said is supported by the court record, which is far more than can be said for the information on the websites.  It's too bad that good people can be so easily misled by lies and distortions.

 
Observations and Comments to Mr. West's letter.
1. Mr. West is distorting the truth. The statements which have been placed on the website are based on court records and the law of the United States of  America and the State of  Michigan.
2. Presently, the statements that are placed on the website are backed up by the evidence  and logical conclusions produced at two trials. Mr. West can not deny that a jury concluded that Ato was not vicious and that the city and the judges are trying Ms. Ikuma twice for the same incident. This second trial is contrary to the American judicial principles.
Mr. West, the City of Ann Arbor and judges Creal-Goodridge and Connors, have a very little regard for truth and the rule of law. Especially as it relates to the Ikuma's civil rights. For one, the 1919 Dog Law has no standards, and the 1988 Dangerous Animal Act which supercedes the 1919 Dog Law, prevents the City of Ann Arbor from legally euthanizing Ato. The courts by ruling otherwise is ignoring the intent of the legislature which passed the legislation to prevent an emotional and irrational based destruction of animals like Ato.
Mr. West and the City of Ann Arbor know this because if they could have proceeded to destroy Ato under the 1988 Dangerous Animal Act alone, they would have merely proceeded under that statute alone. The courts in this case ordered the destruction of Ato under the 1919 Dog Law, which is not applicable, but among other things is unconstitutional.
3. Alex was not savagely mauled. The medical records which were produced at both trials support that his injuries were minor. Further, the City of Ann Arbor witness, Linda Morin, the experienced animal trainer who thoroughly tested the temperament of Ato testified under oath  that the attack by Ato on Alex Newton was designed to get the intruder and trespasser, Alex Newton, out of his territory, i.e. the Ikuma's house. The dog's reaction was appropriate for the circumstances. 
4. There has been no attack by Ato without provocation. Mr. West stated that four people have been bitten by Ato and 3 were unprovoked. This  is a complete lie !  At the two court proceedings, i.e. the criminal trial in which Ato was found to be not vicious, and the second illegal Order to Show Cause hearing, there was only testimony of three attacks;
(1) Linda Morin, who testified that on October 3, 1998, Ato attacked her after she intentionally provoked him, ( she was not actually bitten, as there was no puncture and no blood from the attack), 
(2) Heidi Goldberg, a woman who stuck her hand into the Ikuma's car window at a shopping center, on June 21, 1997, thereby provoking Ato, and was snapped, and
(3) Alex Newton whose actions, according to Linda Morin, provoked Ato to assault on him.
The allegation by Mr. West, that Alex was mauled is a complete lie. 
5. The alleged fourth incident involved Sara Yokoyama, whom the City has stated that Ato, on July 31, 1997, "bit at her rib cage." This is an alleged attempted bite, not a bite. She was not called to testify at either trial. Ato's attack in this case was also provoked by Sara.
If Mr. West is so sure of his facts, why has he fought tooth and nail not to open up the testimony of  the case, or presented any legal or logical statements in support his position ? 
6. Mr. West is doing all he can to distort and hide the truth. The  website adequately states the case.
More about 'West versus Ato' then click here ..
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