Target: Mimi Rocah, District Attorney of Westchester County, New York State
Goal: Prosecute the individual allegedly responsible for neglecting dogs, resulting in their deaths, to the fullest extent of the law.
The founder and owner of Rescue Right Animal Shelter in Bedford, New York, has been arrested for the second time on charges of animal cruelty. Penny Berk was first arrested in July for allegedly neglecting five Bernese Mountain Dogs, who were found in critical condition and later had to be euthanized due to severe illness.
In October, two more dogs under her care, named Felix and Nelly, were reportedly found in distress with severe symptoms of the Distemper Virus. Authorities say the dogs were coughing, lethargic, and had difficulty breathing. They were taken to an animal hospital but could not be saved. Officials state that Berk could not provide records of any veterinary care for these dogs, despite them being in her shelter’s care since April.
These incidents suggest a pattern of neglect and failure to provide necessary medical attention to animals entrusted to her care. Such actions not only violate animal welfare laws but also betray the trust of the community and those who support animal rescue efforts.
Legal action is imperative to hold those allegedly responsible accountable and prevent future harm to innocent animals. Send a clear message that animal neglect and abuse will not be tolerated.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Mimi Rocah,
I am deeply concerned about the recent reports involving Penny Berk, the founder of Rescue Right animal shelter in Bedford. Ms. Berk has been arrested for the second time on charges of animal cruelty after multiple dogs in her care reportedly died due to neglect.
In the most recent incident, two dogs named Felix and Nelly were allegedly found suffering from severe symptoms of the Distemper Virus. Despite this, it appears that they did not receive the necessary veterinary care and subsequently had to be euthanized. Earlier this year, five Bernese Mountain Dogs under her care also reportedly died under similar circumstances.
These cases suggest a troubling pattern of alleged neglect and a failure to provide adequate care to animals entrusted to her shelter. Such actions violate animal welfare laws and undermine public trust in organizations dedicated to rescuing and caring for vulnerable animals.
I urge you to prosecute Ms. Berk to the fullest extent of the law. It is crucial that justice is served for these innocent animals and that a strong message is sent that neglect and abuse will not be tolerated. Please take all necessary actions to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Jens Schott Knudsen
