Arrest in dog rescue outrages pet lovers

Tennesseean.com ^

[mom4kittys]

Jarrod Martin was repeatedly told to back away from a roaring fire in his apartment building, but the sight of his dog jumping up and down against a glass door in a room filled with smoke was too much, he said.

[tomkat]

Did you really think that we want those laws to be observed?" said Dr. Ferris.
We *want* them broken....There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals.
Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.
Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone?
But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt.
Now that's the system, Mr. Rearden, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.

Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged, Ch. III, "White Blackmail"

[Teacher317]

$1 fine

Exactly. Send the public the message that what he did could have been a problem, but that we're happy with this outcome and that rescuing your loved ones is not a criminal offense.

Instead, Tennessee reminds the world that they want to stand by and watch your dog die, they want to arrest you for trying to rescue your loved ones, and they will not tolerate men being brave, caring, loyal, and independent.

[Bogey78O]

Only lords are allowed to do such.

[Terriergal]

That's how I feel. While I understand their point, if he had gone in after an inanimate object, the cops/firemen have to understand people's connection to their own pets. They will do reckless things. While you can grumble about it, unless he actually assaulted and harmed someone I dont' think I can see charging him.

I definitely do not equate the value of a dog life with that of a human life - but if I had to sit there and watch my dog frantically trying to escape being burned alive I'd be a little crazy too.

[Terriergal]

AWWWW!

[Terriergal]

Cute but these are cuter (IMHO of course) one of them is going to be at MY house in about 7-8 weeks!

talon and babies

racey and babies

[Terriergal]

:-)

[Terriergal]

Me too most likely.

[Terriergal]

Well -- I can see their drawing the line at risking lives to rescue pets but when you think this guy went back into the house, watched for THIRTY MINUTES while no one did anything, you have to think the FD made a bad call there. They had plenty of time to rescue the dog. Even once he *did* go in and save the dog, they sucessfully rescued him as well. I think that makes a stronger case in court than the 'dog being a member of the family' approach -- since they are animals and not human, no matter what one feels about them.

Will be looking for your posting of the reply!

[Ima Lurker]

From what I saw on TV it was a relatively easy rescue. I'm an animal lover, but not one of those who thinks an animals life is equal to a humans. However, in this case I would have done the same thing.

[Slings and Arrows]

AWWWW!

My sentiments exactly. Thank'ee.

[Slings and Arrows]

Jack Russel-wouldn't have one. I only have pets with IQs lower than my own.

With JRT's, it comes with the territory. ;-)

[nanny]

Ditto me, except it is my cat. It is my life and my cat - I really have a right to do with it as I wish.

[MightyMouseToSaveThe Day]

Here's the thing. The more detailed news accts all report that all this guy did was BREAK DOWN THE SLIDING GLASS DOOR!! He didn't enter his house. The Police are making it sound like he dashed through a burning building that was crashing all around him, putting firefighters at risk for having to go in and save HIM among the burning embers. Not so.

He saw his dog scratching and jumping at the sliding door with the flames behind him. Who among us would watch our dog get eaten by flames when all you have to do is break the glass?

Jarrod Martin didn't enter the house. He broke the glass and simply scooped up his dog who was ready to leap out anyway. I read 2 conflicting reports about what tool he used; he says he used a dumbbell or something, and the police say he used an official firefighter's tool-to-break-glass. So, the police defense that he endangered others is specious. I think what really pissed them off is that he might have used one of their official tools without permission.

So what? I'd use whatever tool was handy, too, if I had to rescue someone i loved.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

You ought to see the film. The top floor of the building was completely ablaze, and in some sections, was crumbling and falling. The balcony immediately above him was roaring and consumed by flame, and appeared to be ready to come down any second. He lcimbs up, breaks the glass, helps the dog over the balcony (about a 10 foot drop), and moves out of there real fast himself.

He was very lucky, mind bogglingly foolhardy, and deserves the penalty he had coming.

Control of bystanders at a fire scene is not about "statist JBTs" - it is about common sense safety procedures.

That all being said, I probably would have done the exact same thing to save the dog - then taken my punishment for doing something which endangered others.

[stands2reason]

The Mr. reminded me of an incident in New Mexico where a man was arrested for shooting a wolf that was attacking his dog. Do you recall that one?

[MotleyGirl70]

Why waste your time replying back to Illbay?

He has the "right" answer IN HIS MIND for everything and anything posted on FR.

When you see him post...just keep on scrolling.

[MotleyGirl70]

I would have done the exact same thing to save my tabby cat of 5 years. And I would much rather pay a fine than for him to be dead.

Me too. I would do anything to save my two cats.

Cuff me, fine me...nobody could hold me back from trying to save them.

[MotleyGirl70]

What a cutie!

[Fraulein]

What a cutie!

Thank you! He's a real sweetie. Oh I just love the furry little bugger.