Justice for dogs starved at a Memphis animal shelter

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**Update**
Mayor Wharton is receiving regular updates on this petition.  Since the termination of shelter director Ernest Alexander, nothing has been done.  Three individuals continue to be on "paid leave" at the taxpayers expense.  These individuals that are believed to be at fault have not been charged, nor have they even lost their jobs. 

3 dogs starved to death at a Memphis animal shelter.  More can be read on the story here:

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/local/110309_shocking_photos_led_to_animal_shelter_raid

Letter:

Mayor Wharton,

We were horrified to learn of the cruelty dogs suffered in the Memphis Animal Shelter.  It was reported a female mixed breed puppy that was brought to the shelter in August died within three weeks of what was described as "non-accidental starvation." A veterinarian said the dog had lost one-quarter of her body weight.

We the undersigned demand these employees be charged under
TENN. CODE ANN. 39-14-201 which states in part:

A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if the person:
Intentionally or knowingly tortures, maims, grossly overworks, fails to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter for an animal, abandons, transports in a cruel manner, inflicts burns, cuts, lacerations, or other injuries or pain to any animal by any method including blistering compounds to the legs or hooves of horses.

A person commits the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals if the person:
Intentionally kills or intentionally causes serious physical injury to a companion animal.

Cruelty to animals/Aggravated cruelty.

Class A Misdemeanor.

Fine up to $2,500.

11 months, 29 days to 30 years imprisonment.

Furthermore, we demand the individuals responsible be immediately terminated from the shelter.

Sincerely,

The petition signers