The Police State - A True Story

[Paul "Happy" Gilmore]

I am told that Tim tried to explain to the police how his chassis mount and trailer were designed to ensure that the dogs were properly ventilated, but that they were having none of it.

Can't believe you get to stay in a La Quinta....Did it check out ok? Crud, I've only gotten to stay in a La Quinta once for work.....all the hotels were booked up for some sort of naked hippy bike ride in Oregon..

Here's Fort Collin's Police Complaint page..

http://www.fcgov.com/police/employee-conduct.php

[Kyle B]

Pretty loose interpretation, but this is probably what they were referring to:

From the Fort Collins Municipal Code and Charter

Sec. 4-70. Improper care or treatment prohibited.

(a) No owner or keeper of an animal shall fail to provide that animal with sufficient good and wholesome food and water, proper shelter and protection from the weather, veterinary care, when necessary, and such other care as is customary and necessary for the animal's health and well-being, considering the species, breed and type of animal.

[Eric Johnson]

Kyle B mentioned the Municipal Code. The county code has a similar wording. The point thus is, where can the handlers/dogs go? Both City and County motels would put the dogs at risk. Now that one truck and been spotted, others will likely follow.

[MikeBoley]

Tim was going to have to deal with the Sherrif. That is county. County code I found was sec 6-80 (b). Had direct reference to animals confined in vehicle. It did not however have reference to any specified temp. As with most animal control issues it is left up to the AC officer. That is very scary. Never know what their agenda is. I'm sure the mayor and county commisioners would be interested in the economic impact of such an loss of venue could cause. We must also be good guest and positively promote our sport while we are guest in the places we go to compete. Get the business owners envolved and they will get the changes made locally

[Raymond Little]

Tim handled it much better than I would have. Most AC idiots have no clue what the laws are regarding sporting dogs. It would have be better in the long run had the Sheriff sorted things out and clarified the true meaning to the AC idiot. The field trial committee needs to get involved and request a meeting with county commissioners and city leader asap on this issue. Hope Tim didn't have to eat vieanna sausages for supper because of this crap.

[DKR]

Tim did the right thing.

[Truffle]

I had a similar incident in Fort Collins 4-5 years ago although the police were never involved, a threatening note was left on my truck stating among other things "this is not Texas". I reported the incident to the motel but nothing came of it. There is a faction in Fort Collins that wants to be Boulder or Berkley, hello Colofornia!

Ed, you've got that right! As a Fort Collins resident, I can assure you that our city government looks south to Boulder for guidance. If they could only get us all to abandon our vehicles for bicycles, they would be totally happy.

[EdA]

It 's not like this is a first time event in the Fort Collins area, field trials have been held in the area regularly for more than forty years. Often there are 2 each summer, this summer there will be 3 over the next 4 weeks, things could get interesting. Wish I was there but glad I'm not given local welcoming committee.

[Truffle]

Interesting that the local Humane Society, which contracts for animal control with the City of Fort Collins, has trucks equipped with the dog box toppers. Has anyone pointed this out to the local Powers That Be. Seriously, it might be a good idea for the officers of the various retriever clubs located in the area (Fort Collins, Cheyenne, Centennial) to arrange a meeting with local law enforcement (sheriff, police), humane society and some sympathetic vets (Wayne and Tracy Jenson come to mind) and demonstrate that the dog toppers are a safe and humane situation. Is Chuck Cross still around? He was active in retrievers and was a police officer, I believe. Another resource, if available.

[Brad]

What about the toppers on animal control trucks, sure bet the arnt as cool or safer than yalls trucks. I guess I would get arrested there with my dogs in plastic crates. and fans
But I do let mine in the motel room at night.
Ted did they give you problems since you had a dog truck at the same hotel?