Editor,
Are we in a police state where the Sheriff can vanish your dog before you even see a jury—and keep her gone after “not guilty”?
Oct. 24: San Juan County jury took 20 minutes to clear Friday Harbor Mayor Ray Jackson of animal cruelty. Jurors asked:
- When does Sasha come home?
- Why the witch-hunt?
Answer: She can’t—because weeks before trial, the Sheriff quietly shipped the 13-year-old terrier off-island for “foster/adoption.”
Why rush to hide her?
- The “shock collar”? Modified to beep only—no zap.
- Neck wound? Vet says it happened while Sasha was loose 12 hours, rolling in island mud.
- Ray & Tina? Already combing streets + the Sheriff’s lobby looking for her. None of that made the police report.
Ex-prosecutor Robert Bulloch (20+ years) calls it the worst overreach he’s seen. A lapsed $400 bond = permanent family divorce.
This isn’t left vs. right—it’s any of us. One grudge, one slanted report, and your senior dog disappears forever.win
Call Sheriff Eric Peter (360-378-4151), Prosecutor Amy Vira (360-378-6931), APSFH (360-378-2160). Demand: “Tell Ray where Sasha is—NOW.”
I’m mailing a $100 check today to Stone & Bulloch, PO Box 623. Make yours out the same—every dollar funds the civil-rights suit that brings her home.
Sasha’s tail hasn’t wagged since August. Let’s fix that—before Christmas.
Rikki Swin Friday Harbor