MISSIONARY INDEPENDENT SPIRITUAL CHURCH
Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 5
12-01-11
BOARD MEETING MINUTES: December 1, 2011
Minutes for Board Meeting of Missionary Independent Spiritual Church Emergency Board Meeting, December 1, 2011, 12:30pm - 1:00pm In attendance were Board Members catherine yronwode, nagasiva yronwode, Briana Saussy, and Fred Burke. Sindy Todo was sent the proposed agenda for discussion with documentation, could not attend, and briefly responded via email with a request that her comments be included in the minutes. Also in attendance were Jeffrey Vanderson, Co-Chair of the Crystal Silence League and three General Members who asked not to have their names listed in the minutes. This meeting was convened to discuss a response to evidence brought before the church Board on November 30, 2011 which implicated Bishop Emeritus Kenneth Fuller (Dr. Christos Kioni) in acts of animal cruelty and animal torture. Background Bishop catherine yronwode recalled that on March 21, 2008, while on the Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Rootwork Hour radio show with her, Fuller had prescribed to a caller a ritual whereby a practitioner would cut a rooster's chest cavity open, exposing its internal organs in such a way as to cause a slow and painful death and that items representative of the caller's enemies were to be inserted into the body of the still-living chicken, and the chicken was then to be nailed alive to a palm tree and left there to die. He then stated that he would be performing this act of animal torture or "a variation" of it for a client within the month, in Florida. At the time of this Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Rootwork Hour Broadcast (March 21, 2008), we had no evidence that Kenneth Fuller (Dr. Christos Kioni) had actually performed such an act of animal torture in the past nor, despite his statement that he was about to undertake such an act, did we have any evidence that he actually followed through on his intentions. He was reprimanded privately by catherine, his co-host on the radio show, and catherine told him to never mention such atrocities on the radio show again, and he agreed. Then on November 30, 2011, three General Members of MISC collected and forwarded to the Board a Facebook posting in which Kenneth Fuller displayed a photograph of a chicken on fire on a grave site marker in a cemetery, accompanied by text in which he stated that he had set the animal on fire while it was alive and had deliberately burned it to death. The photo and text are available for viewing by his Friends on Fuller's Facebook profile and on his page, and both text and photo were presented to the Board for review. See ATTACHMENT for supplemental information considered by the Board. All Board Members having reviewed the attached material, the meeting was then open to proposals. ================================================================================ 1) Proposed: The formal censure and expulsion of Bishop Emeritus Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) and the immediate disaffiliation of all MISC churches from his Spiritualist Church of African Traditions - Yahweh (a.k.a. The Church of Juju, a.k.a. Munanso Lucero Aprueba-Fuerza Congo Brama con Brama), due to evidence brought before us by three General Members of the church regarding Dr. Kioni's posting to the public a photo and a verbal description of his having burned a chicken alive, which is a violation of Florida anti-animal cruelty laws, and which we believe to be an immoral act that shows evidence of deep-seated psychological problems. Voted: Agreed, Unanimous. Sindy Todo, who could not attend the meeting, had been sent the evidence by email, and in her email reply she asked her comments to be read into the Board Minutes in lieu of her vote, and they read as follows: "This is so disgusting that it literally makes me sick. You all have my yes vote to take action to stop this cruelty. We need to disassociate in all ways from this man." ================================================================================ Sindy Todo's suggestion to "disassociate in all ways from this man" led catherine yronwode to make the next proposal, that all pastors of churches affiliated with MISC be informed of the situation and that they be required to break their affiliations with Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) as a term and condition of remaining affiliated with MISC. Jeffrey Vanderson, pastor of House of Prophecy Spiritual Church, and attending in his capacity as Co-Chair of the Crystal Silence League, seconded this proposal. ================================================================================ 2) Proposed: Notification will be sent to every MISC-affiliated church informing pastors that in order to retain their affiliation with MISC, they must IMMEDIATELY revise their "denomination" web pages to remove the Spiritualist Church of African Traditions - Yahweh (a.k.a. The Church of Juju, a.k.a. Munanso Lucero Aprueba-Fuerza Congo Brama con Brama) from their web sites; this notification to be sent to all pastors by MISC Board Secretary nagasiva yronwode today. Notification will be sent to Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) to remove all mention of MISC and AIRR from his web sites and literature. The Secretary will send notification to the following Missionary Independent Spiritual Church Forestville, California ("The Mother Church"). Pastor: Rev. catherine yronwode. Four Altars Gospel Sanctuary California High Desert. Pastor: Rev. Deacon Millett. Divine Harmony Spiritual Church Miami, Florida. Pastor: Rev. D. John Michael Hilford. Sacred Clarity Spiritual Church Dallas, Texas. Pastor: Rev. Valentina Burton. Santisima Muerte Chapel of Perpetual Pilgrimage Forestville, California. Pastor: Rev. Sister Robin Petersen. House of Prophecy Spiritual Church Birmingham, Alabama. Pastor: Rev. Jeffrey Vanderson, D.D. Spiritualist Church of African Traditions - Yahwe, Inc. Spiritualist Church of African Traditions - Yahweh The Church of Juju Temple Munanso Lucero Aprueba-Fuerza Congo Brama con Brama, Yahweh Cocoa, Florida, Port Saint John, Florida Pastor: Dr. Christos Kioni to remove mention of MISC and links to MISC and to remove mention of AIRR and links to AIRR from any and all pages at http://churchofjuju.weebly.com http://congoroots.com Voted: Agreed. Unanimous. Nagasiva yronwode to contact the pastors. Briana Saussy and catherine yronwode to contact Dr. Kioni. ================================================================================ The removal of Kenneth Fuller's membership access and pastorship access to the Crystal Silence League web site was then discussed, and catherine yronwode noted that full implementation of this plan may include payment to the CSL site's java-script administrator (an independent contractor) in order to ban any possible further attempts of Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) to rejoin the site. nagasiva agreed to speak with him about implementing this. ================================================================================ 3) Proposed: Notification will be sent to The Crystal Silence League committee of MISC to undertake formal removal of Kenneth Fuller's privileges of membership and pastorship access to the CSL web site. Inquiry will be made of the CSL's java-script programmer as to the feasibility of complete exclusion of Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) from the site. Voted: Agreed, Unanimous. Jeffrey Vanderson to perform the removal. Nagasiva yronwode to notify the web contractor. ================================================================================ The Crystal Silence League distributes CDs containing PDFs of the Crystal Silence League booklets to pastors for their convenience in printing copies of the booklet for local distribution should they so choose. The name of Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) and his church is listed in the indicia of this booklet. Jeffrey Vanderson said that he could send notice to inform all Crystal Silence League Pastors that if they reprint the book they must remove Dr. Kioni's name from the book along with the name of his church. ================================================================================ 4) Proposed: Notification will be sent to The Crystal Silence League to the following pastors to remove Dr. Kioni's name and the name of his church from all future reprints of the book and to remove all mention of the CSL from Dr. Kioni's web pages. Notification will be sent to Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) to remove all mention of the Crystal Silence League from his web sites and literature. Missionary Independent Spiritual Church Forestville, California ("The Mother Church"). Pastor: Rev. catherine yronwode. Four Altars Gospel Sanctuary California High Desert. Pastor: Rev. Deacon Millett. Divine Harmony Spiritual Church Miami, Florida. Pastor: Rev. D. John Michael Hilford. Sacred Clarity Spiritual Church Dallas, Texas. Pastor: Rev. Valentina Burton. Santisima Muerte Chapel of Perpetual Pilgrimage Forestville, California. Pastor: Rev. Sister Robin Petersen. House of Prophecy Spiritual Church Birmingham, Alabama. Pastor: Rev. Jeffrey Vanderson, D.D. Spiritualist Church of African Traditions - Yahwe, Inc. Spiritualist Church of African Traditions - Yahweh The Church of Juju Temple Munanso Lucero Aprueba-Fuerza Congo Brama con Brama, Yahweh Cocoa, Florida, Port Saint John, Florida Pastor: Dr. Christos Kioni to remove mention of the CSL and links to the CSL from any and all pages at http://churchofjuju.weebly.com http://congoroots.com Voted: Agreed, Unanimous. Jeffrey Vanderson to contact the pastors. Briana Saussy and catherine yronwode to contact Dr. Kioni. ================================================================================ The AIRR chairwoman, catherine yronwode and AIRR Ombudsman, Briana Saussy, then spoke about the fact that even though Kenneth Fuller (a.k.a. Dr. Christos Kioni) was no longer a member of AIRR, having quit the organization in the summer of 2011, his actions in this matter indicated that he had violated AIRR ethics rules number 1 and 3. They also pointed out that although the AIRR code of conduct forbids trafficking in endangered species of animals, it makes no direct statement against cruelty to or torture of animals. Therefore, the following proposal was made: ================================================================================ 5) Proposed: That the AIRR Committee add to the Code of Conduct online at http://readersandrootworkers.org/wiki/Code_of_Ethics the following language: Ethical psychic readers and hoodoo rootworkers do not engage in animal cruelty or animal torture as defined by the laws of their region, state, or nation. They refuse client requests to engage in animal cruelty or torture. Voted: Agreed, Unanimous. To be implemented by catherine yronwode of the AIRR Tech Team immediately. ================================================================================ Catherine yronwode then noted that because this sort of animal torture is often erroneously associated with legitimate African Diasporic Religions, including Santeria, Lukumi, Palo, Kimbisa, Quimbanda, BaKongo, and Voodoo, it would be a good idea if AIRR, as part of its educational outreach work among people of various religions, could engage one or more initiated priests of these traditions to write a page for the AIRR web site explaining ritual sacrifice and contrasting it with illegal animal torture. ================================================================================ 6) Proposed: That the AIRR committee of MISC, as part of its educational outreach work on behalf of world religions, should request one or more initiated priests of African Diasporic Religions to write a page for the AIRR web site about the custom of ritual animal sacrifice and condemning illegal animal torture, including the statement that dousing live animals with flammable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid, or kerosene and setting them afire is not recognized as a legal form of ritual religious slaughter or a legal form of ritual religious animal sacrifice anywhere in the United States, and that there are potential legal ramifications to clients who engage in collusion with perpetrators of animal torture. Voted: Agreed, Unanimous. To be taken up by the AIRR Tech Team at the group's next weekly metting. ================================================================================ There was vocal opposition by all present to acts of animal cruelty and animal torture, especially when perpetrated in the name of spirituality and religion, and this led to a discussion of our church's role with respect to the legal issues arising from this heinous act. Many of us stated that we will make statements of conscience against the animal torture self-confessed on Facebook by Kenneth Fuller. The contact addresses of various agencies were discussed. ================================================================================ 7) Proposed: We recommend that concerned church members, responsible parties in African Diasporic religious traditions, and supporters of animal protection laws contact nonprofit agencies for animal rights and welfare as well as legal departments that oversee animal protection in the State of Florida and that they present statements of conscience against the animal torture self-confessed on Facebook by Kenneth Fuller. The following are some local contact details: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE HUMANE SOCIETY * The Humane Society of the United States recommends that one report a case of animal cruelty to a local law enforcement agency. * Humane Society of Florida http://www.facebook.com/HSUSFlorida florida@humanesociety.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES Kenneth Fuller is known to be a resident of Cocoa / Port St. John, Brevard County, Florida. Local law enforcement agencies in that area and their contact information includes: * Cocoa Florica Police Department Complaint / Tip Form http://www.cocoafl.org/forms.aspx?FID=72 * Brevard County Sheriff's Office Sheriff J.R. "Jack" Parker 700 S Park Avenue, Titusville, Florida 32780 admin@bcso.us 321-264-5201, CRIMELINE: 1-800-423-TIPS http://www.brevardsheriff.com/ * Brevard Animal Services and Enforcement Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM to 5PM Phone - 321-633-2024, option 1 Fax - 321-633-2011 Enforcement Captain Robert Brown: robert.brown@brevardcounty.us Sergeant Christopher Robinson: chris.robinson@brevardcounty.us Send photo(s) of abuse to the Captain and the Sergeant. When reporting, please note relevant Brevard County or Florida State laws. (See ATTACHMENT below) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASPCA The ASPCA recommends that to report websites that display acts of cruelty to animals, that you contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field/field-offices or send them a tip on Form Mail from https://tips.fbi.gov/ ) and the Department of Justice ( http://www.justice.gov/contact-us.aspx or email them at AskDOJ@usdoj.gov ). -- from http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/report-animal-cruelty.aspx -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PETA People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has an Online Reporting Form for animals not in an immediately imperiled situation: http://www.peta.org/about/contact-peta/report-cruelty.aspx#form You can you provide information about * Domestic or farmed animals or wildlife * {Your Contact information} * Location of the incident * County: Brevard * State: Florida * Country: USA * If you have a copy of the photo, attach it to this form. When reporting, please note relevant Brevard County or Florida State laws. (See ATTACHMENT below) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PET-ABUSE.COM This site allows reporting of animal abuse from anywhere, and here are cases from within Brevard County: http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/cruelty_database/local_search.php?type=&state=FL&county=Brevard from which you can sign up for an account ( http://www.pet-abuse.com/account/signup.php ), and they recommend reporting animal cruelty cases to the local Humane Society, which is: Central Brevard Humane Society 1020 Cox Road Cocoa, FL 32926 http://www.crittersavers.com 321-636-3343 humanesociety@cfl.rr.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FACEBOOK Facebook Terms of service include these restrictions: 3: "7. You will not post content that: is hateful, threatening, or pornographic; incites violence; or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence." 5: "1. You will not post content or take any action on Facebook that infringes or violates someone else's rights or otherwise violates the law." -- from http://www.facebook.com/legal/terms To report a person's profile or page for a violation, one simply goes to that individual's profile or page, and then on the left hand side of the browser window, scrolls down to "Report/Block" on a Profile or "Report Page" on a Page, and completes the forms required for filling out such a report. In this instance the violating location for reporting would be the page here: http://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChristosKioni [X] Violence or harmful behaviour -- Graphic violence Then click on "Continue" and "Report to Facebook," then "Continue" to Submit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE PETITION SITE This is a free site where petitions concerning animal abuse can be quickly created and circulated via social media. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/ In your description, please cite relevant Brevard County or Florida State laws. (See ATTACHMENT below) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Voted: Agreed, Unanimous. ================================================================================ 8) Proposed: That the Board extend a vote of thanks to the three General Members who brought this matter to our attention, to Jeffrey Vanderson of the Crystal Silence League for attending this meeting, and to nagasiva yronwode for unearthing and transcribing the statements made by Dr. Kioni on the Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Rootwork Hour radio show of March 21, 2008. Voted: Agreed, Unanimous. ================================================================================ 9) Proposed: That the Board will publish the minutes of this meeting, as we publish all Board Minutes. Voted: Agreed, Unanimous.================================================================================ATTACHMENT
A) PRIOR SELF-DESCRIPTION OF INTENTION TO TORTURE A ROOSTER The text of Kenneth Fuller's (Dr. Christos Kioni's) radio show statements of March 21, 2008, as transcribed by nagasiva yronwode. http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-mojo-hoodoo-rootwork/id116070689?ign-mpt=uo%3D4# see Podcast #17, Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Rootwork Hour, dated March 21, 2008 41:20 - 42:12 "Now, you can go even further, if you really want to make this really really really really really ... work fast, use a palm tree and pin a live black chicken to the tree, a rooster, as payment to the spirits that inhabit the tree. And ... But ... And of course, um, the only difference is that you will stuff the rooster, you will cut the rooster's chest open and stuff the rooster's chest with the stuff that you would put in the ground. ... You ta- ... yeah, you don't put it in the ground, you put it in the rooster's chest and the rooster has to still be alive when you pin it to the tree. And that person will die. Trust me. That person will die." 42:50 - 43:10 "Well, um, actually, um, um, McCauley is going to be here, I believe, in ... next month, I believe that's what we've established. And so I'm sure that we're going to be um, uh doing a variation, if not that particular spell, when she is here, um, to take care of this problem." Sound available at Itunes and at Dr. Kioni's page: http://hoodoorootwork.blogspot.com/2008/03/protection-work.html ================================================================================ B) SELF-DESCRIPTION OF HAVING BURNED A LIVING ROOSTER TO DEATH Kenneth Fuller posted the picture and text to his Facebook profile and to one of his Facebook pages: http://www.facebook.com/drkioni [Facebook Profile] Posted to Facebook at 8:46pm [November 14, 2011] http://www.facebook.com/Dr.ChristosKioni Public figure - Cocoa, Florida [Facebook Page] Posted to Facebook at 8:47pm [November 14, 2011] The text of the Facebook posting is attached to these published minutes, but the Board declines to republish the photo for reasons of decency. The photo shows a black rooster with its feet bound by clear tape or cling wrap and its feathers in flames=, laying on a grave-site marker. The photo was taken while the bird was actively on fire and it is obvious from the nature of the flames that the fire was started by wetting the living bird with some form of liquid flammable fuel and then igniting it. The text on both posts reads as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------- "The client that was here this weekend can rest easy now. Her nemesis will never be able to harm her ever again in this life nor the next. As this black rooster died alive in flames, so does her ability to work juju against my client. Of course there is more to this spell than I am allowed to tell. (c) 2011 Dr. Christos Kioni. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. This pic is copyright protected." ------------------------------------------------------------------- More than 30 Facebook friends of Dr. Kioni "liked" his announcement of the work and about half a dozen posted comments of praise, including messages such as, "Do your thing, Dr. K." "Totally awesome! Peace and love Dr. K" "U knw dats right Dr. K...work dat JUJU, U knw he dont play no willy fufu, Lmao!" "Inspiring work! Do yo'thang Dr.K! Put it on 'em!" "I want to be like you when i grow up." Screenshots of both Facebook pages were made on November 30, 2011. Should anyone request copies of the screen shots of the pages, or a full-size copy of the photo, for legal purposes, they may be provided by email; address inquiries to the Secretary of MISC. ================================================================================ C) FLORIDA STATE LAWS REGARDING ANIMAL CRUELTY AND TORTURE (and also regarding legally accepted forms of ritual animal slaughter and ritual animal sacrifice). Here are the relevant Florida state laws. ------------------------------------------------------------------- http://asci.uvm.edu/equine/law/cruelty/fl_cruel.htm Florida Cruelty to Animals Statutes FLORIDA STATUTES TITLE XLVI. CRIMES CHAPTER 828. ANIMALS: CRUELTY; SALES; ANIMAL ENTERPRISE PROTECTION ------------------------------------------------------------------- What we learn on this page of Florida laws is basically, that although other forms of "slaughter" are permitted (see the full page link above), the only "religious ritual" form of slaughter permitted in Florida is cutting the throat. Burning a chicken alive (as Dr. Kioni stated he had done at Facebook, accompanying his statement with a photo of a chicken which he claimed to have burned alive) or cutting a chicken's chest open and then nailing it alive to a palm tree and leaving it to die (as Dr. Kioni recommended on the radio show) are both felony crimes in Florida and conviction for these crimes may subject the perpetrator to 5 years in jail and / or a fine of up to $10,000.00. Please see these relevant excerpts from http://asci.uvm.edu/equine/law/cruelty/fl_cruel.htm "828.12. Cruelty to animals "(2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. "828.22. Humane slaughter requirement "(1) The legislature of this state finds that the use of humane methods in the slaughter of livestock prevents needless suffering, results in safer and better working conditions for persons engaged in the slaughtering industry, brings about improvement of products and economy in slaughtering operations, and produces other benefits for producers, processors, and consumers which tend to expedite the orderly flow of livestock and their products. "(2) It is therefore declared to be the policy of this state to require that the slaughter of all livestock and the handling of livestock in connection with slaughter shall be carried out only by humane methods and to provide that methods of slaughter shall conform generally to those employed in other states where humane slaughter is required by law and to those authorized by the Federal Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, and regulations thereunder. "(3) Nothing in this act shall be construed to prohibit, abridge, or in any way hinder the religious freedom of any person or group. Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, in order to protect freedom of religion, ritual slaughter and the handling or other preparation of livestock for ritual slaughter are exempted from the terms of this act. For the purposes of this action the term "ritual slaughter" means slaughter in accordance with s. 828.23(7)(b). "828.23. Definitions "As used in ss. 828.22 to 828.26, the following words shall have the meaning indicated: "(7) "Humane method" [...] "(b) A method in accordance with ritual requirements of any religious faith whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument." ================================================================================ D) BREVARD COUNTY LAWS REFARDING ANIMAL CRUELTY Brevard County animal cruelty law concerning animal cruelty are: Section 14-53, citing Florida Statutes 828.12 and 828.13. "Section. 14-53. Cruel and inhumane treatment of animals prohibited. "(a) The provisions of F.S. § 828.12 and 828.13*, as they may be amended from time to time, are hereby adopted by reference in this article, and shall be enforced as if fully set forth herein. A copy of F.S. § 828, is attached to the ordinance enacting this article, and is available for inspection in the office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. {* Find these provisions here: http://asci.uvm.edu/equine/law/cruelty/fl_cruel.htm } "(b) It is a violation of this article for any person to commit an act or omission, or cause an act to be committed, in violation of F.S. § 828.12 or 828.13. "(c) Inhumane treatment of animals is prohibited. It is a violation of this article, by any person, to inhumanely treat any animal as set forth herein. For the purpose of this section, the term "inhumane" means acts which: "(1) Are physically cruel; or "(2) Expose an animal to unusual, unnecessary and otherwise avoidable physical harm." -- http://www.brevardanimalservices.com/Cruelty%20laws%20Creation%202009.htm (accessed 12/1/11) ================================================================================ E) OBITUARY OF THE MAN WHOSE GRAVESTONE WAS DESECRATED A close look at the gravestone in Kenneth Fuller's photo reveals it to be this man's gravestone which was desecrated: http://tinyurl.com/cocoafloridagravestone His name and photo-engraved portrait on the gravestone are clearly visible in Kenneth Fuller's photo. He was a resident of Cocoa, Florida. He is buried here: Riverview Memorial Gardens 3751 N Hwy 1 Cocoa, FL 32926 ================================================================================ F) OTHER CASES OF SIMILAR CHARACTER This is a file of online newspaper articles concerning recent cases of living chickens being drenched with flammable liquid fuels and burned alive, and the police and judicial responses to same. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) In Georgia, May 18, 2011: http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2011/05/18/20110518georgia-live-chicken-set-on-fire.html "2 accused of setting live chicken on fire "May. 18, 2011 05:12 PM "Associated Press "AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Authorities say two suspects are accused of setting a live chicken on fire to post on YouTube and Facebook. "The Augusta Chronicle reports that a Richmond County grand jury has indicted the suspects on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals. "Authorities said they set the chicken on fire by using a blowtorch and flammable liquid on Aug. 29. "Court records show that one of the suspects is a teenager. If convicted, authorities said they could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000." Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2011/05/18/20110518georgia-live-chicken-set-on-fire.html#ixzz1fHAmeAlc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) In Ohio, August 31, 2010: http://www.ohio.com/news/police-say-live-chicken-set-on-fire-at-cemetery-1.178482 "Police say live chicken set on fire at cemetery "Beacon Journal staff "Published: August 31, 2010 - 08:26 PM "Akron police are investigating a gruesome discovery in an Akron cemetery over the weekend. "Authorities say someone broke into Mount Peace Cemetery on Aqueduct Street and set a live chicken on fire. "The incident occurred between 5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday, while the cemetery was closed, said Lt. Rick Edwards, spokesman for the police department. "The chicken was burned but alive when discovered by an Akron woman early Sunday. "Police took the injured bird to Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital on Cleveland-Massillon Road in Copley Township for treatment. "Authorities say the chicken later died of its injuries. "Investigators also recovered a bottle of liquor, a cigar and other items believed to be involved in the offense. "The items were taken by the crime scene unit for investigation, Edwards said. "If found, police intend to charge the person responsible with breaking and entering, arson and cruelty to animals, Edwards said. "Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Akron police detectives at 330-375-2490. "Anonymous tips for this or any crime can be made at http://ci.akron.oh.us/ASP/tip.html." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) In England, August, 2009 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1297549/Teenage-boys-convicted-setting-live-chickens-kept-pets-primary-school.html "Teenage boys convicted of setting fire to live chickens kept as pets at primary school "By Daily Mail Reporter "Last updated at 9:44 PM on 25th July 2010 "Three teenage boys have been convicted for setting fire to live chickens which were being kept as pets at a primary school. "The trio used a flammable liquid to ignite the two birds, one of which died instantly, while the second died later from its injuries. "John Elwood, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told Teesside Youth Court that the chickens were being cared for at St Peter's Primary School in Brotton, Teesside. "Three teenage boys from St Peters Primary School in Brotton, Teeside, have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, "On August 25 last year the teens, then aged 15, 15, and 13, were spotted a short time later when police officers saw them looking suspicious. "When officers spoke to the teens they noted they smelled of petrol or lighter fluid. "The grim discovery was made by the school caretaker the next morning. "All three teenagers, two of whom are 16 and the other 14, pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal but were found guilty following a trial. "David Ward, defending one of the 16-year-olds, said his client had grown up since the attack. "Mr Ward said: 'He has had it hanging over his head for 11 months. That in itself has been a significant awakener for him.' "Sarah Price, defending the other two teens, said of her older client: 'He now accepts he was part and parcel of this incident. "'He was present at the time but he still maintains he took no action in the harming of the chickens but he accepts that he was present and did nothing to prevent the harm.' "Miss Price then told the court how her younger client had a £100-a-week cannabis habit from the age of 13 but had since cut down to £5-a-week. "The boy has now decided to give up completely after a still-lit joint caused a fire at his home the night before the court case. Due to the fire, the boy's mother was not present in court. "Sentencing the youths, who cannot be named, District Judge Kristina Harrison said: 'Why three young men should go and set fire to chickens and basically treat them in the manner you did I don't know. "'People will be sickened by this, I was certainly sickened during the trial. It is absolutely horrific.' "She sent the first 16-year-old boy, who was also being sentenced for breaching a community order, to a detention and training programme for six months. "The second 16-year-old boy was given supervision for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the school. Both were banned from keeping animals for three years. "District Judge Harrison said she would sentence the 14-year-old on August 13 and added that his mother must attend the court. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1297549/Teenage-boys-convicted-setting-live-chickens-kept-pets-primary-school.html#ixzz1fHCNl89X ================================================================================ G) STATEMENT BY THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES (HSUS) REGARDING SETTING LIVING ANIMALS ON FIRE. http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/ "People with emotional problems may beat, shoot, or stab animals or set them on fire. Those who abuse animals are very likely to be violent to other people -- even their own family -- too. "All U.S. states have animal cruelty laws, and 47 states treat some forms of abuse as felonies." ================================================================================
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