. She wanted to know if she could be arrested for trespassing or theft or both.

As far as following the "rules" and arresting Ms. Grimes on these facts, I'm not sure I agree. Arresting first and asking questions at trial is not always the best thing to do. Not that the incident shouldn't have been investigated---that obviously should have been done---but after talking to the owners, who admitted the dog was dying, after talking to the vet, who agreed the dog was neglected, and perhaps after checking out the video, the authorities may have come to the conclusion that no arrest was necessary. Here's another example.

A friend of mine who's rescued dozens of dogs and cats over the years (strays and abandoned ones both) called me to ask for legal advice two winters ago. There had been a snowstorm and a block or so from her home (in Staten Island, New York) was a house whose owners had moved but hadn't sold the property and hadn't found tenants. They had a tool shed on the side of the house and, while passing by, my friend heard loud meowing coming from the shed. The shed didn't look locked, but the snow on the ground was blocking the door. It seemed clear there was at least one cat who'd found refuge in the shed but then couldn't get out. She had gone to the shed, opened it, and found a very tame cat who was clearly not a stray but didn't have tags. She took the cat back to her home. She wanted to know if she could be arrested for trespassing or theft or both.

The officers were apparently responding to a complaint. She was told that she had to return the dog and she refused. The officers arrested her on the charges and I assume a judge or a justice was the one who set bail. She will now get her day in court and we will see if she is convicted of anything. I kind of doubt that she will be.

I believe that the owners said that the dog was not suffering. Ms Grimes can dispute that at trial if there is one. She can show the video and her lawyer can bring the vet to the stand to testify. If it goes that far, she should ask for a jury trial as I have doubts a jury would convict her if the facts are as they have been portrayed. We'll see when everyone is under oath.

I would like to thank you for the new name except it is not original. I have been called Dr Watson or Doc at various times all through my life. Elementary.

If you only knew about the times that I 'left your (my) hair down' and yes I do try to follow the rules as much as I can. We usually don't get to pick and choose the rules that we want to go by. As you noted in another thread you don't like to follow the rules, especially the ones that you think are stupid.

LOL, Sorry, should I come up with a new name?? LOL, but it won't be czar!!
I explained earlier about 'following the rules', so don't start on me about that again! (BTY what do YOU drive?? LOL) I just wish you would enlighten me to one of your 'let my hair down stories'. If you read about the 14 year old girl that got hit the other day on here, you can find out I did something ELSE stupid. Also in the 'Citation' posting I enlightened you to what happened last Sunday. Hey, we're only human.
Nice post Majik_Shi - you said it ALL!!
BTW, Anyone who didn't see ealier, if you look back in earlier posts, there is a link that you can give money to help Ms. Grimes.