Friday, March 14, 2008

USMC Responds to Video

Jan has been hogging the computer all day, working on updating the animal shelter files and photos, so we have only now been able to read this response from the US Marine Corps regarding the investigation of the video of the puppy being tossed off a cliff. We decided to post it here for those who haven't seen it yet. At the end is an email address where your humans can send any comments you would care to make. (Emails were being returned when we posted on this subject earlier.)

This is from the ASPCA newsletter:
On Friday, March 7, the ASPCA issued a press release urging the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to release the findings of its investigation of a video clip that appeared last week on several popular Internet sites. The grainy video shows a member of the military—seemingly a Marine—flinging a puppy across a rocky landscape. The video caused public outcry, and was featured on television news programs and covered by major news agencies, including the Associated Press. Although audio irregularities have caused some question about the video’s authenticity, the USMC has gone on record, deeming its content "deplorable" in a March 5 statement.

“The ASPCA understands and shares the outrage generated by this video,” says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “With 66 percent of American households owning pets, we are clearly a country and a society that values the human-animal bond. It is horrifying that a member of the United States military—a body of people tasked with upholding the honor of our country—would perform such a cruel and deliberate act against a defenseless animal.”

The ASPCA also urged concerned citizens to contact the USMC to voice their outrage. Response to our release by humanitarians nationwide was enormous—and prompted communication from BGen Robert E. Milstead, Jr., Director, Marine Corps Public Affairs. “I have a dog and a cat, both rescued, so I can understand the disgust and outrage felt by those who have viewed the deplorable video of a Marine throwing a small puppy off a cliff,” writes BGen Milstead. “I can tell you that an official investigation is underway. The results of this investigation will establish the facts. Facts, not emotion, will be the basis used by these Marines' commanders in their determinations to include appropriate punishment. The actions of these Marines are clearly not consistent with that of the overwhelming majority of Marines who serve our nation with both courage and honor. Again, I understand everyone's outrage and demand for swift justice, but due process is a right afforded to all.”

If you have not already done so and wish to comment on the incident, the USMC encourages you to contact the Public Affairs Office of Marine Corps Base Hawaii (where the Marine believed to be in the video is stationed) at

13 comments:

  1. We also read a newsletter from ASPCA. When can we stop animal abuse??
    As always thank you for taking an action!

    Momo & Pinot

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  2. I just cant believe anyone would do such a thing. But there are all sorts of mean and bad people out there.Perhaps this one will get the MAX!

    just a note to Smudge, we hope u get well soon, we know you are feeling so bad, purrloveies to you

    Gentleannie
    { and my house mates
    Mollie and Gypsy..]
    oooo MOM typed this she would not let me do it.

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  3. One can only hope that they will punish this guy to the fullest extint of the law!

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  4. We are glad that the Marine Corps is taking this seriously and investigating.

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  5. I am glad that people are taking this so seriously.

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  6. Hello -

    Mama is getting caught up on everyone's comments to our blog. It's nice to meet you too.

    We just read the story about the Marine. Mama is so angry and disgusted. Just when you think you have seen the worst of animal abuse another "human" does something horrible like this. Mama feels so sad for the puppy.

    Have a good weekend.

    Love -

    Hershey and Kaci

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  7. When I first read about this my little kitten heart stopped beating. My Mommie and I are outraged, even though neither of us has ever had a doggie of our own. The actions are deplorable and this human must be punished.

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  8. Hello! sank yoo for visiting my photo hunt! i werk so hard yoo knows.

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  9. Even if the video wasn't "authentic," it still takes a sick mind to even think of it. Very pathetic.

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  10. We find it unimaginable that anyone could do such a deplorable thing to any animal.

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  11. We think it is just awful what those Marines did. We sure hope that someday they are in a situation where a dog is responsible for their lives they will find that the tables have turned..

    Big Sloppy Kisses
    Gus and Louie

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  12. Thanks for the news, funny farm comrades. As a dog, I am not dismayed, for I never expect more from humans than what they are and what we animals get - I have no right to expect that, have I? But my human is MUCH more passionate about these thing - probably because she is a human. What bothers her so much is the statements and judgments issued regarding these appalling acts, acts that are purposeless and show humanity at its most despicable, that say something like this one, along the lines of: well, we as a country like to treat our animals like friends, etc.. Come on, it's not just that, and even if we treat them like our own babies, it's not the point. These atrocities have to do with humanity's responsibility as the top of the food chain: compassion, generosity, preservation of our own resources & humanity - it's as simple as that. And if these people doing these cruel things to innocent and helpless creatures persist, they lack the respect of their own species, and are not taking the responsibility that is theirs just by being human.

    Shame on them all for not treating all creatures with respect, dignity and compassion.

    with tears,
    Charlie & human

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  13. Heard about this before, and still cannot believe that anyone would do this. Makes me sick to my tummy. I almost wish I could through that nasty person off of the same place and see how he/she would like it. You need to tell your gang that sometimes you just need the computer so you can do your good work and let all know what is going on with things.

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