School Teacher Faces Felony Animal Abuse Charges Send a letter here! (Palm Beach County, Fla.) Congress Middle School teacher Allison Dinsmore is facing felony charges of animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning her two cats for weeks, leaving them to die horrible deaths by starvation in her apartment. Dinsmore reportedly cited her busy work schedule, long commute and a camping trip as reasons for her failure to see to the cats’ needs (she had essentially moved out of the apartment and had been staying elsewhere). Seeking information as to unpaid rent, Dinsmore’s property manager discovered the cats’ bodies and notified authorities on February 23, 2009. The school district has since suspended her teaching duties – with pay – pending the outcome of the criminal case. Here are two news articles on the case: Teacher charged with felonies in deaths of two cats in Boca Raton apartment South Florida Sun-Sentinel, March 31, 2009 Boynton Beach teacher accused of starving cats is sent home, with pay South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 6, 2009 What You Can Do Send a polite letter to State Attorney Michael F. McAuliffe, thanking him for his work to date on the case and encouraging a strong and meaningful sentence upon conviction. A trial date of December 7, 2009 is currently set; locals are encouraged to support the prosecution by attending court proceedings. Read here for tips on attending a criminal court proceeding. Palm Beach County Circuit Court Main Branch 205 North Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL  33401 Phone: 561-355-2431 case #502009CF004107A (Always contact the Court to confirm court dates as they are subject to change.)

November 21, 2009 Subject: Thank you for your thorough prosecution of Allison Dinsmore Dear State Attorney McAuliffe Congress Middle School teacher Allison Dinsmore is facing felony charges of animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning her two cats for weeks, leaving them to die horrible deaths by starvation in her apartment. Dinsmore reportedly cited her busy work schedule, long commute and a camping trip as reasons for her failure to see to the cats' needs. Animal abuse is a crime and should be taken seriously. Thank you for your thorough prosecution of Allison Dinsmore and for fighting for a meaningful sentence upon conviction. case #502009CF004107A Sincerely, We will add your signature from the information you provide.		First Name* Last Name* Email* Street* Street 2 City* State/Province* Select a state Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware D.C. Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virgin Islands Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Armed Forces (the) Americas Armed Forces Europe Armed Forces Pacific Alberta British Columbia Manitoba Newfoundland New Brunswick Nova Scotia Northwest Territories Nunavut Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon Territory Other Zip/Postal Code*
It's important to use your own words so that your message stands out and has more impact. Please add your own comments before sending this letter. Click here for letter writing tips. You may also mail or fax your letter to: Michael F. McAuliffe, State Attorney 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County 401 North Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Fax: 561-366-1800