The purpose of this letter is to provide follow-up and closure to recent postings in your newspaper concerning the shooting death of our dog, Fender.

“You did the right thing.” Those were the words from the judge [this month] after ruling in our favor against the hunter that shot our dog, Fender, last November.

As you read this, many of you may recall the incident. Some of you, many we don’t even know, wrote or called us with expressions of encouragement and disbelief, while many others chose to express their feelings in these pages.

We were grateful by the outpouring, but still very saddened and confused by the senselessness of the hunter’s actions. We were, and still are, determined not to let another pet meet Fender’s fate; therefore, we elected to pursue this matter in the courts.

As we began our quest for justice, we discovered that our assailant and his companion are public servants. We clearly felt at that point that the offense was flagrant, because they, among all others, should set the standard of self-control and weapons discipline in a hunting environment while applying greater discretion and appreciation for the law.

Simply put, the law states that a hunter cannot shoot a dog wearing a collar. Fender’s blue collar was still around his neck when the hunters “presented” him to us that terrible night.

The court found the hunter in violation of the law and determined, based on our recommendation, his retribution to be revocation of his hunting license for one year, payment of $100 toward Fender’s grave marker, and a $1,200 donation to the Fayette County Humane Society in Fender’s name. Additionally, he absorbed several other personal costs associated with his appearance in court that day.

In the end, we feel somewhat vindicated that the hunter’s actions should not be repeated.

We have learned that the law allowing hunters to shoot dogs “pursuing or killing deer” is decades old and needs to be changed. At the suggestion of the chairman of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and others, we intend to move forward on this initiative and draw attention to this law at the legislative level.

Our only hope is that another family pet doesn’t have to suffer before then.

Robin and Fred Edwards
Brooks, Ga.

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