Send Jumba and Imani Home to Die

Dear Friends,

    The Judge ruled that because a man looked for a street light before replacing his dog's muzzle at 5:30 am in utter darkness on an empty street,and a woman removed her dog's muzzle to show a police officer that a brown dog with a black muzzle was indeed wearing that black muzzle, Gary and Susan Kolb violated their Consent Order and forfeited their right to own their dogs Jumba and Imani.

     Despite obvious evidence that the Kolbs went to great lengths to train their dogs, purchase all necessary required equipment, fencing, cages and muzzles, two dogs have been impounded for 16 months - one dog Jumba died a preventable death while impounded and now the other Imani is seriously suffering and may be taken from her owners forever

This ruling proves that Animal Rights Law in America must be changed.

     We have been fighting for two years. The emotional and financial strain is enormous and now we may be at the end of the road. We must pay our lawyers. We must find a new place to live in a neighborhood which will welcome us and we must turn all this negative energy into a positive vehicle for change.

     We have established a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) charity We Save Dogs, EIN 46-2285315.

     WE NEED YOUR HELP and we are offering you two ways to give.

     If you can, donate $10.00. It will now be tax-deductible. Your donations have already raised $4000 and if you can help perhaps we can reach our goal of $10,000.Here is the link to our website 

http://www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/

     Additionally, We are offering Gary's art in exchange for your donations. The donation pieces start at $250 for framed pencil life studies. 

     We are also offering a chance for you to commission pencil portraits or life drawings of yourself or a loved one - a wonderful and unique gift for $500. You can even Commission a portrait of your Mother for Mother's Day.

     We cannot let this ruling stand uncontested. We cannot let another dog die. Sign our petition. Keep sharing our story. Make your Mother Happy and Give your dog a kiss with our love and appreciation.

     Thank you

Susan, Gary, Arthur, Imani, and Jumba from Heaven

LOCAL ARTIST USES TALENTS TO FUND WE SAVE DOGS CHARITY

"After losing Jumba to breed prejudice,  I have found hope, purpose and a way to give back with our 501(c)(3) charity WE SAVE DOGS as we continue our fight to save my wife Susan, my dear son Arthur and our beloved remaining Boerboel dog Imani."

Gary James Kolb

Dear Friends,

But we are writing to you today to ask you to do some good . 

WE DON'T WANT WHAT IS HAPPENING TO US TO HAPPEN TO YOU, YOUR PETS, YOUR FAMILY OR TO ANYONE YOU KNOW.

Our Charity We Save Dogs is open for business. 

We have our EIN number 46-2285315. Your donations are tax-deductible.

We want your donations to do some good for suffering dogs and their owners and we want to put Art in your home at the same time.

My husband Gary Kolb has studied at the School of Art and Design and at Pratt Institute. 

His multi-image Oil Paintings have been shown and sold in Soho, Greenwich Village and on Madison Avenue. 

His portraits have brought joy to collectors, friends and family members.  

His pencil life studies are sensitive and artistic.

Click on the link below - shop, enjoy, donate, commission a gift, and share.

http://members.webs.com/MembersB/editAppPage.jsp?app=webstore&pageID=292071006#webstore/

Help us keep fighting, make a tax-free donation, buy Art, and please ...

If your dog has been seized, or your Community is giving you and your pet trouble, contact us at http://m.wesavedogs.com/

• We want to save dogs that have been seized, or condemned to death because the dogs misunderstood the cue given to them.
  
• We want to change the system so families are not faced with  horrendous legal battles which bankrupt them financially and emotionally.
  
• We want to prevent prosecutors who act like bullies over minor offenses because they know families are attached to their pets and will do anything to save them.
  
• But, most of all, we will create an organization where we can stand together and change BSL, stop the targeting of specific breeds as dangerous, fight breed hysteria and breed prejudice and CHANGE ANIMAL RIGHTS LAW so it becomes a tool for good, not a weapon for petty politics.
  

With Love,

Susan, Gary, Arthur, Imani

and Jumba in Heaven

            LOCAL ARTIST USES TALENTS TO FUND WE SAVE DOGS CHARITY

"After losing Jumba to breed prejudice,  I have found hope, purpose and a way to give back with our 501(c)(3) charity WE SAVE DOGS as we continue our fight to save my wife Susan, my dear son Arthur and our beloved remaining Boerboel dog Imani."

Gary James Kolb

Dear Friends,

Last night we were in Court in Jefferson Township.

Here are the links to the papers covering our story

http://s.nj.com/YAkZWcY

81dfd82c98a4aeba1513a7a2ebcb3f24

But we really writing you today to do some good. 

We are not angry, we are not bitter. We are determined. 

We can't believe that because a potentially dangerous dog dislodged his muzzle and his owner looked for a street light before putting it back on 

• at 5:30 am Standard Time 
  
• in October 
  
• on an empty street 
  

is a crime punishable by the impoundment, and death of a dog. 

We can't believe that removing a muzzle to show a policeman 

• who asked several times 
  
• if a brown dog with a black face 
  
• was really wearing a black nylon muzzle 
  
• in the dark at 5:30 am
  

 is a crime punishable by impounding the dog for over 16 months and 

the declaration the owner is unfit and the dog untrainable...

especially when videos of the dogs being trained as posted all over the internet.

That's why we are appealing the decision of Judge William Bowker and Prosecutor James LaSala of the Jefferson Township Court in Jersey City and that's why we are still fighting.

http://members.webs.com/MembersB/editAppPage.jsp?app=webstore&pageID=292071006#webstore/

We are back in Court this Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Jefferson Township to face the third leg of our Trial. 

We are accused of walking our potentially dangerous dogs without muzzles at 5:30 am on an empty street, a crime without logic or motive, a crime we did not commit.

Our dogs Jumba and Imani were impounded on October 26, 2011.

We hope this misunderstanding will finally be resolved and we can save Imani.

It's too late for Jumba. He didn't understand justice in America. He couldn't wait for motions, and arguments and Trials. He just wanted to be with the family he loved. Jumba died January 16, 2013.

Thank you all for your support. It is so meaningful to us.

Please continue to share our story and ask your friends to sign this petition.

We can reach 20,000 names - one name for every resident of Jefferson Township.

Maybe then the town Council will take notice. Maybe then they will take the time to watch the video the prosecutor doesn't want them to see.

http://www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/

We promise to keep fighting - to use what we have learned about training large dogs, dominant dogs and gentle giants - and to use what we have learned about the law in America - to help other dogs and their families with our 501(C)(3) charity

We Save Dogs.

http://www.wesavedogs.com/

Write us - tell us your story - let's do good.

Bless you.

Susan, Gary, Arthur, Imani

and Jumba from Heaven

Nine days left until we are back in Court March 14, 2013. We are in the middle of our Trial - accused of walking our potentially dangerous dogs Jumba and Imani without muzzles at 5:30 am on an empty street - a crime which has no motive and which we did not commit. 

The Township has ignored our Petition. Jumba died January 16, 2013.

We are fighting to save Imani - and to restore our good names and reputations.

Prosecutor James LaSala accuses us of being irresponsible owners and accuses the dogs - South African Boerboels - of being untrained attack dogs - comparing them to Michael Vick's pitbulls.

We plead with them to watch our training videos, visit our websites, or our Facebook pages but their eyes remained closed to the truth.

Please sign our petition and continue to share our story.

Here is a video - made today - of Gary working with Imani - using only hand signals to give the commands of sit, plotz, kiss and rollover.

She is a good, well-trained dog and deserves to come home to the family who love and have trained her.

http://youtu.be/wYHUzfxUhfo

Thank you all for your continued support and kindness.

Bless you.

Susan, Gary, Arthur, Imani

and Jumba from Heaven

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, the Trial to find us guilty of violating our Consent Order and to remove the remaining dog Imani is proceeding in Jefferson Township, New Jersey.

Here are links to some of the local stories covering the second day of the Trial.

We are due back in Court on March where our lawyer will present further evidence in our behalf and interview another witness.

Below is the Statement we have issued today to the Press.

Will keep you updated. Thanks for your continued support.

If any of you want to reach out to us outside of Facebook or Causes, please email us at skolb02@gmail.com 

Please pay particular attention to the story in the Daily Record. It is the only story which tells the truth.

Susan

http://jefferson.patch.com/articles/neighbor-testifies-dog-was-unmuzzled-on-walk

http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2013/02/lawyer_of_jefferson_couple_fig.html

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013302220043

Statement to the Press

Susan and Gary Kolb state

We followed every requirement of the Consent Order including the erection of the required fence, Kennel and signage.

We walked our dogs with muzzles, spranger collars and 12" leashes every day at 5:30 or earlier in the dark on empty streets in order not to scare or disturb neighbors who may have read and been frightened by the negative biased stories written by one "reporter" in the Jersey Journal.

As an added precaution, the Kolbs took pictures regularly of the dogs wearing muzzles, leashes and collars before leaving on their walks.

We would like to point out that the only testimony of seeing the dogs unmuzzled is from a questionable witness who was unable to remember any details on the day in question.

We do not deny that we walked the dogs home without muzzles for 5-7 minutes at the request of Officer Cristie on the day of October 18,2013.

Finally, we would like to point out that as per the testimony of Sargeant Steve Post, three neighbors complained to the mayor's office that they saw the Kolbs walking their dogs - not walking their dogs without muzzles - because Steve Post believed that the Consent Order said it was illegal for them to walk their dogs - and later found out this was not true.

We are fighting to save the one dog we have left and bring her home to the family who loves her.

Susan And Gary Kolb

Thank you all for your love and support these many weeks. 

You give us hope. You give us strength. You inspire us to keep fighting.

Imani is looking and feeling much better - she has gained back a few pounds and although her coat is still showing signs of patterned hair loss, her overall health has definitely improved.

Had lots of snow these past weeks and although she can't run - no exercise field - she has been enjoying her long walks behind the Jefferson Township Pound.

This week we have good news and bad news to share.

The Good News is - 

The Judge has ruled on our lawyer's motions in Morristown Superior Court.

All charges against Gary have been dismissed. 

This is very good news. 

Gary and I were both charged with walking our potentially dangerous dogs without muzzles at 5:30 am on an empty street - a crime which has no motive and which we did not commit.

Now the case in Morristown will only focus on me. 

This is the bad news - 

Jefferson Township has moved ahead with its plans to make us forfeit Imani. In order to forfeit the dogs, we must be convicted of the crime of violating our consent order. The Trial began February 7th but was interrupted by the introduction of a "mystery" witness.

February 21st, 2013 - at 7:30 pm.

Please pray for justice to be done and for Imani to be returned to her loving family.

As we are reaching out to you to share our story, we are also reaching out to members of the Animal Rights Community including the SPCA and Animal Control Officers in neighboring towns and we are hoping they will be able to appear in our behalf on the day of the Trial.

BLS - Breed Prejudice - against big dogs, against pit bulls and pit bull-like dogs - has never been more rampant around the World.

Dogs are being seized off the streets and destroyed often without real cause or motive.

We believe the only solution is responsible ownership - owners like us - who take responsibility for owning dominant dogs and put in the time to train them.

We have added more training videos to our website - and to Utube and we will put them up on our facebook page as well.

Please continue to share our story.

Please donate if you can - you cannot imagine the price of "justice" in America.

Here is the link to the website

www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/

Bless you.

With God's help, the truth will come to light, and we will free Imani and bring her home to us.

We cannot be bullied.

We must speak out at this lynching.

Please add your voice to ours.

Thank you.

Susan Kolb

LET'S KEEP THIS PETITION GOING

LET'S KEEP SHINING THE LIGHT OF TRUTH ON THIS STORY

LETS BRING IMANI TO SAFE HAVEN AS WE FIGHT THE CHARGES AGAINST US

http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2013/02/dog_case_delayed_after_prosecu.html

http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20130207/NJNEWS/302070051/Judge-deciding-criminal-charge-against-Jefferson-dog-owner-should-stand

Dear Friends

Yesterday we ran between Morristown Superior Court and the Court In Jefferson township.

I spent the day frantically writing notes to my lawyer as you can see as Prosecutors accused us of walking our dogs without leashes - a crime we are NOT charged with, a police officer described dogs which were brown and white not brown and black, a mystery witness emerged from the woodwork and a Judge actually said that maybe a dog should be put to death because the case was dragging on too long in Court.

We have ALWAYS maintained that we did NOT commit the crime of walking our potentially dangerous dogs without muzzles at 5:30 am on an empty street on October 18, 2011- a crime with no logic or motive - and as we finally approach a Trial, the lack of evidence against us is proving that what we are saying is true.

Unfortunately it is too late for Jumba.

Animal Law must be changed in this Country.

We believe that breed hysteria, vicious neighbors, attention-seeking Prosecutors, sensational newspaper journalists who covered the original case in 2009, should not be allowed to ruin the lives of good dogs and responsible owners.

We have found safe haven for the remaining dog, Imani, in a well-managed nearby kennel and we are reaching out to the SPCA and to the State to help move her there until our case is settled in Superior Court and we can bring her back to us. In the meantime, we visit her, walk, and kiss her everyday. At least she knows she is loved.

This is a lynching and a witchhunt by bullies who have no evidence and those of you who have faced similar charges know what we are talking about.

Owners like the Kolbs are the solution not the problem because we have invested in learning and training our dogs.

Watch the videos the Prosecutor doesn't want you to see and YOU be the judge.

Continue to share our story, Tell us YOUR story and we will share it

www.wesavedogs.com/

Donate if you can to our mounting legal costs 

www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/

and MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANK YOU FOR BEING IN OUR LIVES, AND GIVING US SUPPORT.

Bless you,

Susan, Gary, Arthur, Imani

and Jumba from Heaven

Are these the faces of dogs who should die ?

We end our campaign today with a kiss.

Thank you. At this moment we have 9201 signatures. At 10 pm tonight we will close the campaign with great satisfaction that we achieved our goal.

Tomorrow at 9 am we will deliver our petition. - this petition - your petition.

Our goal was to draw attention to the cruel and unjust treatment of the Kolbs by Jefferson Township and we have done that.

The Kolbs are the solution not the problem.

Our commitment to training our dogs - the results of which you can see on our website and on our videos - 

www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cejl1Gya_NY

is the ONLY SOLUTION to controlling potentially dangerous dogs.There is no such thing as rehoming. Dogs should not be send away from responsible

owners. ALL dogs bite, and all dogs have the potential to be dangerous without training and without the clear establishment of a pack leader.

We have made this commitment, and the evidence is out for all the World to see.

We did not commit the crime we are accused of and Imani should be returned to live in peace with the family who loves her.

You helped us heal.

You made us stronger.

You made Imani stronger. Thanks, finally, to proper medical care, she is looking better than she did two months ago.

Her mental attitude is better too. Yeah, we think she still misses Jumba.

Yeah, she's still locked up in a cell too small for her size, in a Shelter, not in a loving home.

She is still being treated for a skin condition which is causing hair loss all over her back and hind quarters, tested for low thyroid, and

just finished treatment for stomach parasites, but at least she has gained a few pounds.

Now we think physically she will last through the upcoming Court appearances and possible Trial.

Our next Court date is February 7, 2013 - first in Morristown at 9 am for a hearing to dismiss all charges against us for walking our potentially dangerous dogs

without muzzles at 5:30 am on an empty street - a crime with no motive which we did not commit. Then we travel to Jefferson Township to hear a motion that

we forfeit the dogs for committing the same crime of walking them without muzzles. If our motion to dismiss is not allowed in Morristown, we will proceed to a

Trial. If we are convicted in Jefferson, we will appeal so the road ahead is long but we owe this fight to ALL DOGS OWNERS persecuted by the local press

the local police, neighbors and prosecutors.

Now our goals are bigger. We want to change animal rights law.

We want to help other families facing similar "lynchings."

We are stronger. Now it is time for some good to come from all this saddness. 

Let's Do Good.

Our 501(c)(3) charity is called WE SAVE DOGS

Here is the link - www.wesavedogs.com/

We'll keep you updated.

Bless You. Thank You. We Will Not Let Jumba Die In Vain.

Susan, Gary Arthur, Imani

and Jumba from Heaven

Dear Friends,

Prosecutor James LaSala refuses to speak with our lawyer Robert Dunn.

It is hard to understand the point of such cruelty.

The last word I personally have from Mr. LaSala is his statement to the Daily Record of Morristown that he intends to pursue euthanization of the second dog whatever the outcome is on the morning of February 7th.

www.dailyrecord.com/.../Jefferson-plans-move-forward-possi..

Here is a video of the dogs playing with Animal Control Officer Dale Sloat in the large exercise yard at Woofs and Whiskers

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-NrBabeATY

Woofs and Whiskers closed and the dogs were moved back to Jefferson Township Shelter where Jumba died a month later.

For those who say my dogs were untrained, please watch the video the Prosecutor doesn't want you to see

www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/

Please continue to sign the petition, donate a $1.00 if you can, and share our story.

We are close to our goal of 10,000 names and we will deliver this petition on January 31st, 2013.

We are accused of walking our potentially dangerous dogs at 5:30 am on an empty street, a crime we did not commit. We are awaiting a Trial in Morristown and a second Trial in Jefferson Township .We ask is that the remaining dog Imani be allowed to live.

Thank you all for your kindness and support. It means so much.

Honestly, I think this petition, and your support is the only thing keeping me fighting.

Oh yes...and seeing Imani every day for a kiss, a walk and a hug.

Bless you.

Susan, Arthur, Gary, Imani .... and Jumba in Heaven

GIVE $1.00 SAVE A DOG

www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/

Dear Friends,

Thank you all - all over the World - for your support.

As of this morning, we have over 7400 signatures on the Petition.

Our next Court appearances are on February 7th, 2013 - at 9 am in Morristown, New Jersey and at 1 pm in Jefferson Township, Oakridge, New Jersey.

In Morristown, we are facing a hearing to dismiss all charges against us for walking our potentially dangerous dogs without muzzles on an empty street at 5:30 am - a crime we did not commit. If the hearing fails, we will proceed to Trial.

In Jejfferson Township, we face losing possession and the very possible euthanization of the remaining dog Imani. Prosecutor James LaSala has told the press that he will move forward on these same charges whether or not Morristown rules in our favor.

In any case, we have had to agree to paying the boarding fees for both dogs. Although we object to how these fees were calculated, we chose not to fight the $12,000 bill at this time.

We have paid $6000 and the balance $6000 is due January 28th, 2013.

If we do not pay the $6000, it will mean the immediate forfeiture of the dog and her very possible death.

IF EVERY PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS PETITION DONATES $1.00 - JUST $1.00, WE WILL HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP IMANI ALIVE.

PLEASE DONATE

WE ARE FIGHTING NOT JUST FOR IMANI BUT FOR ALL DOGS BEING KILLED EVERY DAY IN THIS COUNTRY DUE TO BREED HYSTERIA, JUDICIAL CORRUPTION, AND JUST PLAIN CRUELTY.

BLESS YOU

THANK YOU

Dear Prosecutors James LaSala, Joe D'Onofrio, and Jefferson Township Town Council Members,

I sit before you helpless as a second dog suffers. Imani was seen by Dr. Nancy of Highlands Veterinary on 1/16/2013. Last Friday, 1/18, we learned that Imani has some low thyroid problem and more tests are being run. Her coat looks terrible from severe hair loss and she is still being treated for parasites.

As a human being I cannot forgive myself for what is being done to her as public officials watch and do nothing.

There is no reason on Earth that Jumba should have taken ill,  declined and died in one month.

Why can't Imani be sent home and kept under house arrest until the Trial of the Kolbs?

BY ANY LAW IN THE WORLD, WE DESERVE A FAIR TRIAL. We state we are innocent of the charge of walking our potentially dangerous dogs without muzzles at 5:30 am on an empty street. Is it truly fair that because we are pleading "not guilty" our dogs are being murdered in front of our eyes? You must at least consider that this is a crime WITHOUT MOTIVE. Why would two people who gave up everything to save their dogs and move to Morris County WANT to violate their consent order and get those same beloved animals endangered again ? We deserve a Trial to prove our innocence. There must be at least reasonable doubt in your mind as to the motive. Ask yourself  - why would the Kolbs - who pride themselves on how well their dogs are trained and obedient - do this crime? Ask yourself - why would the Kolbs - who studied every kind of muzzle and leash before choosing nylon muzzles, then upgrading to wire basket muzzles and professional grade leashes - why would they endanger everything they loved to commit this crime ?
There is no motive. You at least have to wonder if they are guilty. And if you at least wonder, you have to allow their Trial and you have to in all fairness allow the property of the remaining dog to be held in good condition until the Kolbs are proven guilty. The remaining dog cannot remain in good condition at the Jefferson Township Shelter.
Whether it is a parasite, the water or something else, the dog is in danger and should be returned to the Kolbs for safe keeping. The proof of the danger is in the fact that one dog has already died. The second dog is ill. Jefferson Township has demonstrated that they are not capable of maintaining these pedigree Boerboel animals and this crime of animal cruelty should not be allowed to continue.

What kind of punishment is this? Does this cruelty fit our crime?

Since the dogs have been imprisoned, we have gone EVERY DAY to the Shelter to care for, walk and train them - and not only them - train and visit with ALL THE DOGS

and do our best as animal lovers to make these poor creatures' lives a little easier.

Our petition - LET JUMBA AND IMANI COME HOME TO DIE - has reached over 6400 signatures and is growing.

The signatures are doubling weekly.

Here is the Link to the Petition

http://www.causes.com/causes/807584-give-one-family-and-two-dogs-a-fresh-start-for-the-new-year/actions/1722979?ctm=home

Read the comments at the bottom of the Petition from Friends and Animal Lovers around the World.

At the very least, consider how your actions reflect on New Jersey and on Oakridge as a safe, compassionate place to live for families who want to own dogs.

THIS HEADLINE AND STORY IS RUNNING TODAY IN THE DAILY RECORD OF MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE STORY

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013301170026

IS THIS REALLY JUSTICE ?

Jefferson plans to move forward with possible euthanization of remaining dog after one dies
Jan 17, 2013 |

One of two 'potentially dangerous' African Boerboel dogs that faced possible euthanization died of lymphoma Wednesday morning, owner Susan Kolb said.
One of two 'potentially dangerous' African Boerboel dogs that faced possible euthanization died of lymphoma Wednesday morning, owner Susan Kolb said. / Photo courtesy of Kolb family
Written by
Peggy Wright
@peggywrightDR

Filed Under

News
Lake Hopatcong

JEFFERSON TWP. — One of two "potentially dangerous" African Boerboel dogs that faced being euthanized died of lymphoma this week, owner Susan Kolb said.

"Jumba contracted lymphoma and within one month lost 40 pounds," Kolb said in an email to the Daily Record that stated the male dog died Wednesday at 11 a.m.

"We nursed him with medicine, with fluids three times a day. We spoon-fed him homemade chicken soup. He wouldn't heal. He didn't want to live in a hole. He was a king. He was a family dog. He was a true Boerboel and he deserved better," Kolb said.

Jefferson Township Municipal Prosecutor James LaSala was pursuing euthanizing both Jumba and a second Boerboel named Imani based upon Susan and her husband Gary Kolb's alleged violation of a court order to always have the animals muzzled in public.

LaSala said Thursday that he still expects to move forward on Feb. 7 with forfeiture of Imani and possibly euthanizing her unless an agreement is reached for a suitable, out-of-state home for the female dog.

To save the dogs from an earlier threatened humane destruction of their pets, the Kolbs in October 2011 had signed an agreement in Jersey City, where they lived at the time, to always muzzle their 100-pound mastiff-type dogs in public. The Kolbs relocated to Jefferson the same month and notified the township of the "potentially dangerous" animals, as they were required to do. They were caught on Oct. 18, 2011, allegedly walking the dogs in Jefferson without muzzles early in the morning.

The dogs in Jersey City had been accused of attacking several people in public, including biting a man on a street in the groin.

The dogs were impounded, first at the township pound, then at a kennel in Lake Hopatcong, and then back at the Jefferson pound as of December. LaSala has said he wanted to see the animals moved to a more secure facility and rehabilitated of biting tendencies rather than euthanized, but for months now attempts to find facilities willing to take the dogs have been unsuccessful.

The Kolbs are criminally charged in Superior Court, Morristown, with violating the October 2011 court order from Jersey City. A hearing has been set for Feb. 7 on defense lawyer Robert Dunn's motion to get the contempt of court charge dismissed. LaSala said a forfeiture hearing scheduled for the night of Feb. 7 in municipal court is a separate, civil matter that carries a lower burden of proof than the criminal standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

"We are accused of walking our potentially dangerous dogs without muzzles at 5:30 a.m. on an empty street, a crime we will prove we did not commit, but for Jumba it is too late," Susan Kolb said in her email.

The Kolbs have said the Boerboels were significant, gentle companions to their adult son, Arthur, who is severely autistic.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright

Today, at 11 am, Jumba died. He wanted to go home.
He waited 15 months first in Jefferson Township Municipal Pound, then in a larger shelter called Woofs and Whiskers in Lake Hopatcong where the dogs could exercise in a big field. In December, Woofs and Whiskers closed and the dogs were transferred back to Jefferson. Jumba was heart-broken.
Jumba contracted lymphoma and within one month, lost 40 pounds.
We nursed him - with medicine, with fluids three times a day. We spoon fed him home made chicken soup. He wouldn't heal. He didn't want to live in a hole. He was a king. He was a family dog. He was a true Boerboel and he deserved better.
We started this petition to beg the prosecutor to let Jumba and Imani come home to die but there is no reply.
Yesterday we got permission to rush him to the Animal Emergency & Referral Associates in Fairfield, NJ. It was too late. Now Jumba is dead.
We beg the prosecutor to let us save Imani.
Our case finally comes to Morris County Superior Court on February 7th.
We are accused of walking our potentially dangerous dogs without muzzles at 5:30 am on an empty street, a crime we will prove we did not commit, but for Jumba it is too late. Goodbye dear friend. You truly were a wonderful being.
In the words of W.H. Auden
"He was my North, my South, my East and West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My moon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now; put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun:
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good."

Sign the Petition, Donate $10 if you can. Help us Save Imani.

Dear Press and Friends,

THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR HELPING US REACH OUR GOAL OF 1000 SIGNATURES. WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE. WE GET SO MUCH COMFORT FROM YOU AT THIS SAD SAD TIME.

Our petition - LET JUMBA AND IMANI COME HOME TO DIE - will be sent by certified mail to the prosecutor's office today.
Copies will also be sent to the prosecutor in Morristown, as well as to the prosecutors in Jersey City.

For two dogs to be dying over the unfair accusation that their owners walked them on an empty street at 5:30 am without muzzles is a travesty of justice.

For a prosecutor to say to a Judge that South African Boerboels - a gentle guard breed - a family dog - were of the breed "War Bell" and that well trained dogs were "fighting dogs like the ones owned by Michael Vick and should be sent away for retraining" - even though documented evidence to the contrary sits IN PUBLIC VIEW -on the website 'SAVE NJ DOGS" - shows the dangers all our pets face from prosecutors who care more about their reputations than about the truth,

That a case - which could have gone to Trial in 6 weeks - should be rotting for over one year and four months while animals were held without proper medical care and in conditions which were filthy and too small for animals of their size - shows the state of animal rights law in America today.

Please keep this petition going and growing.

Please contribute to help pay our mounting legal fees.

The Kolbs are forming a 501(c) charity to help other dog owners save their pets.

We will not let Jumba and Imani suffer and possibly die in vain.

Susan and Gary Kolb

http://www.savenjdogs.com/apps/donations/