Judge Cancels Hearing
on Santa Cruz Island Pig Case
IDA Vows to Keep Fighting for the Lives of Surviving Pigs
Judge Dickran Tevrizian, Jr. has cancelled the hearing on motions for summary judgment in the Santa Cruz Island Pig case that was scheduled for Monday, March 27th. We apologize for any inconvenience to those who were planning to attend our protest at the courthouse on that date.
Because of Judge Tevrizian's previous findings and actions, IDA has reason to believe that he will grant the federal prosecutor's request to issue a verdict in favor of the defense without the benefit of a hearing. Nevertheless, IDA vows to continue the fight for the pigs' lives and to set a precedent for future cases. Should Judge Tevrizian dismiss our case, we will appeal the verdict to the 9th District Appeals Court and ask that it be resubmitted for trial. While the case would end up back in Judge Tevrizian's court, he would then at least be forced to hear the evidence against the National Park Service and the Nature Conservancy, co-owners of Santa Cruz Island and perpetrators of the slaughter.
While New Zealand-based exterminators Prohunt have already killed about 4,800 pigs using trained dogs, guns, knives and clubs, leaving few of them alive on the island, IDA's lawsuit is still relevant to this case and future legal decisions regarding management of non-native species. We maintain that any environmental impact statement submitted for approval must be subject to careful scientific and public scrutiny. By pursuing continued legal action, we hope to hold the federal government accountable to the law: just because they make the rules doesn't mean they should be allowed to break them at will. If the federal government wants to continue playing God and decide who shall live and who shall die, then they are at least obligated to ensure that any killing is done as a last resort and by the most humane methods available. In the case of the Santa Cruz Island pigs, they have failed to fulfill this sacred responsibility.
At least some good news has come out of all this. Channel KNBC-4 Lost Angeles is planning to cover the story in this Friday evening's newscast, which will help keep the issue alive and hopefully enlist more financial and moral support for this important cause. |
