PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – sent a letter Tuesday to York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence, urging his office to “vigorously” prosecute John and Heidi Frasca of Buxton, who face charges stemming from a seizure last month of some 250 dogs and puppies at the Frascas’ kennel. The letter from PETA, based in Norfolk, Va., reads:

PETA is the world’s largest animal rights organization, with more than 1.6 million members and supporters dedicated to animal protection. This letter concerns a recent case of cruelty to animals that your office is handling, involving John Frasca, age unreported, and Heidi Frasca, age unreported, of Buxton. The Frascas reportedly face charges stemming from authorities’

alleged August 21 discovery of animals living in horrendous conditions at their alleged dog-breeding facility, the J’Aime Kennel.

According to news sources, approximately 250 dogs and puppies were reportedly seized from the facility located at 35 Paucek Road. Reports indicate that the majority of the animals allegedly had health problems – including giardiasis and sarcoptic

mange – and were reportedly confined to small, dirty living spaces. According to news sources, some of the animals were reportedly malnourished and many of them allegedly had lost their fur. Because of the large number of animals involved, the dogs remain at the J’Aime Kennel – local animal shelter workers

and volunteers are caring for them. The defendants are reportedly under a court order not to enter the kennel.

Mental health professionals and top law enforcement officials consider the blatant disregard for life and desensitization to suffering evidenced by all forms of cruelty to animals to be a red flag. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to animals as one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders, and the FBI uses reports of these crimes in analyzing the threat potential of suspected and known criminals.

Experts agree that it is the severity of the behavior – not the species of the victim – that matters.

On behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in Maine, we respectfully ask that, if convicted and in addition to serving a period of incarceration, the defendants be required to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling at their own expense. Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception among animal abusers and given the suspects’ apparent prolonged and utter disregard for the lives and suffering of animals in their custody, we implore your office to take every measure necessary to ensure that the defendants, if convicted, are barred from possessing animals for as long as

possible and that all animals who may be in their charge are immediately seized.

Thank you for your diligence in this matter and for your time and

consideration.

Kristin DeJournett

PETA Cruelty Caseworker

Domestic Animal and Wildlife Rescue & Information Department