On June 10, 2016

To Rose Kennedy: please drop the ridiculous charges against Mosher

Dear Editor,

It is very dismaying to see the charges State’s Attorney Rose Kennedy has filed against Craig Mosher. Kennedy, please drop these ridiculous charges. They are not only an undeserved and malicious attack on a very upstanding citizen, but an insult to every resident of this state. Others have covered, often eloquently, why Craig is the last person anyone should ever try to “make an example out of.” But even leaving that very important fact aside, the ramifications of charging an animal owner with a felony for escaped livestock or pet involved in an accident are far-reaching and seriously detrimental anyone in this state.

It is my understanding that Craig was in search of his bull at the time of the accident. Are we to punish an owner’s good faith effort, throwing the case in the same classification as a fatal DUI? Are we saying that an animal owner must only keep his animals securely tied inside a building (talk about animal cruelty)? That emergency services must be called every time an animal gets loose? That is not realistic and an expensive drain of time and energy on our emergency responders. Animals escape, and in my experience as a previous horse owner and current owner of dogs, a lot more often than we would like. Even with the best of efforts of their owners, animals can have a mind of their own. Typically tragic accidents like this don’t occur. Often because those owners, like Craig, are diligent about keeping fences in good repair and respond to loose animals not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because those animals are important to them.

These charges are a flat out slap in the face to not only Craig Mosher, but to every single farmer and pet owner in the state. If not dropped, they will have a very chilling effect on everything we cherish about life in this beautiful state. Do the right thing, and reconsider this folly.

Patty McGrath, Killington

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Gov. Phil Scott, we’ve never needed you more, where are you?

July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, I was scheduled to be the final speaker at the “No Kings” rally in Burlington last week. Unfortunately, the event ran longer than anticipated, and I was not able to address the crowd. Here’s what I had planned to say:  Good afternoon. My name is Larry Satcowitz. I’m a state representative from Randolph.…

H.454 passed but not a done deal

July 2, 2025
By Rep. Peter Conlon Editor’s note: Rep. Peter Conlon, D-Cornwall, is chair of the House Education Committee. The passage of the education bill, H. 454, in the General Assembly, and presumably gaining the governor’s signature into law, marks the start of efforts to transform Vermont’s education system into one that recognizes the incredible demographic changes…

The worst bill in modern U.S. history

July 2, 2025
By U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders Editor’s note: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) gave the following remarks Sunday, June 29, on the floor of the U.S. Senate opposing President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Mr. President: President Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” now on the floor of the Senate, is the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history…

Protecting SNAP protects farmers

July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, As the director of the Burlington Farmers Market I am deeply concerned about what’s happening in Congress right now and the potential to gut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, two of the most essential programs that help people put food on the table and get the healthcare they need. At our…