By MICHELE PAGE
The Daily World
On Friday, Arkansas County Circuit Judge David Henry issued an order authorizing the issuance an arrest warrant for Helena-West Helena Mayor James Valley for animal cruelty and obstructing the prevention of animal cruelty. On June 10, Valley ordered 10 stray dogs released from city holding pens, saying they were better off free. Ruby Burton, director of the Humane Society of Southeastern Arkansas filed a complaint with the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department citing animal abuse, neglect and obstruction. Sheriff’s deputies served Valley the warrants Monday afternoon.
Valley addressed the public in an e-mail concerning the charges.
“This drastic action came at the request of Ruby Burton of the Humane Society in Monticello and only after judges in Phillips and St. Francis counties declined to issue a warrant. This matter grows out of an incident where some dogs were released,” stated Valley’s message.
Valley maintains that he is innocent and has committed no crime.
“This is a highly unfortunate incident. No crime has been committed,” he said.
“I fully intend to continue to cooperate with law enforcement authorities during all phases as this matter unfolds. In the meantime, I will be working toward continuing the progress being made by the City of Helena-West Helena to improve the lives of the citizens in our community, which includes assisting in fundraising for a new animal shelter, fixing potholes, paving streets, and providing good effective municipal services,” said Valley.
“In the meantime, I will have no further public comment on this matter until the legal issues have been resolved. All questions regarding this matter are to be directed to the City Attorney’s Office,” concluded Valley’s e-mail. Calls to e City Attorney Andre Valley were not returned before press time.
A few people have stepped forward taking Valley’s side in the matter.
“Clearly, I believe that this is a misuse of the criminal justice system,” said Andrew Bagley.” I believe that woman from Monticello just wants to grab attention by having an elected official thrown in jail just as she was trying to grab headlines when she apparently went to the last shelter and popped the locks on it creating the situation at the city shop.”
Bagley added that Valley is a good man and has achieved a lot during his tenure as mayor.
“Putting the mayor in jail on animal cruelty charges does nothing constructive. We need to be focusing on raising the money to build a suitable shelter for our animals,” stated Bagley on his Web site.
“People should be looking for solutions. It could be argued Mayor Valley did not handle the situation correctly and everyone has the right to that opinion. However, the fact is the Mayor is the one trying to correct the situation with long-term goals. Among other things, working with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the national Humane Society, two city employees have been enrolled in the Animal Control Academy to receive proper training and certification in animal control. Mayor Valley is a good man who has done many good things for the city going back to days prior to his tenure as mayor. He does care about the animals,” stated Josh Troy on his Web site.
“I have reviewed the affidavit for warrant of arrest dated June 16, 2008 signed by Ruby Burton, director of the Humane Society of Southeast Arkansas, and the photographs submitted in support of the affidavit,” wrote Henry in his one-page order for arrest.
“I find that there is reasonable cause to believe that James Valley has committed the offense of cruelty to animals in violation of Arkansas Code ann. 5-62-101 and obstructing the prevention of cruelty to animals in violation of Arkansas Code ann. 5-62-111,” said Henry.
Both are misdemeanor charges. Valley’s court date is tentatively set July 11 in Helena-West Helena District Court.
Valley also could face federal charges over the incident, as it is against the law to leave animals, livestock or abandoned personal property on public land. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Little Rock is looking at the case.
