Dogs Rescued in Landmark Legal Case Have Something to Wag About at Annapolis Cruise Fundraiser

After a lifetime of suffering in horrific conditions on the property of convicted animal abusers in the small town of Sanford, North Carolina, a Jack Russell Terrier named Ben who was rescued by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) in a groundbreaking lawsuit will be cruising with his Annapolis-based foster family in a gala fundraiser for the animal organization. Joined by a miniature pinscher named Franklin who was rescued along with him, Ben will cast away for a night of celebration with more than fifty dogs—and their human families—who will be enjoying the sold-out celebration aboard the Harbor Queen.

WHEN: Friday, September 8, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
WHERE: Departs from the Annapolis City Dock on Watermark’s Harbor Queen

Why is the Annapolis City Dock going to the dogs? Last spring, the North Carolina judge presiding over ALDF v. Woodley found the animal "hoarders" (a term used to describe people who keep far more animals than they are able to care for) guilty of multiple counts of animal cruelty and ordered the removal of their hundreds of dogs – many of whom had been living in their own excrement and urine, denied appropriate human contact and care, and kept for their entire lives in dark packing crates. In the landmark victory, custody was awarded to ALDF, which now works to keep them all placed in the homes of foster families. Because the Woodleys have filed appeals, the dogs cannot yet be adopted out permanently.

When Larry and Michelle Kownacki, the owners of Pets Paws Boutique in Annapolis, learned about ALDF’s legal victory—and the ongoing need for foster families for the overwhelming number of dogs rescued from the Woodleys—they volunteered to become the foster mom and dad to Ben, a now-spunky Jack Russell terrier who is thriving with his new family. Michelle organized the now-sold out cruise for 150 humans and more than 50 canine supporters as a fundraiser for ALDF’s ongoing work in this case.

"It has been an incredible journey for Ben on the way to this week’s high seas celebration," says his foster mom Kownacki. "After almost half a year with us, he is slowly learning to trust people and has even begun playing with toys in the past few months. He was close to death not long after joining our family, and I made a promise that if he pulled through, we’d have a big fundraiser, in honor of him and all of the effort that went into his rescue."

ALDF was founded in 1979 with the unique mission of protecting the lives and advancing interests of animals through the legal system. A number of dogs rescued as a result of ALDF v. Woodley are still in need of homes. For more information, please visit www.aldf.org.