I read in News Briefs about the vehicle that struck the 9-year-old Chow, Miles, while walking on leash with his guardian, James Groth. I’m happy that Miles survived and Mr. Groth wasn’t injured.
The reaction of Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is inexcusable. The deputy that answered the station’s traffic division phone and laughed as she said that there was no record of the incident should apologize to Mr. Groth. Dogs are considered “property” in our society. Although I might not agree that this is the proper viewpoint, it does give good reason for an investigation. If this were Mr. Groth’s car, which is “property,” he probably would have gotten more attention.
As a victim of a hit-and-run, I’m not surprised at the lack of investigation. I had witnesses and a visual identification, yet the investigation was shallow. At one point the detective handling the case told one of the young women who held the party where the suspect was seen leaving, that he was going to be looking through photographs of the party, enabling her to dispose of any that would identify the suspect. I was too ill to pursue this.
My hit-and-run occurred on September 24, 2004, four years since my Great Dane Annie, while on leash, was hit and killed on Latigo Canyon during our routine evening walk. Unfortunately, I was also injured, taking a year to mend broken bones (never my heart!). Just when I was able to resume social activities, I ended up in the hospital due to undetected internal injuries. Meanwhile, the people involved in my hit-and-run (more than one car passed me as I lay on Latigo Canyon) have long gone.
The person who hit Miles fled. She was described as a young woman about 18 to 20 years of age. It is unfortunate that many people do not accept responsibility for their actions. It is especially sad when that person is young. The youth are the future and it’s disappointing when their integrity is questionable. Regrettably, in this case, the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is just as unreliable.
Alessandra DeClario