Following is the email sent out July 15, 2009:
Dear Friends,
Reports have been coming in regarding the progress of the case against Keum H. Lee for the alleged extreme abuse of two horses in her care: Suzi and Whiskey. If you are receiving this email, you have been following this case.
We should be able to report, by Friday, exactly what charges are being brought against Keum H. Lee, and how things will proceed from that point. At this time, however, I'm writing to ask that any among you who may be writing strongly worded or threatening letters and emails to the DA and investigators representing the DA--please, refrain. The new ADA on this case is compassionate, and totally committed to bringing felony charges to bear against Keum Lee. This is not a lip service investigation, but a thorough gathering and examination of all of the facts relating to the condition in which these two horses were found--a condition that reflected almost surreal suffering. Interviews and extensive investigation of the Lee's, and all aspects of the events leading up to the initial placement of charges, are being scrutinized and reviewed.
The ADA has been to visit with Suzi and Whiskey, as well.
Please, we asked for justice, and the pursuit of justice is exactly what we are getting in return: the investigation is proceeding full steam ahead. Although emotions always run high in cases like this, as well they should--in this case, we simply cannot complain. A great deal of work has gone into gathering the evidence that will hopefully convince a grand jury felony charges should, and must, be brought against Keum H. Lee for the crimes she is accused of committing. The ADA is aggressively pursuing the felony charge, and a conviction.
And so: we need to work with the legal system in a respectful way, at this point. We need to thank them for listening. We need to thank them for caring. And we need to thank them for taking aggressive action to achieve justice, for Suzi and Whiskey. Taking action for these two horses is sending a message, loud and clear: abuse is punishable in a way that will truly hurt those who inflict it.
The public won't stand for it. The police will react to it. The justice system will punish it. In Orange County, NY, perhaps we'll make a difference that will echo throughout the state. And beyond. A start. A first step forward. Justice for horses. Justice for all animals. For the silent victims who have waited--in unnourishing fields, in filthy sheds, on chains, in dark basements, starved, beaten, abused, neglected--silent victims who have waited far too long to hear, a caring voice.
Linda Brink
Director, Sunnyskies Bird & Animal Sanctuary
Warwick, NY