Justice for Jack
Posted by 
22 comments
Brian Wheelhouse
The owner of a UK kennel where a badly neglected dog was dumped and left to die has said he is stunned and overwhelmed by an internet campaign set up to bring those responsible to justice.
A group on social networking site Facebook called Justice For Jack has attracted over 10,000 members from all over the world since his death. Jack was found by Brian Wheelhouse dumped in a blanket outside Whitehall kennels and rescue centre in Cave Lane, East Ardsley, on September 17. The dog had been severely neglected. He was emaciated, covered in sores and his claws were so long they had started to grow back into his paws and signs seemed to suggest that he had still been alive when he was abandoned at Whitehall.
Jack’s death was so horrific Mr Wheelhouse said it was the worst case he had seen in 20 years and it prompted him to come to the Observer & Advertiser in the hope the publicity may lead to the identification and punishment of those responsible. But since then the search for the culprits has gone global and the creators of the Facebook site, which is now attracting almost 1,000 people a day, are now trying to set up a reward for information leading to the conviction of the culprits. Hundreds of messages have been left on the site from as far away as Australia and the United States, candlelit vigils have been organised and one member has even written a song for Jack which she has posted in video form. There is now even talk of a peaceful demonstration in London to highlight not just Jack’s case but the plight of all abandoned and neglected dogs.
Mr Wheelhouse said he couldn’t believe the phenomenal response Jack’s story had prompted and said he hoped it would help catch the people responsible. “People have been getting in touch from the USA and Canada and I’m just hoping all this might get things moving in terms of catching someone.”
A substantial reward has now been offered for information which has been made possible thanks to donations from members of the Facebook group. “Someone does know something,” Mr Wheelhouse said. “It’s not working trying to get to someone’s conscience so maybe they’ll tell us something for money.
Posters are now being printed up which are being put in shops and cars across the area. One of the creators of Justice For Jack, Victoria Thomas, said she had set up the group with friend Alexa Smith in the hope that it might help trace Jack’s owners.
“We thought that if perhaps a couple of thousand joined it would be a huge help towards flushing out the person who did this to Jack,” she said. “In the space of a week we have almost 11,000 members from around the world and the figure is rising minute by minute. Given that this was a young dog of about a year old, who must have been starved for many weeks to be in the state he was in, surely someone is responsible for investigating this painful and needless death? The only clues so far are that Jack was left at Whitehall on an orange sheet or blanket…has anyone ever seen something like this, say on a washing line in someone’s garden? Did anyone see something being carried in this sheet or blanket very late at night? Did anyone see someone near the Whitehall Sanctuary in the early hours? Someone must know something.”
Mr Wheelhouse added that if one positive had come out of Jack’s death it was that the publicity had led to more people contacting Whitehall to adopt dogs, volunteer and donate. “It’s people that have seen the story in the Observer & Advertiser and seen the Facebook site. If just one good thing comes out of Jack’s death it’s that other dogs are going to be helped because of him.”
Heartbreaking…… I do believe that “justice” will be served to these people when they meet their Maker……..
I also believe that animal abusers have an eternal place in Hell. And that they and child abusers will suffer the worst!!
Exactly what I was thinking about today when I was told about a friend’s dog who was poisoned with rat poisoning.
The little guy was a cheerful, playful Pug.
We must all do everything we can to hepl prevent any kind of suffering and cruelty
Brian. I love you. thankyou for all the hard work you do. you are truly an Earth Angel.
xx
There’s no justice harsh enough but I am glad that people are getting outraged about it and it’s bringing more attention to the issue and prompting adoptions.
Poor Jack. It’s heartbreaking.
I really hope that they do find out who did this. If they could do this to a dog, what else would they be willing to do? What a sad story!
I have a dog called jack and his story is similar but he is alive and well and here with me,he is 3 years old now and he will Can Ch soon he has been x rayed he is a wonderful dog and he is going to contribute to the German Shepherd Breed.
His story is a Cinderella story our Jack is alive well and will remain in my care for the rest of his life,he is truly mans best friend! at least this man.
Thank you
Moris
lorettokennels.com
It was not fate, luck, fortune, or chance that brought the two of you together! It was destiny! Jack was born to be with you! I believe the contribution that the two of you can bring to the German Shepherd breed, are endless! Jack is where he is supposed to be!
It’s so sad that things like this have to happen in life but it’s also nice to know that there are people who are willing to fight for poor animals like Jack so that hopefully others won’t have to suffer like he did.
I look forward to the day when NObody injures, abuses or kills any animals!
Blu
Jack’s suffering will not go unanswered, even if the person who so sadly neglected him is not brought to justice. Those of us who grieve for an innocent creature who has suffered raise our hearts in his honor. Godspeed, Jack. Your story reminds everyone of our responsibility to care for all of our Earthly brothers and sisters, whether 4-legged or 2! My heart goes out to you, dear boy…hugs and love.
Oh God! Justice for Jack and every animal that has to go through hell on earth.
I am so terribly saddened by this. I cannot imagine that anyone could be so cruel to another living being! I will be praying that justice will be served in this case! Even if it is not this person will be punished one day! I will be holding my three little loves closer and tighter tonight. Rest in Peace sweet Jack! You will not be forgotten!
My heart breaks for this precious little soul Jack….thank god he is in the hands of people who will love and care for him….
I hope you do find the person responsible for Jack…what a terrible story.
The response to Jack’s story has been amazing. It is said that we are a nation of animal lovers, sadly we are not – we are a nation of animal owners.Many pets ae taken on without real thought or commitment. Jack is one of many – its just we dont get to hear about it. New legislation is needed and those of us that are genuine animal lovers have to push government for new laws for cruelty to animals, including deliberate neglect. We must put posters of Jack everywhere and keep lobbying the main press and send in letters to all Dog Magazines and newspapers and local tv and radio stations till all realise what has been done and also advertise the fact that dog pounds only keep dogs for 7 days before they are killed.
You’re with God now Jack, he will take care of you and your liittle tummy will be full and you will be healthy above all LOVED.
The Facebook group has now grown to over 22,000. We are very glad that Whitehall has been able to help other rescued dogs while the campaign is getting even stronger. One good piece of news from such an horrific tale of cruelty to one of mans best friends. RIP Jack
Your one of god’s angels Brian, i would so love to run an animal shelter
peace be with you and your family xxxxxxxx
I just found out about Jack yesterday and openly cried like a babyh. I will never understand how a human being can do something so horrible to a defenseless animal. They were given to us by God to protect, love and cherish. In turn, they teach us about unconditional love and loyalty. I believe in my heart that is WHY God gave us these little blessings! Thank you Brian and Justice for Jack organizers.