I read the outcome of the trial for Mr. German Ruiz for abandoning two dogs to starve in the April 15, issue of the Shawangunk Journal. Ruiz got three-years probation from the court in the Town of Rochester. That's what happens when no one shows the court that we consider such a thing much more than a misdemeanor. In Orange County, we got together and had two misdemeanor horse abuse cases bumped up to felonies. We cared. We swamped the D.A.'s office with letters and calls. I wish I had gone to the Town of Rochester on this one, but I can't do it all myself. The sentence Ruiz was given is outrageous and laughable. Ruiz could have taken the dogs to a shelter or at least let them loose. I noticed only one dog is up for adoption. Did the other one die? What he did was so cruel and stupid. The Town of Rochester court judge and prosecutor do not look good in my eyes. Oh, and where is the money from Ruiz for the court costs and the cost to the Ulster County SPCA?

* * * I am just back from Goshen for the trial of Dr. Chong Lee and Mrs. Keum Lee, who were charged with two felonies each of horse abuse and neglect. If convicted, Dr. Lee, an ob/gyn, could lose his license to practice medicine.

The District Attorney's office prosecutor, Jamie Ferrar, led off stating that he would have many witnesses to support the charges. Then each of the Lee's attorneys, Mr. Braverman and Mr. John Kelly, presented their lead off statements for the defense. The Lees chose a bench trial, which is in front of the judge with only the judge deciding the case. Due to profound hearing loss, Judge Berry had to carefully read all the charges to Mrs. Lee to be sure she understood the charges and that she could have chosen a jury trial. In my opinion, if a jury saw the photos of the face of the poor horse face, who is named "Susie," the Lees would not have a chance.

The trial continues tomorrow and I believe will take some time to go over everything and to hear the defense. I will be back there again and let you know how it turns out.

* * * I subscribe to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine magazine, "Good Medicine". In the Spring 2010 issue, there are quite a few interesting updates.

• "French women do get fat," it said. Apparently with McDonald's and other fast foods moving to France, the waistlines are expanding.

• The Duke of Edinburgh gave an all vegan dinner for 200 people at Windsor Castle. Wow, I wonder what changed him!!

• Have you heard of eating crickets and caterpillars instead of meat? The UN organization, Food and Agriculture is reportedly trying to get come countries to replace meat with this protein. Why not just eat beans, rice, dark greens, legumes and fruits? You'll get everything you need.

• Finally, Joe Rollino, a man who can lift 635 pounds, was a lifelong vegetarian. He just died at age 104, by being hit by a car in Brooklyn.