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In January in "quasi"-liberal Seattle I was walking my dog in an off-leash dog park. My dog has been my main companion since I became disabled 4 years ago. She was running ahead of me and someone opened a gate that led to an area where dogs are required to be on-leash. She ran out and I am not the swiftest person on two feet since becoming disabled nor is she the most obedient dog as I was in a coma at the time that I usually train my dogs to obey. Two animal control agents were in a truck hiding in the woods writing tickets, like a speed trap, to dog owners who had not leashed their dogs. I caught up to my dog but it was too late and they wrote me a ticket. I explained that I was disabled and the animal dude told me to tell it to the judge. Arbitration is offered by the municipal court and I elected to do mine by mail as it is easier than getting to the court office. I sent my letter of disability eligibility and explained what happened. The original fine was $54 and the fine was lowered to $34. I was outraged. I need every penny SSDI sends me and find it pathetic that they would still want to raise city revenues from someone whose only crime is being disabled and not moving fast enough to grab my dog. I am writing the head judge here. This is not a liberal city really, just a lot of mellow people who prefer not to deal with the realities of the greater world outside.
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