Humane Society

Four Carroll County residents who have been investigated in recent years by the Humane Society yesterday asked the county commissioners to fire two of the society's officials.The residents included Carroll L. Schisler and A. Frederick Schisler, who were charged four years ago -- and later acquitted -- of animal cruelty on their Marston farm.The other two residents were Daniel J. Ricci and Stephen J. Ricci of the 2200 block of Patapsco Road in Finksburg, who were investigated by Chief Animal Control Officer David R. Stair two years ago.The four men asked that Mr. Stair and Humane Society Director Nicky Ratliff be fired, Daniel Ricci said.

Students at Hannah More School are holding a benefit drive to help the Humane Society of Baltimore County. Students are asking for meat formulas of baby food, blankets, towels, small rugs, canned dog and cat food, large rawhide bones, cat litter, animal toys, cleaning supplies and medical gloves. The Humane Society would also welcome food scales measuring up to 4 pounds. Donations will benefit dogs, cats and other pets housed at the Humane Society of Baltimore County and other local nonprofit animal shelters.

Outraged over the death of a Cecil County dog that was caught in an illegally set fur trap last weekend, the Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information about the incident. The dog, a German short-haired pointer named Santini, was killed while walking with its owners on a trail near their Perryville home, according to the Humane Society. When the dog went to investigate meat that had been placed in a bucket-like container, a metal trap sprung and clamped around his neck.

On October 15, 2005, VALERIE P. VASILAS, loving daughter Pearle Larue Vasilas and the late Louis Vasilas, Jr., dear sister of Ronald, Douglas, Bruce and Diane Vasilas, and loving owner of her feline family, Sabrina and Alex. A service will be held at at later date. Donations may be made in Valerie's name to the Humane Society of Baltimore County Shelter, 1601 Nicodemus Road, Reisterstown, MD, 21136.

On December 11, 2003, VERNON J.; beloved husband of Rosalie Bills Klimper; dear brother of Lawrence V. and his wife Mary C. Hagen. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday 11 A.M. at Parkwood Cemetery. Memorial donations in Vernon's name may be made to the Humane Society.

On October 20, 2006, ANNE R. (nee Maly); devoted mother of Valarie Taylor and Anthony Kestler; loving daughter of the late Emma Maly; dear grandmother of Rudy. Services will be private. Inquiries may be directed to 410-665-2000. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Way or to the Humane Society.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Road, Tampa, at 11 am on Saturday, April 5. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Community Concern for Animals, 7701 Gardener Road, Tampa, FL 33625; The Humane Society of Tampa Bay; and The Salvation Army.

MARGUERITE RATHMAN (nee Zimmerman) of Baltimore died in Nashville, TN, on November 24, 2003. Beloved wife of the late George William Rathman; loving mother of Joanne A. Rathman. Memorial service to be held in Baltimore in late December or early January TBA. Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or The Humane Society.

On March 7, 2003, SYLVIA H. (nee Prochaska) GLADSKY, age 80; devoted mother of Kurt Gladsky, of Delray Beach, FL; aunt of Dorothy Palmer, Janie Dowler, Colleen Haines, Barbara Losey, Timothy and Thomas Kovatch, Jay Prochaska and Carol Morrell. Services and Interment private. Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society. Arrangements by Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center.

Inclement weather in Carroll County yesterday led Circuit Court Judge Luke K. Burns to postpone handing down his decision in the $581,600 libel and slander suit filed by two Marston farmers against the Humane Society of Carroll County.Judge Burns is scheduled to present his decision in the case from the bench today at 2 p.m.The civil trial ended Tuesday.The plaintiffs in the case, August Frederick "Fred" Schisler and his brother, Carroll Lynn Schisler, claim the Humane Society and two of its employees -- Director Carolyn "Nicky" Ratliff and animal control officer David Stair -- made statements to the press that ruined their business after an April 11, 1990, raid on their farm during an animal cruelty investigation.