Oxford News

A protest rally is scheduled to take place in front of the Butler County Area 1 Court, located at 118 High Street in Oxford, on Thursday, Aug. 16, between noon and 2 p.m.

"The rally is to give concerned citizens the opportunity to voice and display their feelings regarding Judge Rob Lyons's decision to return China (a white German shepherd mix) to her neglectful owner," said William H. Robinson, of Hamilton, who applied for the permit to hold the rally.

Lyons returned China to her owner, Otis Clark, Jr., of Somerville, after he pleaded "no contest" to charges of animal cruelty when China was left with a chain embedded in her neck.

"We're holding the rally on a Thursday specifically because I felt it was important that it be held when Judge Lyons was holding court," Robinson added.

According to Leland Gordon, director of the Animal Friends Humane Society of Butler County, "Our office has received calls and e-mails from as far away as Bermuda, California, New York, Maryland, Missouri, Texas and Chicago expressing their disgust over Judge Lyons' decision."

"Our hope is that not only current animal activists, but also citizens of Butler County and the Oxford community, as well as the Miami University student body, will come to the demonstration so that their voices can be heard as well in support of China," Robinson said.

The rally is timed to coincide with the lunch hour of many local businesses, assuring high visibility for the protestors.

Those planning to attend the rally are asked to make and display their own signs and to respect city and private property.

"The City of Oxford has worked with us in every way in order to hold this rally. We would ask those in attendance to please be respectful of the city and their regulations," Robinson said.

It is unlawful to display signs on trees, utility poles or buildings. The sidewalk must remain passable for pedestrians and public access to the courthouse must be open at all times.