Woman Who Rode Manatee Arrested - something is wrong with our justice system (Miami: 2013, gated)

[Not_liking_FL]

Originally Posted by bentlebee

I think it is good she got arrested but not where she was arrested...it should have happened at her home and not at her place of work. JMO!

I agree.

She came forward when this happened and should have been arrested or fined at that time. It's not like they had some complicated criminal case to solve that they had to wait so long before an arrest. Who knows why they thought it was a good idea to arrest her at work. I doubt it would have been hard to track her down at home.

[Crane's Rooster]

Originally Posted by Not_liking_FL

I agree.

She came forward when this happened and should have been arrested or fined at that time. It's not like they had some complicated criminal case to solve that they had to wait so long before an arrest. Who knows why they thought it was a good idea to arrest her at work. I doubt it would have been hard to track her down at home.

Agreed, she already came forward and cooperated with authorities when she initially learned what she did may have been illegal. I'm sure when she met with the police the first time they got all of her contact information. Before issuing the arrest warrant and wasting resources to arrest at her job the State attorneys could have simply contacted her, informed charges were being filed and order her to turn herself in or an arrest warrant would be issued. Most jurisdiction have walk-throughs for people like her where you can pay your bail as you enter the jail, you'll be booked and processed, given your court date and released. I don't understand the need to spend resources on physically arresting her when this could have easily been done. It was probably a publicity stunt if you ask me.

[newguy101]

well said

[tinytrump]

Originally Posted by avb3

I recognize her charges are not in the same realm as those that harm humans, but manatees ARE endangered. Now, if you don't care for biodiversity, then I can understand so many are upset by this.

If, however, you feel it is important that biodiversity is an important ingredient in our, as humans, continued well being, then impacting endangered species with potential negative consequences needs to be controlled.

BTW, I agree, putting down your own dog is not something that should be something you are charged for. Not sure if I could do it, but a lethal dose of a drug or a quick bullet is humane. I don't see why we need a vet to do that.

OMG!!! the FLORIDA mouse is on the list!!! so is alot of snakes and FROGS--and some FISH squirrels- rabbits- Do you really think anyone is watching to see where those rat traps are going right now? - and as far the poor manatees, have you not watched the huge yachts flying by in a slow speed zone with the their topless broads on deck? --yes-- sacrifice this poor lady and make an example of her, after all she is a hispanic poor person who probably thought it was a gift from God that a gentle animal would come play with her in the ocean... RUBBISH- go get the list and see what you killed and turn yoruselves in! ughh Lists of Endangered Species: Florida - EndangeredSpecie.com

[cupper3]

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

You do realize that Manatees are not native to Florida? So essentially if a polar bear happened to migrate to Florida it too would quickly become "endangered status" also. The type found in Florida also happens to be the weakest of the species.....hmmm just like a polar bear would be in Florida too!

Manatees are not indigenous to Florida?

You better let the US Fish and Wildlife Service know. They seem to have information, including fossil records, that suggest otherwise.

Isn't better to spread facts rather than rumors? Well, isn't it?

[cupper3]

Originally Posted by tinytrump

OMG!!! the FLORIDA mouse is on the list!!! so is alot of snakes and FROGS--and some FISH squirrels- rabbits- Do you really think anyone is watching to see where those rat traps are going right now? - and as far the poor manatees, have you not watched the huge yachts flying by in a slow speed zone with the their topless broads on deck? --yes-- sacrifice this poor lady and make an example of her, after all she is a hispanic poor person who probably thought it was a gift from God that a gentle animal would come play with her in the ocean... RUBBISH- go get the list and see what you killed and turn yoruselves in! ughh Lists of Endangered Species: Florida - EndangeredSpecie.com

Great list. Are you suggesting that biodiversity should not be striven for? Many of those species play a known role in our natural environment, and many play an unknown role.

Why don't you tell us exactly which of those species you want to see extirpated from Florida, and why that would be a good thing?

[crazynip]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

Agreed, she already came forward and cooperated with authorities when she initially learned what she did may have been illegal. I'm sure when she met with the police the first time they got all of her contact information. Before issuing the arrest warrant and wasting resources to arrest at her job the State attorneys could have simply contacted her, informed charges were being filed and order her to turn herself in or an arrest warrant would be issued. Most jurisdiction have walk-throughs for people like her where you can pay your bail as you enter the jail, you'll be booked and processed, given your court date and released. I don't understand the need to spend resources on physically arresting her when this could have easily been done. It was probably a publicity stunt if you ask me.

The fact that they even arrested her at work for this is absolutely outrageous

[oceanman76]

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

You do realize that Manatees are not native to Florida? So essentially if a polar bear happened to migrate to Florida it too would quickly become "endangered status" also. The type found in Florida also happens to be the weakest of the species.....hmmm just like a polar bear would be in Florida too!

Yes they are mr. scientist.

[tinytrump]

Originally Posted by avb3

Great list. Are you suggesting that biodiversity should not be striven for? Many of those species play a known role in our natural environment, and many play an unknown role.

Why don't you tell us exactly which of those species you want to see extirpated from Florida, and why that would be a good thing?

I agree to save the envirorment and it's animals, not suggesting we do NOT or to have any species extirpated- that is a silly question- she did NOT harm or attempt to harm this animal to have been arrested in this matter. She should be fined or given some sort of punishment- but open arrest at job etc is a bit much-this video has gone all over the world, and we dont pick up 1/2 of the hardened criminals/phedophiles etc. that way, some times you do not even get a name...
THE punishment for this crime is over the top, just as if you killed the wrong mouse... talking about people's lives here!!! Boaters, industrial fishermen do more harm, why are they not arrested and flogged?? Oh they have fast boats and get away.
The manatee is alright- the poor lady is NOT! If you care about animals, you must care more about the people.

[citylivin]

Originally Posted by GoRays813

Absolutely ridiculous. I'm not from here and do not understand the infatuation Floridians have with manatees other than they are endangered species. However, it is reasonable that a person unfamiliar with a manatee (let alone its endangered status) would think that playing with a manatee is okay similar to swimming with dolphins. This lady's actions are completely reasonable and she admitted her fault to the unknowledgable crime. The embarassment that the community has subscribed her to is outrageous and the fact that she was arrested at work is beyond comprehension. Unbelievable...

Swimming with dolphins and riding manatees are two totally different things! I can understand if she was, "swimming" with them but c'mon now, what she did was abused!