Raise Funds for Megh’s Living & Legal Fees

TRIGGER WARNING — THIS VIDEO DOES SHOW POLICE BRUTALITY AGAINST A DISABLED WOMAN OF COLOR.

( ): Thank you for coming to learn more about this fundraiser. I am assuming you found out about my situation and my need for finding from my public Facebook post (which, if you haven’t read or seen yet, can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/16815082/posts/pfbid0XYa5SCowroACedAfb9jw4em2wkFtB5JZPAvyefg6ZFNuXggQhcuqeGKcQEsgpq9nl).⁣

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If so, then you know that my partner and I recently (both fierce animal advocates!) attempted to save a neglected Pomeranian mix dog from her previous owners earlier in June. Based on advice given to us by several local KCMO dog rescues, we waited the mandatory 5 day stray hold (though we did this independently not through the city shelter) & after the dog’s vet was unable to contact family, we decided to keep her.⁣

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Weeks later, the “owners” wanted her back but did not show any real interest in the dog (who we named Gertie, short for Gertrude) and we decided that we could not live with ourselves giving this sweet dog back to her neglectful owners. And again, we found her on the 4th and had no contact until the 13th—based on all KCMO laws associated with animals as possessions, she was ours.⁣

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But the “owners” call the cops and say we stole the dogs. And the police come and assume we have done the same and state I will have a warrant out for my arrest for stealing. I ask for his contact information which he denies me. After multiple requests, he starts rattling off his name and badge number so quickly we cannot write it down. I continue to ask for a business card and instead of simply telling me they don’t carry cards, he arrests me for “stealing” despite stating a few moments ago that they will have an warrant out for my arrest later (ie it’s not there yet). I was never read my Miranda rights.⁣

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I was slammed to the ground. I was battered and bruised. I was hurting. I still am. I couldn’t use my left arm for days, I could barely drive without crying in pain. Only now can I put on clothes without hurting. I am a disabled woman of color, a long time KCMO social worker who helps folks every day I hospice, and was trying to save a little dog from neglect. Law enforcement’s response was excessive, inappropriate, over the top, and absurd.⁣

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We have court coming up and we are in the process of interviewing and trying to obtain a lawyer. We want to show the nation that Kansas City does not tolerate this behavior from our law enforcement. Our legal fees will be exorbitant and we need your help!⁣

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I know initially, I was hesitant to share this information, because we know how corrupt our police here in Kansas City is, but I can’t let this officer get away with manhandling, and hurting another disabled woman of color in the future. Excessive use of power? To say the least. We need to hold this police force accountable, we need to show them that they are not allowed to hurt us this way, especially when we are trying to do good in this world. ⁣

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We have requested the officers body camera footage, but have not received it yet. We have attached the video that Dylan took, but it wasn’t even the whole picture. I have attached photos of my injuries, though it does not show that I could not move my left arm without excruciating pain, yelling, and tears for three or four days after the attack. And yes, it was an attack. Even now, I can’t put any weight on that arm left on that arm, without yelping. ⁣

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Whatever we don’t utilize for this case (and no, we don’t know how much it’s going to cost) will be donated to the multiple shelters / rescues we worked with for this case, to KC Pet Project, A Dog's Fun Playce - Now KC PAWS, and Pampered POMS Rescue.⁣

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Honestly, I can still barely get my brain to work. It takes a lot of time and energy and effort to think rational thoughts, to not get stressed out, and for my brain not to shut down because of this trauma. I am overwhelmed, I am not doing well. This is not how our public deserves to be treated, it is not how I deserve to be treated, it is not OK. We should not fear our police, they are supposed to keep us safe.⁣

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Please help us by donating or sharing my FB post or this fundraiser, if you can!!!