This letter is in response to the front-page article from the April 25, 2021 edition of the Westside News related to the “Justice for Vanessa” story. I’ve tried to remain neutral on this topic as this event occurred in my neighborhood and I know both parties involved and have socialized with both of them over the years. However, I can no longer remain silent after yet another occurrence of Jeremy Wolf perpetuating half-truths, distortions and outright lies. He has duped countless people into supporting him both emotionally and financially in his false crusade. All at the expense of the real victim here – the woman that was mauled by Vanessa.
Vanessa was known by most of the neighbors to be an aggressive dog and we’d do our best to avoid contact when she was out. After the attack occurred, the fact that it happened was no surprise to anyone who was familiar with her. What was a surprise, was Jeremy’s reaction.
Instead of finding out how badly the victim was hurt, or showing any concern at all, he instead chose to launch a public relations and social media smear campaign against her, concocting some preposterous story about how she was somehow responsible for his dog attacking her. These smear campaigns have led to harassment, intimidation, name-calling and threats against the woman who was attacked as well as her family. Does that sound like justice?
Even after the court ruling, Jeremy continued to drum up support from the public by repeating his disproven version of the events over and over again on social media, radio programs, news channels, and newspapers as if he and Vanessa were the real victims in this situation. Members of the public who, because they are falsely led to believe that this is an animal rights story, have fallen for these lies hook, line and sinker.
Contrary to Jeremy’s claims, I don’t know of one person in our neighborhood who supports him on this matter. Nor is this a retirement community as he has also stated (there are almost a dozen kids here below the age of 10). Nor did the victim’s husband file a civil suit the very day after the attack. Nor is our neighborhood anti-pit bull (Most residents are ardent dog lovers, myself included who currently owns two rescues and whose daughter has fostered several, absolutely wonderful pitties). These are just a few of the many untruths that Jeremy has spread, unchecked, via whatever outlet is willing to give him a platform.
To be clear, there were no conflicting reports of the dog attack presented in court (check the records). There was only one report – that of the victim. Jeremy’s lawyer attempted to muddy the waters by presenting “alternative facts” which were shown to be false and completely without merit (not that this kept Jeremy from repeating various versions of them ad nauseum). The evidence was sufficient to prove that Vanessa is a dangerous dog and that she chased the victim, bit the victim and caused serious physical injury to her without any justification. That very determination was then upheld by the Appellate Court. Period.
The public needs to realize one thing: This is no longer about the dog. Jeremy has turned this neighborhood on its ear and will say and do whatever he thinks is necessary to keep the spotlight on him – not caring who he hurts in the process. He feeds off of the attention that he has generated for himself, while masquerading as some “champion of the cause”. For those of you that have fallen prey to this, I simply ask this – look at the facts – not the lies that Jeremy Wolf has told you, before you give him any more of your money or support. Don’t give this bully any more of your attention.
While none of the neighbors I have spoken with have advocated for euthanizing Vanessa (myself included), we certainly don’t want her back in our neighborhood.
Jim Calamita
Spencerport
