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Washington family fights to overturn ruling deeming their dog dangerous

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A 3-year-old male pit bull has been wrongfully deemed dangerous and is sentenced to be euthanized in Lewis County, Chehalis Washington. It all started in April 2016, when the dog, then named Tank, was accused, along with another dog, of killing some goats and injuring a small pony on a neighbor’s farm. He was marked a dangerous dog.

Unfortunately, Tank’s owner at the time did not fulfill obligations under the county’s dangerous dog laws so Tank was seized and placed in the Lewis County Animal Shelter. While there, Danette York, the Director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services, which oversees the shelter, opted to change Tank’s name to Hank and adopt him out to Jann Propp-Estimo in January 2017. No mention was made of the dog’s previous history and the dangerous dog allegations. She based her decision on Hank’s good behavior and felt he was incorrectly declared dangerous.

Hank lived for 5 happy months with Propp-Estimo, her husband, and her grandson Buddy. Then on May 9, 2017 the Lewis County Prosecutors Office found out about Tank/Hank’s “illegal” adoption. They showed up at Propp-Estimo’s door to seize Hank and return him to Lewis County Animal Shelter while a judge decided his fate. On June 7th, 2017 Adam Karp, the attorney representing Jann Propp-Estimo, filed a petition to declassify Hank as a dangerous dog. This also set in motion an amendment to the current county dangerous animal code. This amendment would establish a process that would allow an individual to appeal a dangerous dog declaration. The amendment was passed.

Also, new evidence surfaced in the case at the June 17,2017 hearing. A neighbor/witness stated she never saw Hank attack any of the goats; it was mainly the second dog. The owner of the livestock also stated he didn’t want to press charges because he viewed the incident on a dashcam in his truck which reversed his previous decision about Hank/Tank. He told the Sheriff he did not want to press charges nor did he want Hank/Tank to die.

Despite the approved amendment and the new evidence presented in Hank’s favor, on June 19, Judge Buzzard of the Lewis County District Court in Chehalis, Washington ignored these factors and ordered Hank put to death in 48 hours. That decision was appealed to Judge Edwards of Grays Harbor County Superior Court with the hope of reversing Judge Buzzard’s death sentence.  Judge Edward had the power to free Hank and close the case but he didn’t do it. Instead, he chose not to overturn Judge Buzzard’s ruling. On September 25, he signed the order affirming Judge Buzzard’s decision, sentencing Hank to death.

Hank has been granted a stay of execution pending further appeal. Hank has been imprisoned for almost 5 months at the Lewis County Animal Shelter. He is not exercised and only allowed to visit his family through a barrier of chain link and bars. He is being held without cause and without any one pressing charges. This case against Hank is nothing more than a vendetta by the prosecuting attorney and the judge and their irrational desire to see Hank killed. This is wrong, unethical and cruel.

Help Hank get back to his family.

Sign the petition to allow Hank to have visits with his family outside of his cage.

For updates on Hank’s case and to donate toward the mounting legal costs visit the website 

Also, follow the case on Hank’s Facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/474160809610170/.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hankoffdeathrow/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guggeheim Museum removes ‘cruel’ art displays after animal rights protests

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A video expected to be aired on October 6 in New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in the planned exhibition “Art and China after 1989: Theater of the World” has been removed along with two other works out of concerns about safety.

The museum came under severe criticism from the public last week  over a controversial exhibition, “Dogs That Cannot Touch Each Other,” which features  a seven-minute video with eight American pit bulls trying to attack each other on a wooden, non-motorized treadmill; the dogs never made contact. According to the New York Times, protesters marched outside of the museum over the weekend and circulated an online petition demanding “cruelty free exhibits at the Guggenheim. As of Tuesday morning, more than 616,000 people had signed.

The other two works include A Case Study of Transference, 1994, a video of two pigs with several markings of Chinese characters stamped on their bodies having sex while on exhibit, and Theater of the World, 1993, which was intended to be the show’s signature piece. The work featured hundreds of insects and reptiles in an enclosed octagonal space. During the exhibition, the creatures would eat each other. Animal groups asked that the scorpions and tarantulas be removed.

“Although these works have been exhibited in museums in Asia, Europe, and the United States, the Guggenheim regrets that explicit and repeated threats of violence have made our decision necessary,” the museum said in a statement. “As an arts institution committed to presenting a multiplicity of voices, we are dismayed that we must withhold works of art. Freedom of expression has always been and will remain a paramount value of the Guggenheim.”

With the initial focus on dogs fighting, animal rescue groups, as well as the public heavily weighed into the disturbing idea of dogs fighting.  The ire grew stronger after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the American Kennel Club stated dog fighting should never be displayed in any way.

As for the artists, Peny Yu and her husband Sun Yuan, they denied their art depicts animal cruelty and insisted the dogs were examined by veterinarians both before and after they had been used in the performance while taping.

Read the original article here.

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Starving dog wanders onto woman’s porch before hurricane – family decides to give her a home.

Woman sees photo of overweight, homeless cat and sets out to give her a loving home

Crixus and Ashur: Forgotten souls who just need a break and a home

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Crixus and Ashur have not had the best of luck; both are available for adoption, and in the perfect world the two dogs could stay together, but Border Buddies Rescue just want the dogs safe, happy and loved – even if it means they will be separated.

The story of these two dogs began when they were kept locked up in a kennel in Long Beach, California. They were never exercised, never allowed to play or even had a soft bed to sleep on. Had it not been for animal advocate and volunteer, Heidi van der Hoek, the dogs likely would have continued to be locked up in  the kennel or eventually sent to an overcrowded shelter. Everyday Heidi checked on the dogs to make sure they had food, water and their kennels were cleaned.

“They have been with me since March after they were abandoned by their owner. They were left in kennels under a tarp and the neighbors fed them until a rescue was found. Anyhow, they are in search of a forever home, together or separate,” their foster mom posted on  the dog’s Facebook page.

Time to meet these two baby bullies?

“Crixus (red) is 1.5-2 y.o. UTD on shots and neutered. He prefers female and neutered dogs and does great with cats other than the occasional chase. He does well on leash and with recall and knows basic commands. He will also kennel but prefers the sofa or to snuggle in bed at night. He has a great personality, full of spunk! He loves having a playmate, very independent but likes some cuddle time each day.

Ashur (blue) is 1 – 1.5 y.o. UTD on shots and neutered. He does great with all dogs and cats. He does well on leash and with recall and knows basic commands. He dislikes the kennel but prefers the dog bed next to your bed or to snuggle in your bed at night. He is an old soul, he is well behaved and prefers human company over that of the other pets. He loves to lay next to you on the couch and is a shadow.”

Share their stories with friends, family and social media contacts. Sharing saves lives. Help Crixus and Ashur make their own memories – separately or together; as long as they are safe and happy.

For more information, contact Border Buddies Rescue or send a message here.

(Photos and videos of Crixus and Ashur via Facebook.)

 

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Holiday surrender day for unwanted pets at North Carolina shelter

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Most likely one of the saddest days for any pet is losing his home and the familu he has loved from the moment that special bond was formed. Wednesday was no different at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control near Monroe, North Carolina as animal advocate and shelter volunteer Teresa Tucker shares the heartbreaking influx of owner surrenders just days before one of the most celebrated summer holidays. As told to Teresa by a fellow rescuer, their story begins as shared on social media:

“THIS IS WHY ANIMAL RESCUERS HATE HOLIDAYS!  Today is a surrender day before a holiday. The line at the shelter has been steady all morning. The giant schnauzer you see  (pictured) is being surrendered for anal sac issues. I started talking to the lady after introducing myself and after the front desk explained how full they are:

Me: What’s going on, why are you surrendering?
Her: He has an anal sac issue
Me: Have you seen a vet?
Her: Once
Me: Have you tried putting him on an appropriate diet? High fiber?
Her: I tried switching him to Rachel Ray.
Me: That’s not going to fix it. Would you consider trying another diet?
Her: No. I had to buy a new couch when he shot out the nastiness during a seizure.
Me: Oh, he has seizures. How often?
Her: I don’t know because I’m not always home.
Me: Weekly? Monthly? Quarterly?
Her: Quarterly. Are you going to take him or not?
Me: I don’t think I can find a foster very quickly with it being a holiday weekend.
Her: Well how much just to put him to sleep?
Me: Ma’am, that’s not necessary. These are fixable issues. Has he seen a vet?
Her: My sister works for the American Cancer Society
Me: I’m sure he’ll be okay here at the shelter
Her: Why? Can’t they just put him to sleep?
Me: Ma’am, I’m done here. ”

And the stories continued. Next came a woman who brought in two cats she told the shelter staff she “found” at the gym. Reluctant to show any identification and acting as if she had an important appointment she was missing, it only took a moment to spot both “stray” cats wore collars, and the woman happened to have a carrying crate at the gym. After doing some social media digging, a volunteer knew the cats were not strays.

Yet the morning continued with little compassion from other heartless owners. An owner surrendered his senior dog because his pet was “old and ill.” Although the shelter told the owner, the dog would most likely be euthanized, the man showed not a drop of emotion. And as the rescuer was preparing to leave after only an hour (two more hours left to surrender pets), a man holding a pit bull had grown tired of waiting in line, and as he walked out of the door of the shelter, he  stated he was just going to “let the dog go.” It was suggested the man return to the information desk and tell the staff what he planned to do, and maybe they would be able to assist him quicker.

Tragically, the majority of the pets surrendered were pit bull types, cats and senior dogs. Pet owners are urged to be responsible; spay and neuter. Commit to a life long relationship with your canine or feline friend, and don’t desert them in their most vulnerable time of their lives. Perhaps skip the lattes, skip a restaurant dinner or even one pair of shoes or a designer purse, and when it’s time to say goodbye, be there with your companion and reassure him that he is loved.

Finally, a personal message from this rescuer to all of the pet owners who treat their loyal four-legged companions as an inconvenience during the summer holidays. If not for the selfless volunteers who visit the shelters whenever they are able, the statistics of the Humane Society of the United States  citing about 2.4 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs—about one every 13 seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year would likely be much higher.  Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.

“I was only there for an hour today and there are still 2 more surrender hours to go,” the rescuer lamented. “Knowing we can’t help because we are also inundated with returns (aka surrenders) and those dogs are taking spots that could have allowed us to pull more, just plain sucks. Next time you pick up a foster or need to utilize animal control, please go out of your way to thank these folks, bring them cookies or snacks, etc. Most importantly, continue to educate your friends and family that animal control is not the enemy. They only exist because these people do, and we live in a disposable society where people get rid of pets because they have vacations coming up.”

Don’t shop for your next best friend, adopt from a shelter. Spay and neuter. Report suspicions of animal cruelty, and be kind; be the gentle hand that tells a frightened shelter dog it will be alright as they go gently into the night with a glimmer of hope and a wagging tail.  The rescue person at the shelter was there to try and save dogs and to offer possible solutions and alternatives.

The schnauzer has since been rescued and will be receiving appropriate medical help.

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(Photo via Teresa Tucker on Facebook)

Read about the husky who had his own version of the mess he made while his family was away from home.

 

 

 

Text message depicting abused dog sparks a firestorm of controversy

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A text message sent in error to the wrong recipient has started a firestorm of controversy nationwide and has concerned animal lovers questioning the actions or lack thereof of the Palestine, Texas police department. According to a story posted in the Palestine Herald on May 15, 2017, a Facebook posting depicting a dog bound around the mouth and legs with duct tape went viral sparking outrage.  It was also stated in the Herald that the person sending the text message worked for the Palestine Independent School District.

It all started when an unknown male received a text message from an unrecognized sender showing the dog bound to a small wooden post.  According to animal activists, this is an antiquated method to force one animal to breed with another. Upon further research, the phone number where the photo originated is registered to Eugene Carr.

Carr’s name has been linked to multiple sites on Google offering breeder pit bulls. On October 8, 2016 Eugene Carr advertised a breeder dog. Alongside the advertisement was a photo showing a fawn colored female pit bull restrained to a similar wooden post with a male dog behind her. In April of 2016, a similar post offered stud services via a male pit bull for $700.00. The name was Carr, and the contact number was the same.

Palestine interim Police Chief John Herod declined to confirm the name of the suspects, only stating it was an ongoing investigation of possible animal cruelty. The Palestine Independent School District also stated on its website that it is investigating one of their employees in connection with the case. In their public statement, they disclosed that one of their employees was allegedly engaging in animal cruelty through improperly breeding dogs and evidence of this was sent via a text message.   Although the claim is not school-related, it does involve a school employee, and they will investigate the situation thoroughly. In the interim, the employee whose name was not disclosed has been relieved of their duties.

Animal advocate Lola Olive has been following the case since it first appeared on Facebook. When voicing her concerns to the Palestine Police Department, she received the following response:

“The case is still being investigated. It is not over, yet. You stated that the Carrs were infamous for ‘exploiting dogs’. Do you have more evidence than the original post’s single picture? If there is more information than the original Facebook post that you have, would you mind sharing it? The original poster has ignored our attempts to contact him/her and since deleted the original post. We have been investigating what we can in our jurisdiction and have contacted other agencies that have been investigating this case as well. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.”

This author has also reached out to the Palestine Police Department and interim Chief Herod but has not yet received a response. Concerned citizens can contact the Palestine Police Department at 903-729-2254 and ask them to investigate Eugene Carr, his wife and their friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witnesses horrified as emotionally charged man hangs dog from fence with belt

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Newark police are investigating a disturbing animal cruelty incident which occurred at the South Ward when an emotionally charged man killed a dog on Friday afternoon. According to RlsMedia, an apparent stray dog appeared on Runyon Street and began chasing people in the area. As one man tried to run away, he tripped and fell and the dog attacked, but quickly retreated and ran away. 

Moments later, a stranger appears walking down the street and spots the dog resting near a car. The man removes his belt and ties it around the dog’s neck walking the animal over to a nearby parking lot at which time the man lifts the dog up on a fence as the dog strangled to death. Horrified bystanders, including young children, witnessed the disturbing action and rushed over to save the dog, but it was already too later – the dog had died. The man responsible walked away, but not before shouting to witnesses it was not his dog.

The victim was not seriously injured. Authorities are continuing to investigate.

(Photos of emotionally charged man kills dog via screenshots from RlsMedia)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Heartbreaking death of juvenile whale after he beached himself and couldn’t get back to the ocean.

When her hours are numbered and all she has left before she dies is her favorite stuffy

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Update: Layla has until 5:00. Please keep her story out there and help save her life.

Layla is on death row scheduled for humane euthanasia on Tuesday afternoon at the Brooklyn facility of Animal Care Centers of New York City. It’s not that Layla isn’t an affectionate snugly pup, and it’s not that all adoption care centers aren’t promoting adoptions; it’s that no one has come for this sweetheart. The shelter suggests Layla has special needs. Does Layla know? Who can be sure, but she won’t let go of the only thing she has left in this word – her stuffy. She carries the toy down the street and through the yard.

Once upon a time, Layla played with five young children –  the little ones aged two and seven were her favorites; she followed them everywhere. Barely out of “puppyhood,” Layla needs time to unwind, patience and love in order to become a model canine citizen. A volunteer writes:

 “Layla is a super beautiful lady that has not been well socialized with strangers. She was very reserved and nervous with me initially but on our most recent walk really came out of her shell! She loves to play with toys and carried a stuffy with her our entire walk (of course getting lots of compliments from passersby). She seems housebroken, has been easy on leash, and knows ‘sit’ and ‘paw.’. She’s previously lived harmoniously with children of all ages and spending time with them was her favorite thing. She might need a little work, but I have no doubt that she will be a very loyal, loving companion!”

Follow Layla’s Facebook page here or here. Gentle, playful and careful with the children, her family called her a model pet, but she was one of too many pets, and since the family only had her with them for six-months, and didn’t want to spend their time socializing her, Layla drew the short straw. In other words, she was the last one in, and the first one out. Already house and crate trained and easygoing, but reported to need some patience helping her with her manners, this youngster could be someone’s best friend. Layla has been recommended to be placed with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification – namely force-free and positive reinforcement. It is also recommended her behavior be re-evaluated once in a stable home environment before she is adopted.

 

Adoptable dogs can be RESERVED via http://www.nycacc.org/PublicAtRisk.htm. If you can, get to the NYC ACC ‘in person’ within 48 hours to complete the adoption process and bring home your dog. If you cannot get to the shelter in person, please message Must Love Dogs – Saving NYC Dogs for assistance with filling out applications with rescues to foster or adopt both publicly adoptable or ‘Rescue Only’ dogs.

The tragic reality for today lists 13 dogs slated to die because their humans let them down. Having a puppy, a grown dog or a senior is a life long commitment. Everyone suffers here; just look into Layla’s eyes. Today might very well be the last time her light shines. Share her plight with approved rescues, friends, family and social media contacts. Her time is short, and all she has is US. When inquiring about Layla, be sure to reference A1113134.

Photo of Layla holding her stuffy via Must Love Dogs Saving NYC Dogs

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Watch her video here:

 

And a very sad goodbye to TatorTot, the pit bull who saved a little boy’s life

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On May 1, at 12:55 p.m. Christi Smith of Plymouth hugged TatorTot for the very last time. The brown and white pit bull had been on death row four years ago at the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, but he was one lucky pooch – when he was rescued him from euthanasia.

And that’s when a Ruff Start Rescue volunteer Christi raised her hand and offered to foster the rather lively puppy and teach him some doggy manners to help him find a home. TatorTot had only spent a few nights with Christi and her family, when the dog alerted her to a medical emergency involving her then four-year-old son Peyton. The child had been sleeping, but had lapsed into a life threatening low glycemic state and had to be rushed to the hospital.

“I’m never going to let this dog go,” stated Christie after her son was revived with an adrenaline shot. “I owe him for the rest of his life.”

Christie had no trouble keeping her promise; tragically TaterTot was a victim of cancer. On the family’s Facebook page, devoted to her dog’s incredible life – but way too short, his distraught mom wrote:

“I lost my heart and soul today. Words can not explain the devastation I feel. I did the best that could for him; he had a great life, I owed him everything I had.”

Going back down memory lane, for anyone not remembering or having been familiar with this awesome’s dog story, here was the original post. This writer reported on it when I wrote for the Examiner.com and kept it – I was so moved:

“I put my son to bed at about 8:30 in the evening. He woke up between 12 and 1:30 to ask for something to drink. He was acting weird, really out of it. I chalked it up to being deliriously tired. I wasn’t too concerned. TatorTot was concerned, though. After putting Peyton back to bed, not even 20 minutes later, TatorTot began running back and forth from Peyton to me. He was barking and acting like something was wrong. I was like, ‘What, didn’t you get enough exercise today? Come lay down, it’s bedtime.’ He didn’t let up.”

“Finally, I went to check on my son. He was barely breathing. TatorTot was on his bed, barking and pawing at him, licking his face. Any normal child would have woken up. He wasn’t waking up.”

Rest in peace TaterTot – you are the ultimate ‘spokesdog’ for anyone questioning the bully dog breeds.

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Detroit animal shelter owner accused of killing thousands of pit bulls

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A disturbing post on a  Detroit dog rescue’s Facebook page continues to create a media frenzy as irate animal advocates are asking for a thorough investigation.  On Saturday, No Place Like Home Rescue of Michigan, founder Anne Marie Rogers, allegedly wrote the following biting comment on her organization’s page alleging she killed thousands of pit bulls:

“Person (Britt) asking a question.” Are you the whack job killing all the bully breeds?”

“Anne Marie Rogers” (accepting the person’s invitation to join her No Place Like Home Rescue’s Facebook page)  Yep, by the thousands Britt. Did you want me to take care of yours? They only scream a little…”

Rogers denies she has killed any dogs. In a statement to Fox News, she admitted she doesn’t rescue any pit bulls, but she doesn’t hate the bully breeds; she just doesn’t think they are safe to be around children or other animals. So why did she say it advocates ask?  There are multiple media articles on Rogers’ page about pit bull attacks – including her own opinion:

“Every day another victim of a pit bull attack.
Where are the responsible pit bull owners on this?
According to the pit bull apologists who troll this page, it’s never the dog, but it’s always the victim’s fault they were mauled or killed. Sociopaths!”

The all breed Detroit Dog Rescue weighed in on the apparent controversy on their own Facebook page, stating that they didn’t find anything amusing about Rogers’ comment referring to killing thousands of dogs:

“I will never take it lightly when someone threatens an animal’s life. Let’s remember, defining a Pit Bill visually is completely subjective, so it’s not Pit Bulls she may be killing, it’s dogs in general. Where does she get these dogs? Does she report them to authorities or are these loved pets being killed? Who is directly euthanizing these dogs and what are their ethics? These are all things Detroit Dog Rescue is looking into.” Detroit Dog Rescue Director, Kristina Rinaldi, said in a statement earlier today.

This also serves as a reminder to know the rescue groups you support. Are they transparent with their animals and funds? Are they certified by the state? Does their social media or website show a long list of rescues and, more importantly, adoptions. All of these indicators can give you a pretty good idea of who you are supporting.

Even more important, if you need to re home a pet, always try to obtain support from a reputable organization and scan potential adopters. Never offer an animal for free on sites such as Craigslist or Facebook groups.”

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Five dogs who mauled pit bull mom euthanized

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In a tragic situation in Fresno, California, five dogs who mauled and traumatized a pit bull mom have been euthanized. The attack occurred last week as the mother dog, who had just given birth to four puppies, went over to the neighbor’s fence when she heard dogs barking.

According to Fox News, the dog named Sophia had pushed her paw through an opening in the fence, when the other dogs grabbed onto her left leg and attacked. Authorities state the dogs had been neglected and were extremely malnourished. The mother dog was rescued and rushed to a local animal hospital where her left front leg had to be amputated.

The owner of the mother dog and her newborn puppies surrendered them to the Central California SPCA, stating she could not afford the costs incurred as a result of the situation. Sophia is recovering and is expected to live a normal life. There are many “tripods,” who with just a little practice can run, jump and play as well as their four-legged counterparts. Once healed, the dog will go into foster care and when she and the puppies are healthy and ready, all will be available for adoption. On the organization’s Facebook page, Sophia’s condition was updated:

“Sophia, the attacked Pit Bull momma, is resting well and tending to her adorable puppies at our animal care center. She is very sweet and is handling this traumatic situation with patience and grace. We are pleased to announce that this community came to her support and has donated over $3,000 to help with her medical expenses! We are extremely thankful for the outpour of donations and support.

We are able to help emergency situations, like Sophia’s, due to YOUR financial support. To help future injured animals, please make a donation to our Wellness Fund.”

(Photo and video for five dogs who mauled Sophia courtesy of Central California SPCA)

To donate to the special fund for situations just like this, please click here.

Check out Sophia’s video with her adorable puppies: