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Thread: Doggy Death Row

  1. #41
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
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    Lawmakers want stiffer penalties for killing police dogs


    K9 Rocco

    Pittsburgh Police Department, Pennsylvania

    End of Watch: Thursday, January 30, 2014

    State senators from the Pittsburgh area plan to co-sponsor a bill that would stiffen penalties for those who severely injure or kill police animals after a city police dog died from being stabbed last week.

    State Sen. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, said the bill would make such conduct a second-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    The move comes in the wake of the death of Rocco, a Pittsburgh police dog who died of a stab wound on Thursday.

    A homeless fugitive jailed on charges he stabbed the animal while resisting arrest, 21-year-old John Rush, faces up to seven years in prison under the state’s current law, a third-degree felony.

    Smith and the other lawmakers want the state to catch up to federal law, which imposes a maximum 10-year sentence and $1,000 fine for killing a police animal.

    “It is an injustice that Pennsylvania’s law lags behind the federal standard in terms of maximum prison time,” Smith said.

    State Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Allegheny, a former city council president, said the death of Rocco, “a dog that put his life on the line to protect his partner for five years, should spur us to action in Harrisburg.”

    The bill has bi-partisan support. State Sen. Randy Vulakovich, R-Allegheny, said the close ties police dogs develop with their handlers, who bring their dogs home to live with them, justify a stiffer penalty.

    “The dog the officer works with becomes a part of his family both on the job and at home,” Vulakovich said. “We can put no price on the loyalty and love that dog has for the officer he works with every day.”

    The dog’s handler, Officer Phil Lerza, is recovering from a stab wound to the shoulder suffered during the same arrest. Rush faces up to 20 years each if convicted of attacking Lerza and three other officers who suffered lesser injuries while struggling to subdue Rush, police said.

    The dog’s funeral will be public Friday at the city’s Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum.

    Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s foundation is making arrangements to help the city pay to replace Rocco.

    The foundation helps police departments buy and train dogs. The city spends $6,500 to $8,000 to purchase an untrained dog and can spend tens of thousands of dollars honing its abilities.

    Jessica Duffaut, the relationship manager for Roethlisberger’s foundation, wouldn’t discuss how much the charity might give city police, but said she expects an announcement in the coming days. The foundation has donated more than $1 million to police departments since 2006.

    http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbc...209907/-1/NEWS



    K9 Rocco succumbed to stab wounds sustained two days earlier while protecting his handler and another officer, who were in a violent struggle with a fugitive.

    The subject had attempted to disarm a deputy earlier in the day when an Allegheny County sheriff's deputy attempted to arrest him for failure to register as a sex offender and home invasion. The man was able to flee after struggling with the deputy and fled to the 3700 block of Butler Street, where he was located several hours later.

    Officer located him the basement of a building. When they entered the darkened room the man began swinging a 5-inch knife at them, wounding both officers. K9 Rocco attacked the subject but suffered a deep stab wound to the back, which punctured his kidney and spine. Rocco was taken to an emergency animal hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, but died two days later.

    The subject was taken into custody and faces multiple charges.

    K9 Rocco had served with the Pittsburgh Police Department for five years.

    Condolences may be sent to:

    Pittsburgh Police Department
    1203 Western Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15233


    Bio & Incident Details

    Breed: German Shepard
    Age: 8
    Gender: M
    Tour: 5 years
    Cause: Stabbed
    Incident Date: 1/28/2014
    Weapon: Edged weapon
    Suspect: Not available
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  2. #42
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    Pa. House passes Rocco’s Law with harsh penalties for harming, killing K-9

    Acting in the name of Rocco, Pittsburgh’s K-9 who died earlier this year in the line of duty, members of the Pennsylvania House unanimously passed legislation Tuesday increasing the penalties for attacking or killing a police dog while it is on duty.

    State Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, whose district includes Peters Township, sponsored the bill, which passed Tuesday afternoon.

    Maher, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, said in a news release that the fatal stabbing of K-9 officer Rocco just six weeks ago in Pittsburgh was a stunning loss for Rocco’s police partner Officer Phil Lerza, Pittsburgh and the law enforcement community. Maher said Rocco’s violent death also revealed a weak spot in Pennsylvania’s animal cruelty laws.

    “In Pennsylvania, killing a police dog carries no more penalty than simply taunting one,” said Maher. “I believe a far more substantial penalty should apply for violence against K-9 officers.”

    Under Maher’s legislation, a perpetrator would be charged with a felony of the second degree for the willful or malicious torture of a police dog, or if he or she, mutilates, injures, disables, poisons or kills the dog. House Bill 2026 carries a maximum fine of $25,000 and 10 years in prison.

    “Rocco’s death was a senseless tragedy,” said Maher. “Any officer will tell you these dogs are intelligent, well-trained and fiercely loyal. The pain of losing one is felt strongly.”

    The Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police supports Maher’s legislation.

    The House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved House Bill 2026 last week.

    State Sen. Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, who also represents Peters along with other communities in southern and western Allegheny County, is sponsoring similar legislation in the state Senate.

    State Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil, who also introduced stiffer penalties for those who injure or kill a police dog on duty, said Tuesday, “The majority party sets the agenda on what bills move. I fully support the Maher version of the bill. It addresses the fundamental problem, which is really all that matters.”

    Rocco died from multiple stab wounds in late January after police said he was attacked by John Lewis Rush, 21, formerly of McKees Rocks, in a vacant house in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. Rush was wanted on warrants for probation violations and failing to register as a sex offender.

    Rush, who remains incarcerated in the Allegheny County Jail, would not be penalized under a future Rocco’s Law because its provisions would take effect only if and after the governor signs it.

    http://www.observer-reporter.com/art...6#.UyibKc6FhbE
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  3. #43
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    Awesome!!
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  4. #44
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    Partner of slain Portland K-9: 'Mick saved my life'



    PORTLAND -- A K-9 whose human partner was shot and wounded early Wednesday morning in Southwest Portland was found dead from gunshot wounds after a widespread search involving police, bloodhounds, area residents and even TriMet bus drivers.

    The dog, named Mick, was found under a hedge in a neighborhood near where the shooting took place. Police said he had been shot to death.

    "Mick saved my life," said the dog's partner, Portland Police Officer Jeff Dorn.

    The German Shepherd vanished after the officer-involved shooting, according to Portland police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson. The dog had been wearing a specialized K-9 police harness, but not a bullet-proof vest.

    "The dog was doing its job. It was out in the community and it was tragic it was shot," said Portland Police Chief Mike Reese.

    Officers said Mick was very new to the force, having officially passed his state certification less than a month ago.

    "For us, this is like losing a police officer," Sgt. Simpson said. "This is like losing a member of our family because they are out there risking their lives every day too, risking their lives for their handlers."

    Dorn was shot in both legs by the 20-year-old suspect and was recovering at Legacy Emanuel Hospital Wednesday afternoon. He is a 16-year veteran of the Bureau.

    Dorn said he and his family were thankful for the outpouring of support from fellow officers and the community.

    "I'm very grateful that Officer Dorn will recover from his injuries and saddened that we lost one of our K-9 partners," Reese said.

    More: Officer wounded in SW Portland shooting

    Reese added that the officers and their K-9 partners "are very close" and it's always difficult when one of these dogs is killed in the line of duty.

    "It's a difficult day for the Bureau," Simpson said.

    Portland police held a procession for the fallen K-9 from the shooting scene to a Southeast Portland veterinarian's office when the dog was found just after 11 a.m. Wednesday.

    On the Portland police K-9 Unit's Facebook page, a recent post about Dorn and Mick's accomplishments became an impromptu place for community members to share their condolences.

    http://www.kgw.com/news/local/K9-off...255491571.html
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  5. #45
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    TN Death Row Dogs, Inc. saves dogs from sure death

    It is a scene no animal lover wants to envision: cages of dogs lined up with special tags or markers on their cage doors in a big room. Some of the dogs bark excitedly at the cage door; some curl up in a corner as if they know their fate. This is the row of dogs in a shelter destined for euthanasia. An organization called Tennessee Death Row Dogs, Inc. is trying to change this scene.

    The mission of Tennessee Death Row Dogs, Inc. is to "promote the adoption of animals, network and rescue dogs that are scheduled for euthanasia and educate the public about the importance of spay/neuter in reducing the number of homeless animals." What initially began as a Facebook page where shelters posted dogs scheduled for euthanasia (hoping to find homes) is now a 2014 Approved Rescue from Adoptapet.com, saving over 1,300 dogs from euthanasia. The organization participates in many events, to include adoption events and working toward educating the public on the importance of spay/neuter.

    The organization has created "Barktopia" where the dogs can sleep, eat, and relax in stress-free zones while awaiting adoption. Barktopia is approved by Maury County Board of Zoning to also provide boarding and grooming services. Animal pick up and delivery is available (limitations apply). See HERE for information on Barktopia.

    The dogs for adoption through Tennessee Death Row dogs have been spayed / neutered, are up to date on shots, and have received veterinary care to ensure they are healthy; they are microchipped. Those interested in adopting must complete an application (available on the website). The group is always seeking fosters, so the dogs receive socialization and can feel safe and loved while awaiting a forever home. If it is not a good time to bring a four-legged friend into the home, a donation or merchandise purchase helps keep the organization running.

    There are two locations of "Death Row Dogs;" one is in Spring Hill, Tennessee and the other is in Freeport, Maine. The organization is always seeking volunteers. Be sure to see some of the dogs seeking homes appearing with this article!

    The dogs in the above scenario watch from their cages as someone with a slip - on leash comes into the room. Tails wag; is this someone to take them outside to play? A piece of paper is perused, a dog is chosen, and led out to meet its fate in a very different type of place. For this dog, it is all over. For the others ... thanks to Death Row Dogs, maybe they will have a chance.

    More on Tennessee Death Row Dogs, including adoption application, HERE

    http://www.examiner.com/article/tn-d...rom-sure-death
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  6. #46
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    Stowe man in court for trial in police dog's death



    Jury selection began Monday for a Stowe man accused of fatally stabbing a Pittsburgh police dog.

    John Rush, 22, is charged with aggravated assault, abusing a police animal, resisting arrest, cruelty to animals and other counts related to the Jan. 28 stabbing of K-9 Officer Rocco, an 8-year-old German shepherd. Rocco died two days later at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Ohio Township.

    Rush, who has been in the Allegheny County Jail since his arrest, entered the jury room wearing a red button-down shirt about 9:45 a.m. Members of his family sat nearby.

    Police said Rush lunged from behind a pillar and stabbed Rocco in the back after police cornered him in the basement of a Lawrenceville building. They had sought him on bench warrants.

    Hundreds attended Rocco's funeral, and his death drew national attention.

    More than $100,000 in donations went to the Officer Rocco K-9 Memorial Fund at the Pittsburgh Foundation, forming a new trust exclusively for the city's K-9 unit.

    The initial grants will be used to outfit 13 K-9 officers with custom protective vests, the foundation announced Monday. The vests will offer state of the art bullet and stab protection. The vests will include an embroidering in memory of Rocco.

    “We are very appreciative of the public for providing the support to purchase these vests,” Officer Danial Tice of the Police Bureau's K-9 Training Academy said in a news release.

    In July, Gov. Tom Corbett signed “Rocco's Law,” which increased the penalty for killing a police animal to up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The maximum penalty had been seven years in prison.

    http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/7...#axzz3LK8D9wHB
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  7. #47
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    SAVE THE DOG!!

    Police dog Nero on death row - because force bosses won't pay for slipped discs operation

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    Nero, a seven-year-old sable German shepherd, has spent his career catching criminals and finding missing people for the police - but now faces the lethal injection

    A hero police dog has been placed on death row - because force bosses won't pay for his routine operation.

    Nero, a seven-year-old sable German shepherd, has spent his police career catching criminals and finding missing people.

    But now he is set to be put to sleep rather than be put forward for the procedure that has a 90 per cent chance of success.

    His handler has been handed the heartbreaking choice on when Nero will be given a lethal injection and whether or not he wishes to accompany him on his last journey to the vet.

    Nero’s fate was decided despite Police Scotland already spending £2,500 in vet fees and an MRI scan to diagnose that the dog has two slipped discs on his spine.

    It will cost around £50 to put Nero down rather than £2,900 for the slipped disc operation.

    But a force insider who contacted the Daily Record said the Dog Branch was up in arms at the inhumane decision.

    He said: “The force has always treated dogs well in the past and regarded them as one of their own.

    “These animals put their lives on the line in public service and they are so effective in fighting crime.

    "It’s barbaric that they would condemn this animal to death when the chances are that an operation would allow it to live out a very happy life as a family pet.

    “There is a very important principle at stake here. Is it the case now that Police Scotland will simply be putting down its faithful dogs whenever a vet bill gets up to a couple of grand?

    “That attitude won’t prevail and the force had better think again.”

    The source said that the old Lothian and Borders force had 15 dog handlers at Fettes five years ago but animals have not been replaced and Police Scotland now has just nine handlers. It costs around £10,000 to train a police dog.

    Police Scotland faced a funding gap of £68.2 million last year and a similar sum the previous year, leading to staff reductions and cuts in service.

    The source said: "Officers requesting dog support now face a bit of a lottery.

    "Some jobs would always be accompanied with the dog branch but now it’s very much a case and waiting and seeing if a dog is available.”

    Nero, a certified general police dog, has been deployed in scores of operations, where he has found missing people, sniffed out burglars in hiding and recovered stolen goods.

    Fettes-based Nero even featured in a story in the Daily Record in 2013, headlined Nero the Hero, when he gave a life saving blood transfusion to another dog suffering from a potentially fatal blood condition.

    The source said Nero is fierce when he has to be but he is very well known for being a softie at heart.

    He said: “He is a good natured dog with a really lovable temperament. He is a real softie and it’s maybe for the best he is oblivious to what his fate might be.”

    The source said that Police Scotland does not pay for medical insurance for its dogs, preferring to deal with illness and injury on a case by case basis.

    The decision to put Nero down has devastated the handler’s family, where he is a family pet loved by the PC’s wife, 13-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter.

    It is written into police handlers’ contracts that they look after the animals at their homes in proper kennels.

    Nero shares his kennel with Duke, a golden Labrador who is a top performing drug dog.

    Owing to Police Scotland regulations, dogs must be kept in pairs, which means Duke will need to be rehomed with another dog handler.

    That will effectively mean that the handler must be re-designated into another police division as a beat PC.

    A family friend said: “The family can’t believe this decision has been made.

    Nero’s handler believed he would be able to make an informed decision on what was best for Nero but he was instead told that all he had to decide was what day he would be euthanased on and whether or not he wanted to turn up.

    “He has told them that, whatever happens, he will be taking nothing to do with putting the dog down. He won’t be driving Nero to his death.”

    The source added: “There could be ethical issues for a vet here too. What vet would want to put a beautiful animal to sleep when they know that an operation could have him right as rain?

    “After the op he would have a very good chance of being back on his feet and running after ten weeks kennel rest.”

    Nero had shown no signs of injury until mid-February, when he began limping and was taken to a vet in Haddington. He was given antibiotics and an x-ray, which was viewed by a consultant.

    The handler was given clearance to have an MRI scan done last week at Glasgow University Small Animal Hospital.

    The scan revealed that two slipped discs are putting pressure on Nero’s spinal cord, causing him to be wobbly on his rear legs.

    Vets said there were two treatment choices - to operate, which has a very high success chance; to put Nero on drugs, which could be helpful but which could not rule out a recurrence later, which could be catastrophic.

    The choice also exists to do nothing and hope for the best, as some animals can recover naturally after rest.

    Police chiefs took those choices away by saying he would have to be destroyed.

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...th-row-5279399
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    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  8. #48
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    WOOT!

    Police dog who faced being put down over £2,900 cost for lifesaving treatment is taken off death row

    Hero police dog Nero is off death row after a U-turn by Police Scotland.

    The force sparked outrage by refusing to cough up to fund a routine procedure for Nero - but backtracked after the Daily Record stepped in.

    The seven-year-old sable German shepherd was to be put to sleep with a lethal injection, which would have saved shelling out the £2,900 for the operation to fix two slipped discs.

    But after Police Scotland got wind that our sister paper was on the case the money was suddenly made available, reports the Daily Record.

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...-being-5282583
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  9. #49
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    Rocco's convicted killer rejects plea in home invasion case, risks more jail time

    A Stowe man sentenced to 17¾ to 44 years in prison for fatally stabbing Pittsburgh police dog will stand trial on charges related to a home invasion because he rejected a plea deal Monday.

    John Rush, 22, is charged with seven counts, including first-degree felonies of robbery, burglary, aggravated assault and conspiracy, in connection with a December 2013 home invasion. He is scheduled to stand trial Friday.

    The proposed plea deal sentence would have run consecutive to the one Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Jill E. Rangos imposed last week related to the stabbing death of Pittsburgh K-9 officer Rocco. Rush now could face an even longer penalty for rejecting the deal if he's convicted for each of the felonies and the judge stacks those sentences consecutively.

    Prosecutors said Rush, who was wanted on a probation-violation warrant, fought with a sheriff's deputy on Butler Street, evaded a Taser attempt and eluded capture Jan. 28, 2014. About an hour later, police cornered him in the basement of a Lawrenceville apartment building, where police said he stabbed Rocco in the back.

    Rocco, an 8-year-old German shepherd, died two days later.

    Rush also faces one count of failing to register as a sex offender with state police, a second-degree felony. His trial on that charge is scheduled for April.

    Read more: http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/7...#ixzz3UZj2zu2B
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    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

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  10. #50
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    Judge will decide dog Padi's fate
    Wednesday, August 12, 2015

    MANATEE COUNTY [FLORIDA]- Attorneys for Manatee County and the owner of Padi, a dog in custody of the county for biting a 4-year-old boy, have agreed to halt the case before a county-appointed hearing officer and instead directly ask for a ruling from a Circuit Court judge about Padi's fate.

    A growing grass-roots movement calling itself “Free Padi” contends that the dog was provoked and should not be euthanized. It wants the dog released to its owner, veterinarian Paul Gartenberg, while the court case proceeds.

    “This hearing is not going to happen tomorrow,” County Attorney Mickey Palmer told county commissioners Tuesday, adding that a decision could take 60 days.

    Palmer said a judge will decide whether Padi can be released in Gartenberg's custody while the case is still active.

    Meanwhile, an attorney representing the family of the boy says social media commentary about the case is largely uninformed and includes threats against the child, his parents and his babysitter.

    “The multitude of public comments and threats, yes, threats, have been uncalled for and damaging” and are result of false opinions about what happened, personal injury attorney Dan Dannheisser said in a memo to area media.

    Several people — some of them wearing “Free Padi” T-shirts — again appealed to the Manatee County Commission on Tuesday to intervene in the case.

    On June 4, Gartenberg's daughter came to his business -- The Pet Clinic, 714 60th St. Court E. -- with a friend, who was babysitting the boy, to look at kittens available for adoption.

    Gartenberg claimed the 19-year-old babysitter did not supervise the child properly.

    The child wandered into his office while he was in an exam room and started throwing toys at Padi, a dog that resides at the clinic, Gartenberg told the Herald-Tribune. The black Labrador-mix tried to hide beneath his desk but the boy followed it, Gartenberg said. Gartenberg believes the dog felt “cornered.”

    According to a Sheriff's Office report, Gartenberg's daughter tried to retrieve the boy from under the desk just before he was bitten.

    According to an affidavit by the babysitter, the boy was playing fetch with the dog, which went under the desk. She claimed that, as the boy bent to pick up another toy, Padi attacked him without being provoked.

    Dannheisser said the babysitter's version of events is correct. “At no time did this child -- or the babysitter or Dr. Gartenberg's daughter who was present during the entire event -- provoke or mistreat this dog and at no time was the child not being supervised...

    “As he was bending over to pick a toy up the dog lunged from underneath the desk and bit him and very unfortunately tore off a large portion of the child's ear, which will require the child to undergo multiple surgeries,” Dannheisser said. “On consultation with his surgeon, it is my understanding that after the surgeries this child will still be left with disfigurement.

    “In this case the failure to consider the facts and issues has led to unfounded and extremely inappropriate and hurtful public statements including threats against a four-year-old boy and a very responsible 19-year-old babysitter,” Dannheisser added. “It has also created unnecessary divisiveness in the community.”

    On Tuesday, the county commissioners received a complaint from a woman about a social media posting that she regarded as a threat against the boy.

    “I have been reading so many hateful comments regarding the boy involved and his family on social media ... This is so alarming. Unbelievable that no one seems to care about the boy, only the dog," he said.

    Gartenberg said Padi was brought to his clinic about two years ago as a stray. A rusted chain had become embedded beneath the skin of Padi's neck and the dog obviously had been mistreated.

    Gartenberg said his staff tried to find a home for Padi for about a year. Eventually he and his staff decided Padi could take up permanent residence at the clinic, where customers consider him the “official greeter.”

    Dannheisser said the boy's family is “actively offering support to the Gartenbergs in reaching an appropriate agreement with the County seeking a means of the dog returned to them with assurances designed to protect against a repeat of this risk to others. I am optimistic that at the end of the day we will be successful.”

    EARLIER: Attorneys for Manatee County and the owner of Padi, a dog in custody of the county for biting a 4-year-old boy, have agreed to halt the case before a county-appointed hearing officer and instead directly ask for a ruling from a Circuit Court judge about Padi's fate.

    A growing grass-roots movement calling itself “Free Padi” contends the dog was provoked and should not be euthanized. It wants the dog released to its owner, veterinarian Paul Gartenberg, while the court case proceeds.

    “This hearing is not going to happen tomorrow,” County Attorney Mickey Palmer told county commissioners Tuesday, adding that it could be in about 60 days.

    Palmer said a judge will decide whether Padi can be released in Gartenberg's custody while the case is still active.

    Meanwhile, an attorney representing the family of the boy says social media commentary about the case is largely uninformed and includes threats against the child, his parents and his babysitter.

    “The multitude of public comments and threats, yes, threats, have been uncalled for and damaging” and are result of false opinions about what happened, personal injury attorney Dan Dannheisser said in a memo to area media.

    Source

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