Thanks for joining me Over Coffee
A writer by passion and profession, I've been writing since I was old enough to know how, so establishing a weblog
seemed a natural progression. By adding a blog to my site, I can speak about my passions and life, share my writing, art
and photos, and comment on current events.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Bad Dog? Perhaps. But "Dangerous"? Anne Arundel Animal Control claims size doesn't matter. No matter how little the puppy or how small the bites (or "nips" as the dog's 80-year-old caregiver has called them), since Sweetie alleged bit 3 people, she has been designated as dangerous and faces being put to death for her crime. You can read the complete article on the NBC4 website or at the Washington Times.
I will concede that the Animal Control Administrator is right that there is a lesson here, and it may even be one that Marion Martens needs to learn by relinquishing her dog to someone else's care until she can learn how to handle and train her dog better. The lesson should be taught to the "owner" who fails to manage their companion animal, not to a dog who seemingly defended himself against strangers--especially when there were no serious injuries to those bitten, and this dog does not appear to be a public menace.
On October 27th Sweetie's caregiver will appeal the ruling that otherwise will take her dog's life. If you want to take a moment to tell the Anne Arundel County Animal Control agency that this may be a case where the spirit, not the letter of the law, should prevail, I would encourage you to do so along with me...
UPDATE - OCT 25th: "...Sweetie was granted a reprieve on Friday. Police said that instead of putting Sweetie down, they will find him a home where he can live without risk to the public." [NBC4 -- Little Dog's Life Spared: Police Work Out Compromise] Hurray for Sweetie! I feel badly for Mrs. Martens, who will still be giving up her companion animal, but hopefully she will find a new animal friend who is better suited to her needs and abilities to manage.
Anne Arundel Animal Control claims size doesn't matter. No matter how little the puppy or how small the bites (or "nips" as the dog's 80-year-old caregiver has called them), since Sweetie alleged bit 3 people, she has been designated as dangerous and faces being put to death for her crime. You can read the complete article on the NBC4 website or at the Washington Times.
