Wednesday, August 27, 2008
New Broward law might put four family pets to sleep
MIRAMAR, Fla. (WSVN) -- A woman is outraged she may lose some of her prized pets after they were accused of mauling another animal to death.
According to officials, a new law that has taken effect in Broward County states that if a dog bites a human or kills another dog, he will be placed in death row at the Animal Care and Regulation Division.
Until yesterday, Julie Roberts was the owner of five Siberian Huskies. "Everyone loved them, people who live in the neighborhood just come over to visit our dogs, and for the people to tell me your dogs are vicious and they have to die, it's wrong," said Roberts in tears.
Damian, the father of the other dogs, is the only one who did not slip out of the house on Monday. His mate, Ivy however, is locked up in death row along with their offspring Champion, Chloe and Wimbaland.
They are all accused of mauling a small dog to death on a nearby street. "All four dogs were involved in the attack, and all four dogs caused the death of this dog," said Ron Cooper of Broward's Animal Control.
Since May 20th, it now takes only one time to be sent to death row. No breaks will be given for first time offenders. The new ordinance was installed, following neighbors' complaints that their dogs were getting bitten and killed by roaming, aggressive animals.
"If they can't prove that each and everyone of these dogs caused the death of this animal, then they have no business putting those animals to sleep," said Defense Attorney Jason Wandner. "These dogs all look alike, are in essence from the same family, and they can't tell which one is which. The question is, did they cause the death of this animal? Did this animal provoke some incident?"
The counselor has 10 days to win his case, or all four huskies will be put to sleep.
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