Owner tries to do the right thing with her aggressive dog; rescue group trying to overrule her decision
FLORIDA -- Last week, a Hernando County woman relinquished her 3-year-old Great Dane to Hernando County Animal Services.
The woman said Rocky, estimated to weigh around 150 pounds, was dangerous and aggressive.
This week, after increased attention from animal advocates in Hernando County and throughout the United States, the big dog is getting a second chance.
On Friday afternoon, Dr. Lisa Centonze, managing veterinarian of Hernando County Animal Services, said the owner, who had requested Rocky be euthanized, agreed to have the dog evaluated by an independent behaviorist.
"She's afraid he might kill a child but wants to give him a chance," Centonze said.
The veterinarian said the owner had been "agonizing" over Rocky's fate for a few days and received multiple phone calls from animal advocates who wanted to find Rocky a new home.
"My position is I support what the owner wants," Centonze said. "She's a citizen of Hernando County, the dog is her property and she has the right to make the decision."
"Let's do what the owner wants," Centonze added.
Centonze previously had taken a firm stance against releasing the dog, who was taken to HCAS on June 1.
In a surrender statement, the owner wrote Rocky has bit her twice in the 15 months since she adopted his from the county shelter. Rocky has also bit her 24-year-old son for opening the door, and while wagging his tail, the woman wrote. The night before he was taken to HCAS, Rocky bit the owner's significant other's forearms and hands, and photos are included with the Great Dane's file.
Fearing Rocky might hurt or even kill his next owner and family, the owner requested Rocky be euthanized.
In the past few days, rescues across the U.S. have taken Rocky's fate into their own hands.
Amy Rainoshek, of Bullard, Texas, has spearheaded a social media campaign. A Facebook page, called Save Rocky the Great Dane, urges concerned residents to call commissioners and donate funds to pay for Rocky's legal counsel. Rainoshek said she has hired an Orlando-based attorney, Dawn Berlanga-Helms, to file a stay of euthanasia for Rocky. Berlanga-Helms was not available for comment on Friday but did write a letter to Hernando County commissioners requesting Rocky's euthanasia be postponed and offering to pay $200 for his food while he awaits independent evaluation.
Reached by phone earlier in the week, Rainoshek said she had a rescue lined up to take Rocky if Animal Services released him. Rocky would be the only dog on a 7-acre ranch, Rainoshek said, adding Managing Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Centonze has been less than cooperative.
Crystal Cervone, who has rescued Great Danes from HCAS in the past, said she met with Rocky in May 2012 and his companion, a Great Dane named Emma. Cervone said Rocky was "mellow" and sat on command and was "very gentle" when he accepted treats. Rocky and Emma were adopted out separately, Cervone said, even though she had a rescue hold on them and had found a family willing to take both.
Cervone said sometimes HCAS is "great with things," but with Rocky, she hasn't been able to get a straight answer or visit the dog herself.
"There are just unanswered questions," Cervone added.
According to a press release sent out on Thursday, Centonze acknowledged that a rescue group offered to take Rocky but said that "it is in the best interest of public safety to honor the owner's wishes and humanely euthanize Rocky."
"We do not want to take a chance that another person or pet gets injured by this dog," Centonze wrote.
Joanne Schoch, executive director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, said Friday that Hernando County Animal Services is not primarily an animal shelter.
"Their number one responsibility is public safety," said Schoch.
"If Dr. Centonze is deeming (Rocky) a danger, the public should not be critical of her for doing her job," Schoch said.
Schoch said she knows euthanasia is not a decision Centonze makes lightly.
"She takes it to heart," Schoch said. "For her to be criticized and attacked is very unfair."
(Hernando Today - June 7, 2013)
