Saturday, June 14, 2014

Shelter does the right thing and refuses to adopt out dog which attacked little boy

CALIFORNIA -- After video of heroic Tara the cat went viral -- showing her ninja-body-slamming a dog that's biting 4-year-old Jeremy Triantafilo -- most people agreed the dog should be put down.

But not everyone. Websites and at least one online petition have popped up urging the dog be saved. The 8-month-old male Labrador-Chow mix that bit the boy Tuesday is under quarantine for 10 days and then will be put down.

Calls have flooded the phones at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center, director Julie Johnson said Friday on "First Look with Scott Cox."


Johnson has been taking calls from rescue operation centers that claim they can change the behavior of the dog. But the dog is not being turned over to anyone.

"I get concerned that we are fielding so many calls for this one dog," Johnson said. "I have 200 other dogs that need a home, who haven't bit anyone and make great family pets."

Californian columnist Lois Henry echoed Johnson's sentiments and said putting the dog down is the appropriate thing to do.

"I admire their animal compassion, but this dog attacked a child," Henry said. "It's a vicious animal."
And the dog's attitude has not changed since he's been under quarantine.

According to Johnson, the dog is actively trying to fight and bite workers who are adding food and water in his kennel.

"We need to put our energy into saving other animals who are euthanized because there's not enough room in the shelter, not on a dog who has attacked a child," Johnson said.

And speaking of adoption, you can adopt Jack the cat, who visited "First Look" as Friday's Pet of the Week and bares a significant similarity to Tara.

You can visit Jack and other pets at the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center at 201 S. Mt. Vernon Ave. or call 832-7387.

Meanwhile, accolades continue rolling in for Tara the cat.

A representative for state Sen. Andy Vidak, R-Hanford, has indicated the senator would like to recognize the fast and furry-ious feline with a certificate. No word yet from Tara's people.

(Bakersfield Californian - May 16 2014)

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