Showolf77 September 19th, 2007, 03:51 PM Hello... I live in Corpus Christi, Texas.
While I was sitting at my computer yesterday I heard my dog RANGER start barking loudly and scuffling directly outside the window. He is on a runner with a lead on the side of my house. By the time I reached the door there was a worker from the city animal control shoving him inside his truck! There was a note left on my door saying "Your dog was loose, and has been picked up". On the note it said he was a STRAY... I walked outside to find his runner broke, and lying on the driveway. I picked it up to examine the broken end and it appeared to be cut. There was no shredding or tears on the rope... I immediately called my wife and had her come home from work with our only car. We then drove to their location and demanded answers why our guard dog was taken from us! I told them it looks like the line was cut, and they said that the drivers aren't allowed to carry anything that could cut. They advised us their workers would never do that............
They then called the animal control driver via 2 way radio, and he showed up a few minutes later. He was initially called to the house next door to us to catch some strays that were bothering our neighbors. The driver claimed RANGER was loose, and he caught him. He also told us that he's seen our dog many days on his runner, but this time he got off. We were issued a citation for an unrestrained dog ($250) and we now have to go to court...
Here's the kicker... I just couldn't help examining his line after we returned home with RANGER. My wife even agreed with me it looked cut! I kept telling my wife over and over I still believe regardless of what they told us that it was cut by the guy that took him.....................
A few minutes later our neighbor across the street walks up to me and asks if I got the note the guy put on our door. I said yes, and how did you know there was a note put on my door? He then advises me that RANGER was NOT loose, and he witnessed the animal control worker walk up the driveway and cut the line! The worker then grabbed his lead and dragged him to his truck, shoving him inside!!!!!!!!!!!!
He stole our precious dog, because he was called to the house next door to catch some strays and failed to get one. So he then grabbed RANGER who was an easy take so he would make his quota back at the pound. RANGER is traumatized very badly, and is not himself right now......... We are also very tore up!
How many other people's beloved dogs have been wrongfully taken this way I ask? How many people have walked outside their home to discover a broken line and their baby gone assuming they ran away, never to see them again because they were dognapped?
Should I seek legal help or what? I am extremely upset over this.......... :yell:
OUR BEAUTIFUL RANGER
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/6494/rangerparkeh6.jpg
Winston September 19th, 2007, 04:05 PM Hello... I live in Corpus Christi, Texas.
While I was sitting at my computer yesterday I heard my dog RANGER start barking loudly and scuffling driectly outside the window. He is on a runner with a lead on the side of my house. By the time I reached the door there was a worker from the city animal control shoving him inside his truck! There was a note left on my door saying "Your dog was loose, and has been picked up". On the note it said he was a STRAY... I walked outside to find his runner broke, and lying on the driveway. I picked it up to examine the broken end and it appeared to be cut. There was no shredding or tears on the rope... I immediately called my wife and had her come home from work with our only car. We then drove to their location and demanded answers why our guard dog was taken from us! I told them it looks like the line was cut, and they said that the drivers aren't allowed to carry anything that could cut. They advised us their workers would never do that............
They then called the animal control driver via 2 way radio, and he showed up a few minutes later. He was initially called to the house next door to us to catch some strays that were bothering our neighbors. The driver claimed RANGER was loose, and he caught him. He also told us that he's seen our dog many days on his runner, but this time he got off. We were issued a citation for an unrestrained dog ($250) and we now have to go to court...
Here's the kicker... I just couldn't help examining his line after we returned home with RANGER. My wife even agreed with me it looked cut! I kept telling my wife over and over I still believe regardless of what they tld us that it was cut by the guy that took him.....................
A few minutes later our neighbor across the street walks up to me and asks if I got the note the guy put on our door. I said yes, and how did you know there was a note put on my door? He then advises me that RANGER was NOT loose, and he witnessed the animal control worker cut the line, and drag him away on his lead!!!!!!!!!!!!! He stole our precious well behaved dog, because he was called to the house next door to catch some strays and failed to get one. So he grabbed RANGER who was an easy take to make his quota back at the pound. RANGER is traumatized badly, and is not himself right now......... We are also very tore up!
How many other peoples beloved dogs have been wrongfully taken this way I ask? How many people have walked outside their home to discover a broken line and their baby gone assuming they ran away, never to see them again because they were dognapped?
Should I seek legal help or what? I am extremely upset over this.......... :yell:
OUR BEAUTIFUL RANGER
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1041/rangerparkvw3.jpg
OMG! I am so sorry for what has happened to you and Ranger...I am only saying this from my opinion and really dont have any legal experience at all BUT if I walked in your shoes!!! I would sue their pants off if I could...I hope the person that witnessed this would come forward as well....You and your family were traumatized..that is sick..do they actually have a quota? Not to mention what could come of this for your dog? What about the next person that approaches your dog in the yard like that? if the guy had a uniform on then that could make poor Ranger react?? Really..it makes you wonder how many other beautiful dogs have been taken away this way?
Is there somewhere higher in the chain of command you can go to? file a complaint?
Lest us know how you make out!
I just realised you posted a picture! OMG Ranger is gorgeous!!
Cindy
Showolf77 September 19th, 2007, 04:08 PM Thanks! I had posted Rangers baby pics (Lots of them) a while back on here... Here's the thread containing his baby pictures for now. Ranger has had a very traumatic life from the get go, and didn't need this to happen too...
http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=33156
My wife cried, and cried, and cried last night for Ranger........ She's raging over this!! :wall:
Ford Girl September 19th, 2007, 04:12 PM Im not a lawyer either but I sure as heck would pursue this to the full extent. What was that person doing in your yard if the complaint was for the general area or your neighbours yard? Did you take a picture and or save the rope that was cut? I would be fuming...I would get your neighbour to make a statement right away as well, before time passes.
Your dog is beautiful! Welcome to the board even tho it's not under the best circumstances. Good luck, keep us posted!!!
CyberKitten September 19th, 2007, 04:15 PM I am not a lawyer - about to be married to one but the laws in Texas are likely quite different than they are in Nova Scotia. Essentially, this means I have no legal expertise to give you. I would sue them too - you have a witness, (I know some peple who have videocams now and that's a good reason to have one!). You can have a vet attest to your dog's trauma - take himto the vet asap just to hare that paperwork ready fin the enet you do go to court.
Good luck!!!!!
I would be FURIOUS and very UPSET if I were you!!! That's horrible and that worker should be fired!
Showolf77 September 19th, 2007, 04:15 PM Im not a lawyer either but I sure as heck would pursue this to the full extent. What was that person doing in your yard if the complaint was for the general area or your neighbours yard? Did you take a picture and or save the rope that was cut? I would be fuming...I would get your neighbour to make a statement right away as well, before time passes.
Your dog is beautiful! Welcome to the board even tho it's not under the best circumstances. Good luck, keep us posted!!!
We saved everything! The rope, the note, and all papers that they gave us. Our neighbor said he will write a statement too...... The worker couldn't catch those strays, so he walked right into our yard, and took our baby instead..................
Jim Hall September 19th, 2007, 10:03 PM Get a statement as soon as you can and either get a lawyer or get it notarised
JanM September 19th, 2007, 10:10 PM What a horrible experience! I do hope you get full restitution from them - but what happened to Ranger can never be undone! To hear that an "official" has done such a thing is very, very scary.
hazelrunpack September 19th, 2007, 10:13 PM I agree with Jim. A notarized statement before your witness has a chance to change his mind! And if you can afford legal help, I'd go at least for a consultation to find out what your rights are in such a case!
I would be so corked off! I don't blame you for being upset--and I agree that the animal control officer who took Ranger should be fired! :frustrated: That's extortion! Fraud at the very least... From a public employee--he's getting paid by your tax dollars! :mad:
Good luck with your case, Showolf77! Please keep us posted!
SEVIIN September 19th, 2007, 10:21 PM OMG, I can't believe that happened to you!! What an ****, I won't say it! My mouth was wide open when you explained the 'kicker'. I can't even believe someone could be that bloody ignorant and heartless for that matter. YES you should take this to the full extent, you have a witness, you can take your 'cut' line with you as well and demand your $250 fine if you had to end up paying it right away or not (before court) and money for trauma to you, your family AND your dog. Don't let it go for long either, I would probably suggest you get on this like, now. But I'm sure you know that. ******* ... that's just sick and wrong in so many ways! Good Luck and keep us posted, really! :wall:
... and ignore my quote below, that doesn't apply right now lol - gorgeous dog btw
goober September 19th, 2007, 10:30 PM you would not believe how many times i heard something similar we just went inside for a moment he never did this before
well im not sure how it works out there but around her animal control sell liscences and on there papers it is written your dogs name breed if he/ she is sterilized age ect..
i worked on a puppymill case were the controle officer was a suplier
in all my experiences with them they are not trust worthy
we all know they are not animal protection but control and are hired to control the population and get paid to do so that is why i believe so many dogs are able to be lured from there own back yards they know there name
etc......
goober September 19th, 2007, 10:34 PM forgot to mention this
animal control was also suplying laboratories and so on wich alot of them do
rainbow September 19th, 2007, 10:39 PM I agree with Jim. A notarized statement before your witness has a chance to change his mind! And if you can afford legal help, I'd go at least for a consultation to find out what your rights are in such a case!
I also agree about getting the neighbours statement notorized. Poor Ranger. :sad: :grouphug: I remember your original post about how you saved him when he was just a puppy. :angel: He sure has grown into one handsome boy. :lovestruck: Good luck with your case and keep us posted. :fingerscr :goodvibes:
Love4himies September 20th, 2007, 06:08 AM Your dog is stunning.
I am not a lawyer either, but are you able to get a police report along with your witnesses account on record as soon as you can. Sounds like a scam to get money from dog owners!
luckypenny September 20th, 2007, 07:03 AM ...I am not a lawyer either, but are you able to get a police report along with your witnesses account on record as soon as you can...
I agree. Both you and your neighbor should file a police report immediately based on trespassing and theft. This animal control officer should be charged accordingly.
Good luck.
chico2 September 20th, 2007, 07:12 AM I remember adorable little Ranger,who now has grown in to a handsome boy:lovestruck:
This would be tearing at me,the total injustice to you and Ranger:yell:
I believe you have a good chance in court bringing in all the evidence and your neighbor.
Just one maybe silly question,why is Ranger on a lead in the front??
Is there a fence,protecting him from any stranger,or stray dogs??
The AC was clearly tresspassing and stealing Ranger..Good Luck!
Showolf77 September 20th, 2007, 07:58 AM I remember adorable little Ranger,who now has grown in to a handsome boy:lovestruck:
This would be tearing at me,the total injustice to you and Ranger:yell:
I believe you have a good chance in court bringing in all the evidence and your neighbor.
Just one maybe silly question,why is Ranger on a lead in the front??
Is there a fence,protecting him from any stranger,or stray dogs??
The AC was clearly tresspassing and stealing Ranger..Good Luck!
His runner is on the side of our house, towards the back. He has full use of the porch on the side also... It's not close to the front at all. We have him there to make sure he's safe and has shelter. Plus he's an inside / outside dog, and not always out there..................
My wife was fooling with her photo editor and inserted our other dog PRECIOUS into the picture I posted earlier in this thread. It's real cute! Precious was homeless too, and my wife's work was about to call animal control to pick her up when my wife said "Hell no!", and brought her home........ We have absolutely no idea what kind of dog precious is, but she's incredibly well behaved, intelligent, and full of love. We have now saved two homeless dogs, and 6 homeless cats that we love so dearly.................
Here's that pic of Ranger & Precious...LOL!
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9764/framedrangerpreciousmo3.jpg
Another pic of PRECIOUS.........
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1333/precious9jq4.jpg
chico2 September 20th, 2007, 08:07 AM OMG what a little cutie,she certainly suits her name:lovestruck:
Thank's for clarifying,is there anywhere you can go for legal advice,without having to shell out hundreds of $$?
I hope you get this resolved,for your own peace of mind and justice for Ranger,you should be reimbursed the $250 and then some..
You know,to even things out,we also need kitty-pics:cat:
hazelrunpack September 20th, 2007, 08:12 AM I can see where Precious gets her name. :lovestruck:
I've gotta learn how to make group pics out of single shots. :D
I agree, chico--kitty pics, too! :thumbs up
Also, Showolf, if you can't afford a lawyer, sometimes you can get help at free legal clinics. Here they're held by the county bar assn. If you can talk to a lawyer there, they can at least steer you in the right direction!
Jim Hall September 20th, 2007, 08:27 AM Plead not guilty to any charges obviously
kigndano September 20th, 2007, 09:31 AM i would say you can at least the guy fired
if it was in america you could sue for like 250k or some absurd amount.
KarenEM September 27th, 2007, 09:25 PM showolf77......
I've been thinking about your horrible ordeal. I am so sorry for the heartbreak you and your pup have experienced.
Has anything come out of it??? Are you pursuing any legal action???
How's the pup????
I hope everything is back to normal for you all!
rainbow September 27th, 2007, 11:56 PM I was also wondering....do you have an update? :fingerscr :goodvibes:
lilbear September 28th, 2007, 12:33 PM I truly feel for you and your puppy. That is fraud isn't it ? Wouldnt that be fraudulent fining you for a dog that you had responsibly taken care of and their employee illegally seized? Go to court and plead not guilty with explanation have the witness's statement(notorized) and all the rope note and everything there. Tell them you also want restitution for your wife's loss of wages cause she left work as a result of their employee's negligent behaviour. Try doing a search for animal laws on the internet and just see if there are any cases that are similiar.
I am not in the legal field by no means and not even in USA but rather in Canada so our laws are different but that would be illegal seizure I would think, heck even trespassing! Go for everything you can and go to the newspapers and media don't hold back, sometimes the Media can be a good source. How about talking to some animal rights associations there maybe they would know more about the laws that would pertain to this case.
Best of luck to you in court and with recovering emotionally from all of this, please give puppy a hug and tell him the Canadians are thinking of him LOL.
:dog::ca:
ancientgirl September 28th, 2007, 02:12 PM That's unbelievable! I sure hope you pursue this in the courts. It sounds to me like that officer was just being lazy and didn't want to look for any strays and figured nobody was home at your house, so why not take your dog.
I absolutely don't blame you for being angry. You and your wife have every right to, and it sounds like you have proof that this is indeed your dog and not a stray, as well as wrong doing from the animal control officer.
I wish you luck in court!
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