In a world where murders, rapists and criminals walk free, a one-year-old beagle, Rufus has been sentenced to death according to 13 News, Orlando.
Rufus' owner, Nicole West, said she was filling his food dish, when her young son came up behind the beagle. Startled the animal went for the boy's lip. Consequently, the 4-year-old child needed stiches.
West says she was told her dog would be "tested for aggression," and if he was found not to be aggressive, Rufus would be put up for adoption.
But last week, West learned that her former pet was scheduled to be euthanized because of the severity of the bite.
Now, West and the family of the dog are campaigning on Facebook to save its life.
Orange County Animal Services has no empathy towards West. It said that because of the severity of the injury, state statute says they must euthanize Rufus even if the dog is not found to be agressive.
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs issued this statement on Wednesday:
"We love our children and we love our animals. There are state laws and county ordinances to protect them both, including a defined judicial appeals process. That process is underway, and it will ensure a full and fair hearing of all the facts. In the meantime, rest assured I have instructed our staff to take excellent care of Rufus.”
Will social media save Rufus?
The West family has set up a Facebook page called Save Rufus trying to gather support for Rufus, hundreds of people are commenting and sharing every post that goes out.
A petition at change.org, which has received close to 12,000 signatures pleads with Orange County Animal Services to let Rufus live.
Then there is YouCaring.com, a free fundraising website. Already close to $4,000 has been raised to help with any legal fees to fight to keep Rufus alive.
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