Some dogs don’t get along with other unfamiliar dogs. Plenty of reasons could explain this, some inherent and some stemming from experiences in the dog’s past. Either way, that factor doesn’t make them any less worthy of loving homes with human beings.
Sadly, laws tend to work against dogs with incidents of aggression on their records. As was the case with a Staffy in Australia, these dogs often get euthanized in the name of “community safety.” This story illustrates how complicated these issues can be.
Sarge’s Three Strikes
The Sunshine Coast Council seized an American Staffordshire Terrier named Sarge in 2019 following three incidents with other animals, including one in 2016 that resulted in a small dog’s death.
In 2016, both of Kara Chaplin’s dogs escaped her house and Sarge killed the small dog walking nearby. 2 years later, he escaped on a bike ride with a former partner and fought another dog. The third incident happened last year with another large dog, just outside of Chaplin’s home.
After this, authorities seized the dog from his family. Then the saga began.
Fighting For Sarge
Chaplin came to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal twice, seeking to prevent them from putting him down, but lost her appeal last week.
Prior to that, the distraught parent worked hard to avoid Sarge being killed. She paid over $60,000 in fines and legal fees and even built a Noosa Council approved enclosure to ensure Sarge would be safely restrained.
She also put Sarge into specialized training courses and had the council’s behavioral assessor visit him. Still, the euthanasia option lingered.
The Final Decision
The Sunshine Coast Council appears firm in its determination. They issued a statement regarding their decision to euthanize Sarge.
“On November 20, the Court of Appeal ruled that no errors of law had been made in the previous court decisions in relation to Council’s management of the euthanasia order. The Court dismissed Ms Chaplin’s application for leave to appeal …The order will be implemented, and Ms Chaplin has arranged to visit her dog prior to this occurring.”
Since many people calling on behalf of Sarge spoke with hostility towards employees, the council noted they would revoke the last visit if the employees felt unsafe. A frustrated and saddened Chaplin said:
“I just want my dog back, and to let my children say goodbye and give him a hug.”
Chaplin wishes the council wouldn’t make such a harsh decision without recognizing the issue isn’t so cut and dry. The Sarge she knows is a sweet, loving boy.
“I have photos of him sleeping on my baby bump, photos of him beside my children the day I bought them home from hospital, he lights up when those children go for those visits.”
Alternatives To Euthanasia For Aggressive Dogs Like Sarge
Martin Dominick, a professional dog trainer with 30 years of experience, has had success rehabilitating aggressive dogs. He believes identifying the type of aggression Sarge exhibited could have helped in training him.
“Some dogs become so ingrained in their behaviours that they believe aggression is the only way that it can actually stay safe, so it might be based in fear.
In other words, if trainers identified and addressed Sarge’s source of aggression early on, the later incidents could have been entirely avoided. Dominick said:
“The council’s hands are somewhat tied, but then the dog gets the wrong end of that, because they’re not fully assessed on suitability for re-training.”
Blame should not fall entirely on the dog either. Plus, no two cases of aggressive pups are the same.
“It’s a big question and I feel it should always be case by case…. It’s about people taking responsibility for their own dogs, a lot of times it’s not until these types of things are forced upon them that they actually take action that should have taken a long time ago.”
Dog parents take note: you can prevent this fate for your dog with attention, proper training and facilities, and a refusal to give up. My heart goes out to Sarge’s family during this difficult time.
H/T: The ABC
Featured Image: @helpsavesarge/Facebook
Toledo, United States.
