Judge To Decide Pit Bulls' Fate
GRAYLING -- A Crawford County Family is speaking out saying their dogs are being unfairly targeted because of their breed.
It all started about a year and a half ago when a neighbor’s of Ken Menard’s filed a complaint. We were unable to speak with the alleged victim, but in a written court document the neighbor said he felt threatened after the Menard’s two pit bulls barked at him while he was riding his bike.
“Never touched guy or nothing” says Travis Webb, one of the dog owners
Even though the animals did not bite him, Crawford County Animal Control felt the dogs were a threat and removed the animals from the home in November 2008. The animals have been at the shelter ever since.
Cheryl Postna, the Director of Ausable Animal Shelter claims “we haven’t seen behaviors here that make us think they are in any way atypical, dangerous, or more aggressive.”
Earlier this year, a Crawford County District Court Judge ruled the dogs to be euthanized.
But the dog’s owners are trying to appeal that decision and save the animals.
Ken Menard, the dogs’ owner, says “they’re family members, not a danger to anyone. It’s heart breaking.”
While there have been a number of pit bull attacks in other communities, employees at the Ausable Animal Shelter, who have been caring for the dogs, say this is different and could be a case of breed discrimination.
Kennel Attendant, Missy Plauman says “They’re good with cats, kids, anybody. We’ve had them for 13 months and have never seen anything to think there was something wrong with them. This was not a bite case, this was a bark case. There have been bite cases where other types of dogs are ordered to be sent home, then these pits come in here for barking and I am not quite sure why other than it’s the type of breed.”
The Crawford County District Judge has ordered an evaluation for both dogs. It should happen within the next few weeks. Then the Menard’s will head back to court for a final ruling. 7&4 News contacted the county prosecutor assigned to this case, but he would comment on the case.
