CTV News at Six
June 17, 2004

Pamela Martin: The SPCA is refusing to back down from its decision to kill a beloved dog, but the doglovers who have kidnapped Cheech won't say where they're hiding him. Tonight police are considering charges while Cheech's former owner is weighing in. CTV's Renu Bakshi reports.

Renu Bakshi: Frank Greenfield used to have two dogs, Kimmick a Shepherd Akita cross and Cheech a Rottweiller Lab. But in April the SPCA took Cheech away.

Frank Greenfield: Cheech would run off. He'd go down the beach or something like that or go next door and bother people.

Renu Bakshi: Frank says Cheech had a mean bark, but he never bit anyone. Frank cried when the SPCA took him, but he was assured Cheech was in good hands.

Frank Greenfield: They said that "no" they wouldn't put him to sleep. They would take care of him, and that's what he assured me of.

Renu Bakshi: Well, the SPCA changed its mind. Cheech is now on death row. Frank can't understand it and neither can SPCA employees like Amanda Muir.

Amanda Muir: He's wonderful with other dogs. He's extremely playful. He loves women and he just has.....he's a very affectionate guy.

Renu Bakshi: The manager who ordered him destroyed paints a much different portrait.

Michelle Rodgers: Basically, Cheech has displayed some aggression issues that obviously the organization is concerned about.

Renu Bakshi: But they'll have to find Cheech first. Amanda and her friends abducted him yesterday and won't tell anyone where he is. Amanda says she knows dogs. Last year she almost lost both arms when a Rottweiller attacked her. She was hailed a hero. Just two weeks ago Delta Police honored Amanda for her role in that dog attack. She held the Rottweiller back, protecting a number of school children from being attacked. Now, Delta Police are investigating Amanda for theft.

Constable Sharlene Brooks Delta Police: We're working through that investigation and attempting to locate the dog and return it to its legal owner.

Renu Bakshi: When and if Cheech is found the SPCA says the kill order will stand. They say they tested him and he failed.

Michelle Rodgers: We can't adopt him out knowing that he has the potential to bite. We don't want people in the community being injured.

Renu Bakshi: All dogs have the potential to bite.

Michelle Rodgers: Absolutely. This has been proven. If something occurs which is threatening to him, whether a male walk by or if somebody is holding something that is threatening to him, that's when he responds negatively.

Renu Bakshi: If you show up in front of a dog with a rolled up news paper knowing this dog has a history of abuse how do you think he would react? How would you react?

Michelle Rodgers: Well by no means is the assessment performed in that means.

Frank Greenfield: I don't think he should be put down.

Renu Bakshi: The SPCA motto is, "We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves." That's what Cheech's supporters say they're doing. Renu Bakshi, CTV News, Delta.

Pamela Martin: The SPCA has suspended two of its employees for their role in Cheech's disappearance.