June 22/04
Daniel Pi
Two Delta SPCA staffers have been suspended after they removed a dog scheduled to be euthanized Wednesday morning.
Amanda Muir and Kirsten McConnell took the young Rottweiler/Labrador cross named "Cheech" after failed attempts by several people, including representatives of the Animal Advocacy Society, to halt plans to put the dog down.
SPCA spokesperson Lorie Chortyk said the former guard dog could not be rehabilitated.
"All our attempts to help it recover have been unsuccessful," Chortyk said.
"Unfortunately, all the assessments have shown it was becoming increasingly aggressive around men and children."
Muir survived a Rottweiler attack in 2003 while transporting a dog to the Tsawwassen Animal Hospital.
She worked at the SPCA shelter at the time, and suffered broken bones in both her arms before passersby intervened.
Muir told CTV News that Cheech gets along with other dogs and people and she will not disclose where the dog is.
In an email to the B.C. SPCA, Judith Stone, president of the Animal Advocates Society of B.C., recently offered to foster Cheech and bear the costs. Chortyk said it's not a matter of money or expertise, but rather the safety of people who might come in contact with Cheech, adding Stone's organization has not assessed the dog and doesn't understand it's disposition.
Delta Police were called Wednesday to recover the dog but were unsuccessful.
Chortyk said the SPCA continues to work with police to get Cheech back.
Chortyk said the dog would not be reassessed or given more time for rehabilitation.
Amanda and Kirsten with Cheech and a man who you can see Cheech is terrified of and is trying to attack....