CTV News at Six
June 19, 2004

Mike Killeen: Four days after he was scheduled to be put down by the Delta SPCA, Cheech the dog, is still on the lam. Two volunteers stole Cheech in an attempt to save him. Tonight what began as a fight over the fate of a dog has become a battle for the hearts and minds of animal lovers. Hazel McClemment explains.

Crowd: Give Cheech a chance. Give Cheech a chance.

Hazel McClemment: Cheech the dog has been in hiding since he was spirited away Wednesday by two SPCA volunteers and an employee trying to save him from being euthanized.

Petra Richardson Delta SPCA Volunteer: He is just gorgeous. He only to me didn't get a chance.

Hazel McClemment: In this crowd of animal lovers and their four-legged friends the guests of honor were the two women at the center of the dogfight.

Crowd: Hoots and yells.

Hazel McClemment: Amanda Muir is an award-winning former employee and volunteer mauled by a Rottweiler last year. She's now charged with theft for stealing Cheech.

Amanda Muir: If Cheech doesn't get this chance the next dog won't get this chance and the dog after that.

Kirsten McConnell: He's never bitten anyone. He's growled. He's a frightened puppy.

Hazel McClemment: McConnell was working in reception the day Cheech was to have been destroyed. She helped Amanda and another volunteer take Cheech away. She's now suspended.

Kirsten McConnell: I did it because morally this is wrong and it goes against everything I believe in.

Hazel McClemment: Inside the shelter management is standing by their conclusion that Cheech is a dangerous animal.

Nadine Gourkow BC SPCA Animal Welfare Supervisor: He's very ambivalent. He's very unpredictable. And there's a high potential that he will bite without exactly the person holding the leash knowing what has set him off.

Bob Busch SPCA Regional Manager: We must not let an animal that has a chance to be dangerous out in public. We would be irresponsible as the SPCA if we did that, and I think the public expects more of us.

Hazel McClemment: The SPCA says their assessment of Cheech means he must be euthanized when he's found.

Cathy Gibson Dog Behavior Counsellor: It's absolutely random. Twenty people could do that test and get 20 different opinions.

Hazel McClemment: But this long time dog trainer says the SPCA's behavior test is flawed. She's encouraging the SPCA to grant the dog another, independent, review. The SPCA is refusing. But these protestors hope public outrage will force the society to reconsider. Hazel McClemment, CTV News, Delta.