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Death-row doggie spirited from his cell

Matthew Ramsey
The Province

June 20, 2004

Cheech -- the puppy who busted out of the bow-wow hoosegow last week with help from three human accomplices -- has apparently slipped into the canine underground.

The black Labrador-Rottweiller cross was due for euthanasia for what Delta's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals branded "aggressive behaviour."

Instead, he was taken from the animal shelter by two volunteers and a staff member Wednesday.

Amanda Muir, on long-term leave as an SPCA employee after being savagely mauled by a dog last June, said the pugnacious pooch is in the care of someone, somewhere. Muir said she has no idea who or where.

Muir, receptionist Kirsten McConnell and another volunteer orchestrated the freeing of Cheech, who has lived at the shelter since late April.

All three have since been suspended from working at or volunteering for the Delta SPCA pending resolution of the matter.

Yesterday, their supporters held a rally outside the shelter.

Organizer Mia Riback said the protest of Cheech's euthanization order attracted about 45 people. Although billed as an opportunity to donate to a legal defence fund for the trio, who may face theft charges, Riback said there's no cash in the fund yet.

Riback confirmed that Cheech has essentially gone into hiding, aided by "a large network of people willing to help."

"There is a large group of animal lovers out there who will help," Riback said.

Muir told The Province the dog might resurface if the SPCA reconsidered its euthanasia order.

"It's out of my hands," she said, "but I'm sure that would be considered."

SPCA spokeswoman Lorie Chortyk said the organization will not bow to public pressure and rescind the death notice.

"We totally empathize with people's desire to see this animal get a chance, but we have given the animal a chance," she said.

mramsey@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Province 2004