Animal group wants second test, reprieve for Cheech

Lena Sin
The Province

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Cheech, the death-row pup in hiding, is nothing but a sweet and friendly dog, according to two experts who question the SPCA's decision to euthanize him.

The 10-month-old Lab-rador-Rottweiler cross busted out of the Delta SPCA shelter on June 16, allegedly with the help of two volunteers and a worker.

The SPCA was to destroy him later that day for being too aggressive for adoption.

But dog expert Ali Yazman said his test showed Cheech poses no threat.

"Cheech is a dog who shows a lot of good social skills and also exercises a lot of self-control and there really isn't much more you can ask for a shelter dog," said Yazman, whose experience includes handling and rehabilitating aggressive dogs for the Turkish Armed Forces.

Yazman did the tests for the Animal Advocates Society of B.C., which wants Cheech's death-row order rescinded.

Cheech passed touch tests, which included having Yazman put his hand on his head, over his eyes and muzzle -- actions that normally set off aggressive dogs.

Cheech also went through item relinquishment, food and guarding tests that he passed with "flying colours."

Animal Advocates stepped in after SPCA volunteer Amanda Muir asked for help.

Muir, former host of Live at the SPCA, receptionist Kristen McConnell and another volunteer, have been suspended by the SPCA for allegedly orchestrating Cheech's escape.

Muir would not comment, but a "letter" from Cheech posted on the Animal Advocates website says he's now happy with a new family.

When asked where he is, Animal Advocates president Judy Stone said: "If we knew, we'd go to jail before saying."

Craig Daniell of the SPCA said he would welcome another assessment.

"We'd be more than willing to have an individual that we consider to be someone beyond repute assess him to determine if he's a good candidate for adoption or not," he said.

Cheech scored well in the first SPCA test May 13, but was deemed a threat after failing a second test, said Daniell.