An online petition in the hope of reversing a judge’s decision to put down a Jack Russell in Roscommon has gathered over 133,000 signatures. The dog was ordered to be put to sleep after biting a woman.
Owner Donal Rogers claimed the woman refused to travel with him after he offered to bring her to a hospital before was brought by a neighbour after the incident where her wound was treated.
Rogers, a retired Garda, subsequently received a court summons and it was ruled that Kim be put to sleep. In a letter pleading to the woman that has since gone viral, Rogers said that his two dogs are an immense comfort to him before adding, “I don’t know how I’d cope without Kim.”
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“Save Kim” is currently trending on Twitter in Ireland with more signatures building every minute. Assumpta Gaffney organised the petition saying: “This petition is being initiated in the hope of a reversal of the judge’s decision to put Kim to sleep.”
In his letter, Rogers offered a range of precautions going forward in an effort to save Kim’s life including that Kim be muzzled at all times. Rogers also said he would take the Jack Russell to a course of dog training sessions and that he received “generous offers” from the public to gate and fence off his property to ensure that Kim remains inside.
“If none of the above eases your concerns I am willing to agree to Kim being assessed by an independent expert in dog safety. If the expert says that putting Kim to sleep is the only safe option, then I will deliver Kim to the dog warden to be put to sleep,” he said.
Rogers went on to say, “Surely something along these lines would provide you with comfort that Kim is not going to hurt anyone,” before adding that he lives in a rural area and that there are not many passers-by so Kim’s exposure to the public is minimal.
“The real question I am asking is whether there is any outcome that would satisfy you other than Kim being destroyed? If the answer is yes, then I will do anything that is required. Please just tell me what I need to do,” said Rogers.
He has appealed to Roscommon Circuit Court but the decision has been upheld.
Rogers then applied to the High Court for an extension of time to appeal, which has given Kim more time.
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