Denver Cannot Afford Another Forrest Screw Up! Man Fights To Save Pit Bull, Denver Changes Policy Reporting
Shaun Boyd DENVER (AP) Animal lovers around the world rallied for the release of a pit bull from Commerce City. Now Forrest is free thanks to their efforts and his owner's fight sparked a change in city policy.
"A lot of people don't think dogs are like kids but this is my son," Chris McGahey said.
Forrest is a 2-year-old pooch McGahey raised from a pup. His only fault is he loves to run, according to McGahey. Last month Forrest escaped from their home in Commerce City and was picked up by animal control in Denver where officers decided he looked like a pit bull -- a breed banned there. They decided Forrest would be euthanized.
"It hurts. It hurts real bad especially when I'm innocent," McGahey said. "I didn't live in Denver."
Doug Kelley, Director of Animal Control, says it's the second time Forrest ended up in Denver.
"I fought as hard as I could," McGahey said. "I've been here every day and brought him treats and showed these people I love my boy."
McGahey's fight to save Forrest's life would take on a life of its own. Animal lovers from around the world took up the cause and even the Mayor's Office got involved negotiating a compromise. Forrest will live, but in another state. A shelter in Missouri agreed to find him a new home.
"What came out we think is a win/win for everybody," Kelley said.
"I hope just one day this ban will be dropped and they won't be able to discriminate against one kind of breed. It's not right," McGahey said.
Under its new policy , Denver Animal Control says all non-violent pit bulls, like Forrest, will be candidates for placement at an out-of-state shelter.
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How can we Responsible Dog Owners Seek Change?
Here's one person's idea:
Today I sent this to all Denver government officials listed as relevant to the issue. I will continue to email every day until Forrest is free. You have inspired me. I've convinced my fellow ski club members, all 15, that we should not go to Colorado to ski this year. How did I do that? Three have American Pit Bull Terriers,four have German Sheperds, one has a Rottie and two have Dobies.
The typical knee-jerk reaction from politicians enacting Breed Specific Legislation and the treatment of Forrest did it. Let's see.... 15 men with their spouse's, that's 30 plus the18 kids.. for a solid 5 days of skiing. That come to a total of quite a few thousand dollars. "Cha-Ching". BSL does NOT protect communities from dog attacks. Why does your administration insist on punishing responsible petowners for the irresponsibilities of a minority of owners? You've taken the easy way out...Kill 'em all. Shame on you. Wait till I tell my Church group what's going on. I wonder how many members have large breed family pets and vacation in your state?We will pray for you and most especially Forrest.Respectfully,Danny in Atlanta, Georgia
Thanks for the inspiration Danny! |
please sign the petition if you want to see the BSL gone in Denver
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