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You are here: Home / Dog News / Grays Harbor County Judge to Determine Whether Beloved Dog Will Live or Die

Grays Harbor County Judge to Determine Whether Beloved Dog Will Live or Die

October 18, 2017 by Seattle DogSpot 76 Comments

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UPDATE 10/18/17 – HANK IS GOING HOME!!!

About an hour ago a Lewis County judge rescinded the euthanization order for Hank and ordered him to be released to his family this afternoon!!!!! It’s the first time they can wrap their arms around Hank since May.

I’m not sure what, if any, further legal issues remain. I’ll try to find out asap.

If you haven’t been following Hank’s story, you can see my post about it below.

Here is Hank’s Mom Jann Propp-Etismo holding the judge’s order.

CONGRATULATIONS HANK!

UPDATE 9/13/17: Good news and bad news. On Sept. 8 The Grays Harbor County Judge affirmed Lewis County’s classification of Hank as a dangerous dog, so he was not returned to his family and remains at the Lewis County Animal Shelter.

To clarify, the appeal wasn’t to determine if Hank was dangerous but to determine if the previous judge followed the law. In the end the Grays Harbor Judge’s determination was that there was not enough evidence to convince him that he hadn’t.

The good news is that the Judge didn’t object to the stay of execution filed on behalf of Hank so he is not scheduled to be euthanized. Hank’s team can’t say much about what their strategy is now other than a stay will be sought pending appeal to the Washington Court of Appeals on September 25.

Some people want to know if they can do anything to help Hank. Here’s a message from someone on his team regarding how you can help:

“Greetings all. Okay we likely woke up the Governor’s office with phone calls but if you haven’t called please do. Now that they know about us and how strong the Hank movement is it’s time to send some emails. I am including the link. Let’s select animal under the subject box. I will say it again that the Hank movement always strives to keep to the high road. Please don’t just rant and rave. If you don’t know for sure if something is true or not don’t say it. Let them know how you feel, why this matters to you and what you think is wrong about it (just suggestions). Let’s be respectful and not resort to name calling or attacks against individuals. Our voice will likely be heard much louder if we stay respectful. It would be good to say somewhere in your response that you support the moratorium on Hank the Dog’s Death Sentence. Here is the link. http://www.governor.wa.gov/…/cont…/send-gov-inslee-e-message. Let Your Voices be heard.”

UPDATE 8/26/17: The Judge moved Hank’s trial to September 8. Click here for the full story.

HANK FINDS HIS FOREVER HOME

On January 17, 2017, Jann Propp-Estimo and her husband Gary Pringle traveled from their home in Centralia to the Lewis County Animal Shelter to adopt a dog to be a companion with their 4-year-old Coonhound Bruce Almighty.

Before Hank was taken from his family, he and Jason were inseparable. Photo from Help Save Hank.

As they looked at the dogs in the crowded, noisy shelter, Jann noticed a fawn-c0lored pit bull mix with a stuffed toy in its mouth looking at her and wagging his tail. She later said, “he was the only dog in the packed shelter who wasn’t barking.”

The dog’s name was Tank. (the shelter changed his name to Hank shortly before he was adopted, so for clarity, that’s the name I’ll use for the rest of this post).

After spending a few minutes with Hank, both Jann and Gary decided to adopt him. While Jann stayed at the shelter with Hank, Gary went home to get Bruce Almighty so they could determine if the two dogs would get along.

After an uneventful meet and greet session, Jann and Gary adopted Hank and brought him home; however, from the moment they met Hank to the time they loaded him in their car, the shelter staff withheld an important piece of information about Hank:

Lewis County had designated Hank as a “dangerous dog” in June of 2016 for allegedly killing 2 goats with another dog (more on this later).

LEWIS COUNTY BACKTRACKS, TAKES HANK FROM HIS FAMILY

Jann and Gary gave Hank to their son and grandson after a couple of weeks because Bruce Almighty alternated between ignoring and harassing Hank. To ensure that Hank would be secure there, they spent $3000 to build a fence around their son’s yard.

Because they considered Hank their “family dog,” Jann and Gary saw him regularly. And their 9-year-old grandson Jason quickly developed a strong bond with Hank – they were virtually inseparable.

For the next 3 months, Hank’s behavior was exemplary. Jann said that “Hank did not attack, injure, or kill, any person, domestic animal, or livestock.” 

Jason has visited Hank virtually every day since Lewis County Police took the dog. Photos from Help Save Hank.

On May 9, a detective from the Lewis County’s Sheriff’s Office called Jann and asked to come speak with her. When he arrived at her house with his supervisor, he told her that there was a “legal issue” with Hank and that “he never should have been adopted out.”

Jann believed the detective wanted her “to concede that Hank was even a tiny bit aggressive,” but she maintained that he had exhibited no aggression at all.

Eventually, the detective told her they were there to take Hank even though he didn’t have a warrant. Neither detective told her the County planned to euthanize him because he had been classified as a dangerous dog.

Why Lewis County officials tore Hank away from his loving family with virtually no explanation is a complicated story of mistakes, misunderstanding, and public officials trying to retroactively cover their butts. 

LEWIS COUNTY SENDS CONFLICTING MESSAGES ABOUT HANK

Hank’s saga began on April 1, 2016 when he and his mother Sadie left the yard of Lewis County resident Debra Lynn Parscal, who at the time owned both dogs.

At approximately 4 PM, Hank and Sadie left their yard and walked towards a goat pen in neighbor’s yard. Not long afterwards, 2 goats were dead and pony had been injured. 

Animal control officer Alishia Hornburg declared both dogs dangerous per the Lewis County Code. After hearings on April 26, 2016, on May 6, 2016, Danette York, Director at Lewis County Public Health & Social Services, upheld the designation.

Hank exhibited no behavior problems during the 3 months he was with his family. Photo from Help Save Hank.

On July 1 the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office “executed a search warrant, seizing (Hank) from Ms. Parscal’s property and taking him into County custody” because she didn’t follow the Lewis County Code specifying a set of actions which owners of a designated dangerous dog must follow.

On September 9, Eric Eisenberg from the Lewis County Department of Public Advocacy notified Ms. Parscal that she would be cited with an infraction for violating the dangerous dog ordinance. He also noted “the County had no desire to seek any penalty.”

On September 12, 2016, Ms. York wrote to Lewis County Animal Shelter Director Amy Hanson that once the infraction had been issued they could determine where Tank goes permanently. She did not mention euthanasia or Hank’s classification as a dangerous dog a few months earlier. 

Ms. Hanson noted more than once that Hank was a sweet, well-behaved dog:

  • “he is an awesome dog! We have been letting him out to play with Remy and they do great, but his favorite thing is to pack his stuffed moose around in his mouth” email to Danette York, 9/8/16
  • “We have had (Hank) since July 1 and all staff has fallen in love with him.”  email to transfer coordinator for the animal rescue group NOAH on 10/27/16.
  • “(Hank) remains a super sweet well behaved boy, even after close to 4 months in a shelter setting.” email to transfer coordinator for the animal rescue group NOAH on 10/27/16.
  • “shelter staff have observed no signs of aggression at all.” email to transfer coordinator for the animal rescue group NOAH on 10/27/16.
  • “This dog remains truly something special! Never jumps on you. will sit politely when asked, shakes hands a loves his stuffed toys.” email to transfer coordinator for the animal rescue group NOAH on 10/27/16.

LEWIS COUNTY TAKES BACK HANK 3 MONTHS AFTER HIS ADOPTION

When Jann adopted Hank from the Lewis County Animal Shelter, no one at the shelter gave her “any information about his dangerous dog history or alleged restraints imposed on dangerous dogs kept within the County.”

Everyone in Hank’s family was devastate when the police took him. Photo from Help Save Hank.

They had completely erased the goat chasing incident from his records, and his adoption was treated no differently than any other adoption from the shelter.

This meant, in my opinion, that shelter staff didn’t believe Hank was dangerous and posed no threat to humans or animals. 

But as I wrote earlier, 3 months after Jann and Gary legally adopted Hank and signed the adoption contract giving them official custody of him, a representative from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office took Hank away from them without giving any explanation other than it was “legal issue” with Hank and that “he never should have been adopted out.”

Eventually, the County told Jann and Gary that due to Hank’s classification as a dangerous dog almost a year earlier, he would have to be euthanized. 

DESPITE NEW EVIDENCE, JUDGE SAYS HANK SHOULD BE EUTHANIZED

This evoked a large, intense public outcry against the County’s sudden but unfounded concern that Hank was dangerous.

In response, the Lewis County Board of Commissioners amended the dangerous dog ordinance to allow any person claiming an interest in an animal designated as a dangerous animal….(to seek) an order rescinding that designation.”

On June 17, Judge R.W. Buzzard oversaw the hearing to determine if Hank’s designation as a dangerous animal could be rescinded.

At the hearing, Jann and Gary’s attorney presented new information to Judge Buzzard from both the owner of the goats that had been killed and his next door neighbor, the only eyewitness to the attack.

On the day of the attack, the neighbor told police that she saw the 2 dogs chase and kill one of the goats (the other one was already dead by the time she arrived). The officer asked her, “Did you see it kill the other goat?”, to which she replied, “Yes.”

Notice that she said both dogs chased and killed the one of the goats, but when the officer asked her if she saw “it” kill the goat, she answered, “Uh huh. Yes.”

To me, the neighbor’s conflicting answers never clearly specified that Hank killed the goat.

Hank’s Family Refuses to Give Up on Him – Video from Help Save Hank

At the June 17 hearing the Judge was presented a declaration from that same neighbor saying:

  • she saw Sadie with her mouth around the neck of the goat that was already dead
  • she saw Sadie chase and kill the second goat
  • she saw both dogs chase the pony

She also clearly stated that, “At no time did I see (Hank) cause injury to or kill any livestock.”

The owner of the goats was at the hearing. During his testimony he said that directly after the attacks, he “was very prejudiced towards the dogs. At that point in time, this is before (he’d) seen the video, (he) felt that both dogs needed to be put down.”

The owner discovered later that a dash cam he had in a truck parked on his property recorded the attacks. After watching the video, he reversed his previous statement about Hank. He said, “when I finally sat down and calmed myself down, then I took a look at the video, I had told the sheriff, I do not feel that Hank, formerly known as Tank, does not deserve to die. I believe that he deserves a second chance.”

During his testimony he also said that his neighbor, the eyewitness, told him that “that Hank wasn’t aggressive towards the goat.”

But despite the new evidence that Hank didn’t kill the goat, Judge Buzzard said he would not remove Hank’s dangerous designation and ordered that he had to be euthanized within 48 hours.

APPEAL HEARING WILL DETERMINE WHETHER HANK LIVES OR DIES

The same day Judge Buzzard signed Hank’s euthanization order, Jann and Gary’s attorney filed an appeal to reverse his decision. Since then Hank’s euthanization date has been postponed several times. He now cannot be euthanized before August 31.

Hank’s behavior belies his designation as a dangerous dog by Lewis County. Photo from Help Save Hank.

Hank’s appeal hearing is scheduled for August 24, but it will be in Grays Harbor County Superior Court instead of Thurston County because the Superior Court justices there recused themselves from the appeal hearing due to conflicts of interest.

Grays Harbor Superior Court Judge David Edwards will oversee the appeal hearing at 1:30 PM on Thursday, Aug. 24, in Montesano. 

Jann, Gary, and especially their grandson Jason have been heartbroken since the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office took Hank away. They have visited him virtually every day since then, and they desperately hope Judge Edwards will rescind the order to euthanize Hank so they can take him home.

So why did Lewis County officials declare Hank dangerous take him from his family more than 3 months after it approved their adoption of him?

My guess is that someone outside the group that cleansed Hank’s history found out he had been adopted and directed them to reclaim Hank to protect the county against any liability if Hank killed livestock or bit someone.

NO PROOF HANK KILLED A GOAT

But Hank should never have been declared dangerous in the first place. The only part of Lewis County’s Code that could have been used to label him dangerous is 6.05.010(9)(b), which states that an animal can be classified as dangerous if it “Killed a domestic animal while at large or off the owner’s property.”

But no witnesses saw Hank kill a goat.

Thousands of Hank’s supporters hope Judge Edwards will return him to his family this Thursday. Photo from Help Save Hank.

He did chase at least one goat and a horse, but nothing in the County Code mentions that a dog chasing animals can be labeled dangerous.

From the accounts I’ve seen, Hank has never shown aggression towards livestock. In fact, he lived harmoniously with free-roaming goats and chickens on a 3 acre farm for more than a year before Ms. Parscal adopted him.

Acknowledging Jann and Gary’s heroic efforts to save Hank, the Lewis County Prosecutor’s office worked with the County Council to pass an ordinance to allow the removal of a dangerous dog designation if new evidence emerges after the dog has been declared dangerous.

But despite the declaration of the neighbor who said she never saw Hank cause injury to or kill any livestock and the livestock’s owner who said his video showed Hank didn’t kill either of his goats, Judge Buzzard refused to remove Hank’s dangerous dog designation.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SUPPORTING HANK’S FAMILY

The public support for Hank and his family has been phenomenal. Last week, some of Hank’s supporters help signs of support for Hank and delivered almost 150,000 signatures on a petition asking officials to spare Hank’s life and return him to his family.

Now Hank’s life is in the hands of Grays Harbor Superior Court Judge David Edwards who will decide next Thursday whether or not Hank’s dangerous dog designation should be rescinded.

I hope he gives more credence to the witness’ declarations than Judge Buzzard did. I also hope he takes into account that since Hank was taken from his family he has shown absolutely no aggression towards anyone.

Lastly, I hope he understands no one who has spent any time around Hank, including the Director of the Lewis County Animal Shelter and the man whose goats were killed, believes he is dangerous.

Hank does not deserve to die.

Jason visits Hank. Video from Help Save Hank

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Comments

  1. Michele Weise says

    August 19, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    I can’t believe that Lewis County and Judge Buzzard have put this family thru suck turmoil and grief. In my opinion what they have done to Hank is animal abuse. For Petes sake when a person kills someone they are innocent until proven guilty. This poor dog has been jailed for months and they haven’t even proven him guilty of anything.
    Not to mention they violated Jann Propp-Estimos 4ty amendment right by coming onto her property and taking Hank without a warrant when clearly the adoption pappers she signed released Hank from the shelter and made him her property.
    This is a case of someone in Lewis County made a mistake and they don’t want to admit to it therefore causing this horrible situation that has cost not only the family thousands of dollars but Lewis County taxpayers as well.
    Remember this next voting session Lewis County residents. As far as the commissioners go, admit your wrongdoing and send that innocent dog home to that little boy! Can you imagine the damage you have already done to this poor boy and his dog! How do you folks sleep at night? And Judge Buzzard…….I will refrain from what I have to say to you! Just take a guess…..BUZZARD!

    Reply
    • Seattle DogSpot says

      August 20, 2017 at 8:17 am

      Right, they made a mistake and tried to back track and fix it. Hank’s demeanor during his time with Jann’s family and in the shelter show he is not a danger to humans or animals. He lived with free ranging livestock during the first year of his life and had no problems. Stop trying to kill and and give him back to his family.

      Reply
      • Cyndi says

        August 20, 2017 at 11:18 am

        Please don’t kill Hank let him go

        Reply
    • A Young says

      August 21, 2017 at 9:46 am

      Michele Weise-Well put. It appears the only one who wants Hank euthanized is Judge Buzzard. I, too, have several unkind (and worse) adjectives to describe him. He is supposed to look at ALL the evidence, and be unbiased. He is one of the most prejudiced judges I have known in my life! Can he be voted out of his position somehow? I am so glad he is off the case! This is a travesty of justice. Meanwhile, poor Hank sits in his cell day after day, month after month, wondering what he did wrong and why his family won’t take him home. This is wrong and heart-breaking!

      Reply
  2. Willie canfield says

    August 19, 2017 at 11:57 pm

    the Lewis County prosecutor john justice could become a hero if he would work with hanks human family. a large insurance policy, a good sturdy fence, leash and harness when he leaves home with an adult in control of him, a signed statement drawn up by Mr justice or hanks attorney stating that if hank injures someone or some other animal his humans will be solely responsible for any liability and that in no way in the future would Lewis County be held responsible for Hanks actions . that should release all this crap he’s not a dangerous dog. he should be at home with his people sleeping in his bed playing ball with buddy. buddy should not be in the position of knowing the county might murder his dog for something he didn’t do. what picture does this give this young child of adult decisions and the justice system in place in his home town. send hank home FREE HANK FREE HANK

    Reply
    • Seattle DogSpot says

      August 20, 2017 at 8:15 am

      Great points, thank you.

      Reply
  3. Caroline Wolf says

    August 20, 2017 at 7:45 am

    Hank should be set free . If there is no evidence of Hank killing the goat , how can you sentence him to die . We the people are his voice , because he can’t tell you what happen . I believe this dog is incident . Look at the videos , he is calm , gentle , doesn’t bark , does that look like a dangerous dog . Please honor judge Hank needs to go home to his family , please set Hank free ….

    Reply
  4. debbie taylor darino says

    August 20, 2017 at 7:45 am

    This is a GROSS INJUSTICE not only to this dog Hank, but also to the family who adopted and loves this dog…and now so does this country. The “people” around this country have also voiced their support to give Hank back to his family. This case should NEVER have gone to the extent it has and due to the clear arrogance of one Judge who refused to uphold the law. This is a clear cut case….DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!

    Reply
    • Seattle DogSpot says

      August 20, 2017 at 8:11 am

      Thanks for your comments. Couldn’t agree more.

      Reply
  5. Alejandra says

    August 20, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Please let Hank go back with his new family!!! Stop this insanity!!!

    Reply
  6. Samantha Edwards says

    August 20, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Let this poor dog live with his family, he has done nothing serious to end his life. Hasn’t he been punished enough already just by being in a shelter?

    Reply
  7. Lisa Zelnick says

    August 20, 2017 at 8:53 am

    This dog does not deserve to die because of human stupidity and paperwork snafus.

    He has a family who wants him, testimonies as to his gentle nature, and witnesses to his behavior.

    Release him back into his loving home.

    Reply
  8. Shawn says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:07 am

    This angers me on so many levels!!!
    Hank was in a loving SECURE home! They are only traumatizing him further by keeping him in a shelter! I prefer animals over people any day, even a “dangerous” dog would be better company than some of these “smart” authorities! Please send Hank home!!!!!!!

    Reply
  9. Heidi says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Set Hank free! This is ridiculous! This dog is showing no aggressive behavior and has a loving family to take care of him. More time should be spent on convicting drug dealers, murderers, etc.!!!

    Reply
  10. Rhonda Watson says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Please be compassionate. Allow Hank to go home with his family. You don’t have to harm him.
    Thank You,
    Rhonda Watson
    Liberty, Texas

    Reply
  11. Kay says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:18 am

    My dog chases squirrels – so is my dog dangerous? Just about every dog I have ever had chased a squirrel, rabbit or when at the dog park they chased another dog – that’s what they do. If a human can get close enough to a dog and let you hug it then their is no aggression in that dog, any dog that has that trait will let no one come close to it. If video shows that Hank was not the aggressor how can the judge keep his ruling – is it he is the type who can’t say I’m sorry I was wrong. We all make mistakes at one point or another so what as long as we can admit that error and then make that error right. The family is accepting responsibility for Hank and if in time Hank should go the opposite way then they alone carry the full burden no one else. Let Hank go back to the family that wants him especially the grandson – I lost my beloved dog of 15 years this past February and believe me the space is still empty and that little boy will have a hard time getting over that emptiness.

    Reply
  12. Debra McKenna says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:38 am

    Let this dog go home to his family!! Stop this madness.

    Reply
  13. Julie storey says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:42 am

    This is a ‘travesty’! This poor pup has done NOTHiNG wrong. Hank should be returned to his furever family. To the judge in charge, please reall ALL the facts and make the correct decision that Hank is allowed to be with his family

    Reply
  14. C. Doud says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:47 am

    It has been proven that .hank did not kill these goats. They have a judge who did not want to back off his almighty chair and guilty verdict.
    Hoping this new trial with a new judge, will free this dog.

    Reply
  15. Laura Orimo says

    August 20, 2017 at 9:55 am

    Please return Hank to his family!! There are so many “holes” in this story. I can’t understand how this dog could be removed from his legal owners. Hank is clearly not a DANGEROUS DOG. This is a total waste of tax payers money. Let Hank go HOME, leave his family in peace and move on with the “real” cases!

    Reply
  16. Kathy says

    August 20, 2017 at 10:01 am

    This is appalling! Mistakes were made, they happen. But when a mistake is discovered it needs to be rectified. Judge Buzzard needs de-benched, remember folks judges are ELECTED and can be fired. With the evidence of the goat owner seeing the actual video proving the stupid cow who testified “uh yeah I saw the dog kill” is proof alone NOT to take an individuals word on anything. As a goat owner AND a bully (Pit) dog rescuer I know the scenario and believe this case is bull and needs to be closed, Hank sent back to the family, more training on the shelter and officers involved as well as there needs to be repercussions for the “witnesses” who lie regardless if they were persuaded, biased, or just ignorant. Look at the damage this one individual did…..

    Reply
  17. D says

    August 20, 2017 at 10:06 am

    Stop this set him free.. send him home to his family and stop this madness

    Reply
  18. deb wells says

    August 20, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Seems like this dog is being set up. Has loving family. Leave him be.

    Reply
  19. Cheryl says

    August 20, 2017 at 10:32 am

    Giventhat dog back to the family. He is a member of that family. That judge needs to go!

    Reply
  20. Deborah Van Damme says

    August 20, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Hank should be set free. Please do not murder Hank!

    Reply
  21. Deborah says

    August 20, 2017 at 11:27 am

    Free Hank

    Reply
  22. Donna Gardner says

    August 20, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Please let this sweet angel go bk home to his little human brother..this dog didn’t do anything wrong he’s a sweetheart you can see how soft he is in the videos!!!

    Reply
  23. Ronni says

    August 20, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Justice for Hank! Free Hank! He deserves to be home with his family. What Lewis County officials have done is a crime and in my opinion, clearly animal abuse confining him in the Lewis County Shelter with no one on one access to his family and to a dog who never hurt any living thing. Shameful. ????

    Reply
  24. Lacey says

    August 20, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Rediculous! Give the dog back to the family!! Now! Stop doing this to people’s family members.

    Reply
  25. Peggy says

    August 20, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    I cannot believe they are still pursuing this! The evidence initially presented, as weak as it was, has been recanted by the 2 two people that gave testimony. This is a witch hunt by all intents & purposes & needs to be resolved. The only humane way fix this is to remove the dangerous label & let Hank go home. Videos show what a loving dog is. Testimonials from the shelter all praise Hank. Let this family take Hank home!

    Reply
    • Lisa Price says

      August 22, 2017 at 5:04 pm

      I so agree with you! Please do the right thing by Hank and his family!

      Reply
  26. Roberta Sigala says

    August 20, 2017 at 12:21 pm

    Dear, Judge please, show some compassion, and let Hank return home with his family. I pray for the Lord to unharden your heart!
    Thanks! And, God bless you!

    Reply
  27. Dreama says

    August 20, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    This will be a complete travesty if he is murdered. Facts don’t seem to matter anymore. This is breed discrimination.

    Reply
  28. IRENE TUZZOLINO says

    August 20, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    This is clearly not an aggressive dog! Please LISTEN to witness accounts and don’t let one error in judgement become a fatal tragedy.

    Reply
  29. Jenn brogan says

    August 20, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    I just want to ask the judge if this was his family dog he adopted how would he feel? This poor dog has been through enough he is in a loving family just give him the chance he deserves. Dogs are family!

    Reply
  30. Winnie Soukup says

    August 20, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    Leave this dog in his loving home.

    Reply
  31. D Graves says

    August 20, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    I have been keeping up with Hank and his strong willed family. More love and compassion has been brought about because of Hank and his family. There is only one thing to do….the absolute RIGHT thing to do…..Send Hank home!!!!! I stand strong in that statement. WE stand strong for Hank.!!!!
    Thoughts & Prayers from Louisville, Ky

    Reply
  32. MNG says

    August 20, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    This is clearly not an aggressive dog! Please LISTEN to witness accounts, review the reports from shelter and look at the home situation where. Please don’t let one error in judgement become a fatal tragedy.

    Reply
  33. Carol says

    August 20, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Why are we so quick to throw out the baby with the bath water. Ones bad they’re all bad? My son wanted a pit bull when he was 16. I thought they were bad dogs so I made an appointment with my vet. We marched in and I said please tell him why he can’t have a pit bull! Tell him what bad dogs/pets they are! The Dr. Said I can’t. Because it’s no so. It’s about bad owners, the dogs are great dogs. Please don’t follow the herd mentality. Let Hank go home.

    Reply
  34. vincent says

    August 20, 2017 at 7:20 pm

    BUREAUCRACY at its worst. i can’t believe this dog is being locked up and deprived of the love he needs and deserves. i wish i could be at that hearing. i’ll definitely be there in spirit.

    Reply
  35. tanya johnson says

    August 20, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    Hank did nothing wrong! Do the right thing judge and let him go home! Such a sweet loving boy, he certainly doesn’t deserve to be murdered. End the injustice please.

    Reply
  36. Shoecker says

    August 20, 2017 at 8:18 pm

    Thank you for writing this. Many people have been working hard to bring Hank home. Go to the Facebook page Help Save Hank or Hank’s Hero’s. The Hero site is a closed group so you have to ask to be a member. It’s a good place to keep track of what Hank’s Hero’s are doing to keep civic pressure and spreading the word about this sad story. Thousands of people around the world are watching.

    Reply
  37. Lisa price says

    August 20, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Please see that this dog holds not danger to anyone. He is such a good dog. He shows absolutely no aggression in any of the videos or pictures. Please visit the dog to come to a judgement yourself. He needs to be returned to his family. This is the way people who truly love their animals see them…as a family member. Thank you for looking further into this and please #FreeHank!

    Reply
  38. Jnowland says

    August 20, 2017 at 8:37 pm

    My heart aches for the family that adopted the dog and for the dog and even moreso for the staff at the animal control facility. They did a job of assessing the dog as tempermentally sound after spending MONTHS WITH HIM. WHY would Lewis County spend all this time defaming the staff that works so hard to rescue and save animals brought to their facility. I would assume the staff and trainers there know their job and as I see it they accurately assessed this beautiful dog correctly. The problem is a racists issue….if this dog were a cocker spaniel he would go free. NOT A FAIR GAME FOR THIS LOVELY AND PROVEN SO FAR SOUND YOUNG pitbull cross.

    Reply
  39. Hilary MacKenzie says

    August 21, 2017 at 4:52 am

    If there is proof that he has done nothing wrong, why is the judge persisting with this. It sounds like several mistakes have been made, & nobody wants to own up to them. The bottom line is that this sweet dog found a loving forever home, was removed illegally, & condemned to death for something he didn’t do. He may have four legs, but he’s part of someone’s family. If this was a two-legged family member, the state would apologize & set him free. NOW is the time to let the dog return to his family, with an apology to the humans.

    Reply
  40. DLM says

    August 21, 2017 at 8:00 am

    Please, please, let Hank go home to his family. All evidence supports his innocence, including the dash cam video which shows Hank did not kill a goat. I’ve been following Hank’s story for a long time, and can’t wait to see him go home.

    Reply
  41. Sasha Patrick says

    August 21, 2017 at 9:05 am

    This story breaks my heart.What Lewis County have put this poor dog and his family through is disgusting. Its obvious that they are trying to cover up their mistakes by standing by this ridiculous dangerous dog designation. Hank is quite clearly a very loving dog and should be at home with his family.Please do the right thing and let him go home before any more damage is done.

    Reply
  42. Tamara Blackwell says

    August 21, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Really? You don’t have to be a expert on dangerous dog behavior to see that Hank is not a dangerous dog and who ever classified him as such made a big mistake! Even a Honorable Judge can make a mistake but it seems Judge BUZZARD had a problem admitting he made one about Hank and correcting it! Now it’s up to Judge Edwards in Grays Harbor to make this terrible wrong right!! This is my county. I have high hopes that Judge Edwards steps up to the plate and does the right thing and over rules Judge BUZZARD’S ruling and send Hank home where he belongs!!

    Reply
  43. ECB says

    August 21, 2017 at 9:46 am

    Don’t punish this family with such little evidence. Conflicting eye witness accounts would have been tossed if they were prosecuting a human.

    Reply
  44. Felicia Edwards says

    August 21, 2017 at 9:59 am

    Typical government overreach by Lewis County and then not wanting to admit THEY made not one, but many mistakes. So much time and money wasted when this could have easily been resolved. How sad and corrupt. #freehank

    Reply
  45. Holley Pridmore says

    August 21, 2017 at 11:33 am

    Please do the right thing and let this dog go home! His family loves and wants him! After fostering hundreds of dogs over the last 10 years, I can tell you 2 things. 1 – Responsible families who love their pets like this one are exactly what we look for when we place a dog in a home, and 2 – If Hank were truly aggressive, he would have displayed that personality toward the family many times over when he was in the home! He’s a GOOD dog! Please free Hank!

    Reply
  46. Becky Bilokur-Tobias says

    August 21, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    We the People are watching and very tired of a Government Gone Wild!
    Guilt by association is NOT acceptable when a puppy is following his mom.
    NO proof that Hank participated = Hank should live.
    The fact that this is still in court is shameful to your record judge and we will remember come November.
    Watching from Austin Texas

    Reply
  47. C says

    August 21, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    There ia no proof that Hank is a killer dog. Why sentence him to death? Where is the justice in that? We let pedophiles, rapists, murderers walk free every day, yet we refuse to give an innocent dog a chance? Why??? Why do we trust those that harm are children in the most horrific ways by setting th free, but not a dog who has no evidence that proves he is guilty? Please let Hank live. Be that little boys hero and give him his dog back.

    Reply
  48. Colleen says

    August 21, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    Please let hank go home where he is loved

    Reply
  49. pamela boucher says

    August 21, 2017 at 9:10 pm

    I am writing also. See it black and white Hank has done no wrong at all. He is innocent and he needs to go home to his family. His sibling brother needs him now. Please do the right thing and have him go home to his family love, pam

    Reply
  50. Marilyn says

    August 21, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Free Hank!!! Please let him go back to his family!!!!

    Reply
  51. Elizabeth Jones says

    August 21, 2017 at 10:59 pm

    There is no evidence that Hank ever hurt anyone or any animal, anywhere. He was probably just having fun making them run around like any kid would in a game of tag. This is someone trying to provide CYA after the fact without actually knowing the true story. Hank should never have been taken from his adoptive family. He has never, ever shown aggression to anyone or any other animal. The judge must correct this travesty of justice and return Hank WITHOUT CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS to his loving family. Set Hank free now.

    Reply
  52. Pam Austrich says

    August 22, 2017 at 6:46 am

    The evidence proves Hank is innocent. Stop stalling and let him go home!

    Reply
  53. Nancy says

    August 22, 2017 at 7:54 am

    No judge or county has the right to tell you what you are allowed to have or own in your home ,what has happen to our freedom, please let the family keep Hank,he’s part of their family, would you like the police to come to your home and take something that is precious to you

    Reply
  54. Jessica Taylor says

    August 22, 2017 at 10:49 am

    If the video shows Hank didn’t kill the goat and the owner of the goats says it was only the other dog, I don’t understand why Hank is still listed as a dangerous dog. Please reverse the dangerous dog designation and let Hank go home.

    Reply
  55. Shayla says

    August 22, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    Set Hank free! Hank has been wrongly accused and needs to be back home with his loving family. It amazes me that Lewis County is spending so much time on a innocent dog, that they want to kill, then getting real criminals. Let Hank Go Home!!!

    Reply
  56. David says

    August 23, 2017 at 2:34 pm

    What a waste of taxpayer monies. What a waste of the courts time. Clearly, evidence and testimony show Hank to be nothing but a sweet, loving dog.

    Judge Buzzard was WRONG. The next judge WILL get it right and bring Hank home!

    Reply
  57. Deanna Jones says

    August 23, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    This is completely appalling. RETURN Hank to his loving family & his home. This is a form of animal abuse & unjust as far as I’m concerned.
    Hank was illegally seized based upon no evidence, unethical and illegal. Your Honor, please allow Hank to go home. This is a terribly irresponsible human error.
    We are praying your wisdom will override the grave injustice that has been done to Hank & his family.

    Reply
  58. Kim Pierick says

    August 23, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    Please let this much-loved dog go home to his family!

    Reply
  59. Seattle DogSpot says

    September 13, 2017 at 10:59 am

    I just posted an update about the Sept. 8 hearing at the top of this story.

    Reply
  60. Patricia Toner says

    September 18, 2017 at 9:40 am

    Please let Hank go home to his loving family.

    Reply
  61. Roberta Sigala says

    September 18, 2017 at 11:30 am

    Set Hank free! It is obvious that he is as docile as can be!
    So, please, SET HIM FREE!❤

    Reply
  62. Allison says

    September 18, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Hank is innocent. He should be allowed to return home to be with his family. This dog is NOT dangerous. Please SAVE Hank! Let him LIVE!

    Reply
  63. Mollie Vreeland says

    September 18, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Hank should not be locked up – he should be freed from that “jail”. There isn’t any proof that he killed any animal – even the owner of the animals doesn’t want him to die. This is an injustice to both Hank and his family. He has proven how gentle he is and isn’t any harm to anyone. FREE HANK NOW!!!!

    Reply
  64. Kathy Moreno says

    September 18, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    There is no proof that Hank did anything wrong. There is only legislative and inhumane disrespect for Hank and his loving family. Arizona supports 100% freedom of this innocent dog. Tormented by the system he still remains calm and loving. FREE HANK now.

    Reply
  65. Loretta says

    September 18, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    HANK IS NOT DANGEROUS,SO CALLED HUMANS ARE DANGEROUS !!!!! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

    Reply
  66. Anthony says

    September 19, 2017 at 4:24 am

    Dont kill hank

    Reply
  67. Bonnie says

    September 19, 2017 at 8:59 am

    So much for “government by the people for the people.”. The judges will pay a high price standing before the real Judge at the end of their lives!!! The Boss has his eye event on the Sparrow!

    Reply
  68. Joseph Plata says

    October 12, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I would like to asks judge Buzzard to please reconsider the desicion to euthanize Hank. The family is devastated over this dispute and Hank can benefit from the love of his family. Please allow Hank to go home.

    Thank you

    Reply
  69. Tia says

    October 17, 2017 at 10:17 am

    This poor dog has had a hard life from the start. There has been so much talk about him being a dangerous dog. ….there are people on the street that are dangerous but we have to live with it. This dog is so sweet you can see it in his demeanor. Please let HANK go home.

    Reply
    • Seattle DogSpot says

      October 17, 2017 at 10:29 am

      Amen.

      Reply

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