We are pleased that the Supreme Court of Texas denied the City of Dallas’ Petition for Review in Rusty’s case. This denial means that Dallas Pets Alive has the right to appeal the Municipal Court’s order, just as the Dallas 5th Court of Appeals held in December 2018, and just as two County Courts at Law found in February and March 2018. Finally, we can move forward with our appeal, which simply asks whether the City of Dallas Municipal Court correctly interpreted the law and properly applied that law to the facts and evidence in Rusty’s case. The case will now return to the County Court at Law. 

The denial by the highest Court in Texas means dog owners across the state now know there is an ABSOLUTE right to appeal a municipal court’s decision in cases involving an allegation of serious bodily injury. This affirms that our judicial system is set up in such a way as to allow more than a single, city-appointed and city-paid, judge, to determine the fate of your dog. That is due process in action, and it is every dog owner’s right to ask for a review of a determination, just like in our case. 

We will continue to update everyone on next steps as we receive them from our legal team. Thank you so much for your unwavering support for Rusty and Dallas Pets Alive. We would like to especially thank Cherie Batsel and Don Feare for their legal expertise and their dedication to Rusty. If you wish to donate to Rusty (he can always use bones, chew-proof toys, etc!) please mail them to Dallas Pets Alive, 11700 Preston Rd., Suite 660 #263, Dallas, TX 75230 and we will make sure he receives them.