Please help me bring change now! 

I started this petition due to an unjust situation I saw unfolding in the city of Mount Vernon, Indiana. I was not only seeing injustice in justice, but over 30,000 people around the globe were also drawn to this situation as well. So, what was the situation? It, was about a dog named Jager. I saw what I call malicious prosecution for a crime the dog didn’t commit. 

Click here to read more about his story: FreeJager.com  

Long story short, a dog, Jager, was accused of biting his human child in the home when she accidently stepped on him while he was asleep. It startled the dog and then the incident occurred. However, upon diagnosis from the attending physician of the child, it was determined as a “laceration due to paw” in the discharge notes. However, the city, judge, and state supreme court disregarded this and allowed the dog to be charged with biting.  

The city of Mount Vernon has an ordinance that says a dog bite is subject to the destruction of the dog. Due to this wrongful conviction the dog was sentenced to death. Prior to this being carried out, the mayor recently stated to the news, that the dog has been stolen by a vigilante before they could carry out their cruel intention, the execution. As the story continues to unfold, I find it important to take an opportunity for a city to change their laws when it comes to euthanizing an animal due to a city ordinance. 

It’s time to tell the mayor and city council of Mount Vernon, IN, that many people who reside in their community and around the world support a change. To end an ordinance and prevent other dogs from being treated unfairly, with bias, and ending up like Jager. A system that failed him. Where beliefs over facts prevailed.

Please help me help others bring change in Mount Vernon, Indiana and sign the petition to remove from the municipal code;

§ 91.32 DESTRUCTION OF DOGS.

All dogs which have bitten any person or persons shall be deemed to be vicious and dangerous and are subject to destruction after a ten-day impoundment.

(Ord. 12-24, passed 11-15-12)

This ordinance is unfair and outdated. It should be replaced with a Potential Vicious or Dangerous Dog Review Board which has 4 members on the board. 

Below is a sample of a replacement code, that should be used in lieu of the DESTRUCTION OF DOGS municipal code;

Potentially Dangerous or Vicious Dog Review Board

·         Establishment of Review Board 

(a) A potentially dangerous or vicious dog review board is hereby established consisting of three (4) members appointed by the city council of the, priority for which shall be given to local residents. 

(b) The three (4) members of the review board shall consist of two (2) members at large who shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older who is a resident of the city, one (1) member who is a state licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or MD, and one (1) member who is a certified dog trainer or certified animal behaviorist. Whenever possible the city council shall attempt to appoint members to this board who reside or whose businesses are operated in the city. Each member shall be appointed and serve for a two-year term or until a successor is appointed, whichever is last to occur. Such members serve at the pleasure of the city council and may at any time be removed by a vote of the majority of the city council. 

(c) The purpose of the review board is to review any petition filed by Animal Control that seeks to declare a dog as a potentially dangerous or vicious dog. 

In ending, the purpose of the review board is to give an alternative to a death sentence whether it be rehabilitation, training, or forced to not reside in the city. Death should not be the end result. There are other forms of punishment determined on a case-by-case basis, by the board.

We have an opportunity to bring change and rally the community to show the city council what should be. A city is for the people, by the people. They mayor and council are meant to serve at the pleasure of their citizens. The dog’s punishment is extremely harsh and cruel with the current code. Alternatives exist and we seek those instead of death.

Show your support now by signing and telling the city to remove the DESTRUCTION OF DOGS from municipal code and replace it with a review board.