Hello everyone, I am here for No'vie who is a husky/malamute and part wolf. The Richmond Police Department has labeled No'vie as "vicious" under the city's animal ordinances because it bit a woman "without" provocation. With that being said, let's go through the story.
On May 16th 2016, someone tried to enter their house while they were out-of-state for the day, while doing so realized that inside the house were two dogs. As they ran they also left both doors open to where the dogs can get out. Just like little kids sneaking out they went and took a stroll on the town. No'vie's partner Staussi jumped a fence as he stayed on the other side, while there were three small dogs that greeted Staussi. We aren't sure what happened but Staussi jumped the fence back over and they proceeded to go home, when doing so the owner of the three dogs noticed one of her dogs were bit. Staussi and No'vie went home and laid on their own lawns, as 8-10 police officers arrived with guns drawn. One of the officers said that he felt concerned and that he can tell No'vie is trying to protect his territory (home), so he went and took cover in his car.
According to testimony by RPD Officer William Purcell, RPD Capt. Bobby Lipps and Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Doug Bullock, the two dogs appeared aggressive and both men felt threatened. Purcell retreated to his car, recognizing that the dogs might be defending their property. "I didn't want to taunt the dogs," he said. - paragraph taken from the newspaper Pal-item
Every time someone were to get close to the property he would growl and show teeth, not once biting the officers. The owner who was only 20 minutes away now trying to get back as quickly as possible, an Officer told her that if somebody didn't get there soon they will both be dead. She called a friend who gladly went but also hasn't seen them in a year. As one of the officers advised her (not told) to stay away she went up to No'vie. He gave her a warning bite but once realizing who she was he let go immediately. Animal Control brought both dogs to a local kill shelter where Staussi was put down by owner consent after being convince by an Animal Control Officer. No'vie was stuck in a cement/brick kennel for 40 days where he was repeatedly sprayed down by a high-powered hose and his water was literally the color brown.
The 7-year-old dog, Novie, who bit the family friend without provocation was declared "vicious" by a unanimous vote of the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety on Thursday June 23rd. Board member Tony Foster voted against the motion because he favored Novie's return to his owners, Mike and Cari Carpenter of Richmond.
After the decision was placed by the Board, Major Britt got together with a local non kill shelter to see if he can be moved to a better environment until the appeal process goes through. No'vie has now since been at H.E.L.P the Animals being taken care of by the local animal activist Jayne Knox. After getting to know No'vie she feels he is not vicious and that he should go home.

The following was taken from paper Pal- item -

"The fate of what the city of Richmond has termed a "vicious" dog is now in the hands of Union County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Cox.
Cox held a status conference in the case recently and listened to brief arguments about an appeal filed by dog owner Cari Carpenter over the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety’s decision last summer to terminate her ownership.
Carpenter filed the appeal on July 12, asking for a judicial review of the board of works' determination that her canine is a vicious dog. The appeal asks that the court vacate orders terminating Carpenter’s ownership and re-homing the dog.
Carpenter also asked for a change of venue, which brought the case to Union County.
During the status conference, Indianapolis attorney Ashlie Keaton, who represents Carpenter, argued the court may review additional information concerning the case. Richmond attorney A.J. Sickmann, who represents the city and its officials, disagreed, saying this isn’t the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Cox said it is his understanding that the June hearing on the vicious dog complaint was recorded on a flash drive, and he requested that the hearing be transcribed so he can review it and reach his own conclusions. Sickmann said a portion of the recording is missing.
“I tend to agree with the city,” Cox said, “but there will be no decision until after the transcription. My only role here is to see what the board did and why.
"If there’s no evidence, you win,” Cox said to Carpenter. “If I find the city has sufficient evidence, the city wins.” "

Please help No'vie by signing this petition, he just wants to go home! His family misses him dearly, and they have been fighting tooth and nail for months just to be able to hold him again. The love that they have for No'vie is unbounded and they have shown that they care deeply about their pet. His fate is in the hands of the court now and we need to be the voice for No'vie!

Sign this petition, so that Judge Matthew Cox can see our pleas!