Zeus, a beloved 3-year-old Bull Mastiff and cherished family member, is facing a devastating Euthanasia Order issued by Lake County Special Master Chuck Johnson, following a recommendation from Lake County Animal Services Director, Whitney Bolston.

The incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when a neighbor's dog — who has a history of being off-leash — bolted out of its yard and began marking the neighbor beside the Family's garbage cans and then ran to their property and proceeded to mark the fence where Zeus and two smaller dogs were contained. The neighbor was actively calling and chasing after her loose dog, causing quite the commotion in the process and causing all the dogs to bark in excitement. As the neighbor struggled to pick up and regain control of her dog at the fence, Zeus leapt over in an attempt to go after the dog and accidentally bit the neighbor on the forearm. Upon realizing what had happened, Zeus immediately released and retreated inside the house, visibly shaken and trembling. The injury required minor stitches. 

Rather than consider the context or evaluate Zeus’s behavior, Ms. Bolston recommended euthanasia without performing a behavioral assessment — despite claiming her staff is trained in conducting them. This recommendation was made without fully accounting for the mitigating circumstances or acknowledging the neighbor’s negligence in allowing her dog to roam free. Notably, the neighbor has faced no consequences, while Zeus now faces death.

Zeus has no history of aggression. He has never jumped the fence, chased, or attacked anyone or anything before. He is a gentle giant — a true representative of the Bull Mastiff breed, which is known for being protective but never aggressive and affectionate. Zeus has peacefully coexisted with rescued kittens, small dogs, chickens, a duck, and even a bunny. He is also an emotional support animal for his 15-year-old owner who suffers from anxiety and is homeschooled for this reason.

This decision to euthanize Zeus is not only unjust — it is heartbreaking. We sought compromise by requesting the option to work with a certified trainer or have Zeus placed in a reputable rescue for rehabilitation if needed. We even proposed long-term safety measures such as annual registration,  behavioral check-ins and being muzzled when in public. All of these alternatives were denied.

We believe this reflects a deeper issue with Lake County Animal Services’ approach to large-breed dogs — punishing them swiftly and harshly, while overlooking owner negligence and smaller breed infractions.

We urge Lake County officials to:

Reverse the Euthanasia Order for Zeus issued by Special Master Johnson; Withdrawal the Recommendation for Euthanasia by Director Bolston;  Review and revise current euthanasia policies;
Incorporate behavioral assessments and alternative safety measures before recommending euthanasia; and
Ensure accountability for all pet owners, regardless of breed size.
Let’s make sure euthanasia is truly a last resort — not a first response! Saving Zeus can help save countless other innocent animals who deserve a second chance.

Please sign this petition to support Zeus and call for fair and compassionate treatment of all animals in Lake County.