Just two days after his adoption, Franklin was returned to the Camarillo Animal Shelter and is now facing a tragic fate simply because he didn’t have enough time to adjust and feel safe in his new environment. Franklin, a beloved canine, is currently in quarantine, set to be euthanized on July 16, 2026, at 11 am if no rescue intervenes on his behalf. The shelter plans to euthanize based on bite Dunbar level, a decision made out of context and stripped of compassion.

Franklin’s behavior, like that of many animals, can change drastically under the stress of transitioning to new homes. He was unable to find comfort and assurance, and like in any unfamiliar situation, fear can manifest as aggression. It’s crucial to understand these behaviors are not characteristic but rather reactive to the changes in their surroundings. Ending Franklin’s life because of these temporary behavioral responses is a gross misjudgment.

Moreover, the proposed method to euthanize rather than rehabilitate shows a lack of effort to preserve life when other viable options exist. Animal sanctuaries provide a haven where animals like Franklin can live peacefully, manage their behaviors, and have the chance to thrive. There is a permanent sanctuary ready to welcome Franklin and give him the life he truly deserves—free from the threat of execution and experimentation.

We must urge Camarillo Animal Shelter to reevaluate their decision. The shelter’s current practice of not providing enough adaptation time for adopted animals, and their immediate transition to euthanasia based on an isolated incident, showcases a policy that needs reformation. Franklin deserves a chance to be rehabilitated and understand trust and care in a sanctuary environment.

Let’s stand up for Franklin and all the other animals that deserve a second chance. By signing this petition, you are advocating for alternative solutions to euthanasia and promoting the option for sanctuary placements as a humane and viable alternative. Sign to send Franklin to safety, peace, and a nurturing environment. Sign to stop the needless cruelty.

Please do NOT "euthanize" Franklin!  He is in quarantine and you know he will be beheaded and his brain sliced and diced.  This is animal cruelty.  Please send him to a sanctuary after his quarantine.  There is a permanent sanctuary out there for him.

🐾 Pupdate: Franklin A881673 in k129 received an extension but will be EUTHANIZED at the Camarillo Animal Shelter Thursday July 16, 2026 at 11am unless a rescue is willing to give him a chance! 

Franklin had been adopted for just 2 DAYS prior to the bite incident that sealed his fate although he was a volunteer favorite to many including one of the junior volunteers.

Franklin’s Shelter Website Profile-

https://animalservices.venturacounty.gov/viewan-2/?ida=A881673

Shelter Euthanasia Notification-

Reason for Review: This dog inflicted multiple bites to people (Level 3-5) with unidentified, or poorly defined trigger. (Unhealthy/Untreatable)

Documented Incidents / Bite Circumstances-

July 10, 2026 - Both adopters and the dog were sitting next to each other on a couch when the male adopter reached to place hand on his wife's leg. Dog bit him on the left hand and would not let go. The female adopter attempted to move away from the incident, and the dog released the man's hand and turned to bite and hold her on the elbow and forearm - photos show a puncture on her left forearm, a shallow puncture on the underside of her forearm, and a what appears to be at least four breaks to skin on the elbow. This bite can be described as at least one level 3 bite, but due to the locations of the injuries it appears to have required at least two contacts or a regrip during the bite and hold. The male owner hit the dog several times in order to try to protect his wife, and the dog turned and bit the man on his right hand and arm and again, would not release his grip each time he bit, the man hit the dog several times to attempt to disengage the bite and protect himself, but dog repeatedly bit. The male victim had multiple punctures to his hand, wrist, and abrasions and deep punctures on two different contact points on his forearm. This multi-bite incident can best be described as at least a Level 5 bite. Level 5: Multiple-bite incident with at least two Level 4 bites or multiple-attack incident with at least one Level 4 bite in each. A Level 4. One to four punctures from a single bite with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog's canine teeth. May also have deep bruising around the wound (dog held on for N seconds and bore down).
Additional Considerations: In a previous adoptive home, the dog was reported to have become aggressive with one of the adopters. They stated that they were all playing in their backyard and one adopter was sitting next to the dog when the dog began growling, showing teeth, and tried to bite them. The adopter stood up and tried to talk to the dog calmly and the dog stopped and laid down. The adopter did not feel this behavior was playful and they returned the dog to the shelter because of it.

Prognosis: Poor. Dogs that bite at Level 4 have insufficient bite inhibition, and those involved in Level 5 bites are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury to people. VCAS does not place dogs into our community that have inflicted bites of this severity as they are a threat to public safety and are unhealthy/untreatable. Humane euthanasia is recommended.

Note: For approved non-profit rescue/adoption organizations-

*** Should you wish to rescue this dog, you must request to do so by replying to this email:

vcar.rescue@ventura.org 

**** Before 11am Tuesday July 14, 2026 which is when this dog is scheduled to be euthanized.  

If you request to pull this dog prior to euthanasia, the dog must be removed from our facility no later than Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11am. In the event that there are requests from multiple qualified/approved rescue organizations, we will release the dog to the first qualified organization that comes to the shelter to pick-up the dog. If the animal remains in our facility past the 48-hour extension, we will proceed with humane euthanasia without any additional notification to the rescue organizations.

This dog is currently under quarantine at Ventura County Animal Services in Camarillo, CA until 7/20, if you want to transfer this dog into your care you must be able to maintain the dog under isolation until released on 7/20.

Please no political angst comments, that does no good for Franklin, this post is purely to share info with possible Doberman rescue organizations. 

Thank you for sharing!