Local moms in Simi Valley, California, recently noticed Luca, a 6 year old pure breed long-haired German Shepherd, riding and balancing on the back of his owner's bike. Luca's owner, an unhoused woman facing significant challenges. Luca has been cared for, food has been provided by a local pet store and Luca is loved by so many residents (adults and kids). The mom's group was able to help and managed to get a bike carrier donated for Luca's comfort and safety.

Luca was taken to the Camarillo Animal Shelter on May 20, 2026 after a bite incident at the park. Sadly, on July 15, 2026, he was officially labeled as "vicious" due to bites recorded in his history, although those who know him see a sweet and protective side. Luca has only ever attempted to guard his beloved owner (mostly from men as she is a single petite female living on the streets). Tragically, the shelter's decision means Luca faces the grim outcome of being euthanized unless we take immediate action.

Luca's owner has exercised her rights responsibly under California law by appealing this decision. However, amid her extreme hardship, the road to securing Luca's future remains steep and fraught with challenges. Legal help is expensive, and the best solution for Luca is an out of state transport to his original breeder.

We are calling for an urgent intervention to grant a conditional out-of-state release to Luca's breeder during this appeal process. This would provide Luca with a safe haven/permanent solution where he can live the rest of his life as a dog on several acres in an unincorporated area in Arizona. Luca's previous breeder is the best and only option in preventing the irreversible decision to euthanize him.

Long-haired German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about their behavior. Luca has not been given the opportunity for evaluation and rehabilitation, rather just a hasty judgment against him. Luca has not even been scanned for a microchip which would list his breeder as owner because the shelter officers stated "no one has gotten close enough to scan him". I offered to scan him and take any risks but they denied my request. Luca has been in a kennel, with no human interaction, love, care, touch, bath etc for over 60 days! Living on the street has been hard for Luca and his owner, yet Luca thrived with constant human interactions, which he gets none of now.

Luca's littermates all have calm gentle temperaments, they live in a home, are not on protective duty 24/7 as Luca has been the past 6 years of his life (Born 6/9/2020).

We ask Ventura County authorities to consider Luca’s case with compassion and reason, understanding the unique circumstances surrounding his situation. Let's give Luca a second chance to thrive, to live and be a dog. Public safety is paramount, but euthanasia is completely unnecessary in this case. A highly structured, permanent alternative exists right now. Luca’s original breeder is located completely outside the state of California, in Maricopa County, AZ.

The breeder/rescue has stepped forward to:

1- Fully assume legal ownership and liability of Luca (ID# A822068).
2- Safely transport Luca out of Ventura County and the State of California immediately.
3- Keep Luca in a secure, breed-appropriate facility that eliminates any risk to the local public.

Under California law, a court reviewing a vicious dog determination has the authority to impose conditions upon ownership to protect public welfare instead of destroying the animal. Removing Luca entirely from California to a professional breeder, who is also a non profit rescue and rehabilitation trainer, is the ultimate protection for local public safety, while still being humane.

1- Enforce the Legal Stay: Ensure that no execution of the destruction order takes place regarding ID# A822068 is active and pending in the Ventura County Superior Court. 

2 -Settle via Conditional Release: We urge the County Counsel and Ventura County Animal Services to settle the appeal by agreeing to a stipulated court order allowing the breeder to take immediate, permanent custody of Luca for immediate out-of-state relocation.

URGENT Demands:

1. Do not kill Luca while his August 13 de novo appeal hearing, any legal challenge, and any proposed resolution remain pending.

2. Support a court-approved resolution that allows Luca to be released to his original out-of-state rescue/breeder under appropriate written terms.

3. Choose the lawful, humane return path: let Luca leave VCAS alive with the rescue/breeder prepared to take responsibility for him.

By signing this petition, we can show our support for Luca and influence county officials to reconsider, potentially saving a loyal companion's life and allowing Luca to live the rest of his life in a calm and safe place. This will then allow his owner the opportunity to get her life in order.

Please join us in advocating for Luca by signing and sharing this petition with others who understand the depth of the human-animal bond. Together, we can secure a brighter future for Luca.

PLEASE - Sign and share widely.