We adopted Hank on January 17, 2017.  On May 7, 2017, detectives from the Sheriff's Department  came and snatched him away without an explanation.  It took a lot of tenacity and investigating to even find out what Hank had been accused of to warrant them snatching him away.  I created a website to tell his story -- it's complicated.  https://helpsavehank.com/home

 When Judge Buzzard handed down his decision in Lewis County District Court on June 19, it was heartbreaking that he didn’t consider any of the new evidence or the newly approved Ordinance 1275.  Ordinance 1275 was approved simultaneously as Hank's hearing so the judge would have it and could rule in Hank's favor.  It was even brought into the middle of Hank's hearing and handed to the judge. 

New evidence was a video that was shown and narrated by the owner of the goats (who had every right NOT to testify on Hank's behalf) showing that Hank was not aggressive towards the goat, and there was also a signed declaration by a witness to the incident that Hank did not kill the goats nor hurt the pony. 

Judge Buzzard said he didn’t believe the new evidence, and the only reason Hank hadn’t hurt or killed another animal was because he was locked up at the animal shelter.  Judge Buzzard completed dismissed the months Hank spent with us, when Hank demonstrated only a sweet, kind, and loving disposition -- a dog who only wanted to get in your lap and lick your face.

Hank is not a dangerous animal; he has never showed any aggression -- not even one time to any animal or person.  But Hank sits cooped up in the Lewis County Animal Shelter away from the family who loves and cares for him.

Judge Buzzard ordered Hank euthanized by Wednesday, June 21,but that didn't happen, and Hank has been granted a second stay until August 31 by Judge Lawler of Superior Court. 

Because all the Superior Court judges have recused themselves (citing fairness issues) in deciding whether Judge Buzzard's ruling should be reversed, we will go before Judge Edwards in Grays Harbor on August 24.  He will hear the appeal at 1:30 p.m.  We are confident our appeal will prevail, Judge Buzzard's ruling will be reversed, and Hank will be set free and be allowed to finally come home.