Union County, NC Shelter Needs To Better Rehabilitate Dogs before Adoption

Please sign and share this petition on all your media sites in an effort to get this and all shelters to perform better rehabilitation, socialization and training of all their dos prior to adoption. A dog was recently adopted out from a shelter in Union County, NC, only to attack three people and get shot. The dog was saved from euthanization just two weeks prior to the aggressive behavior that led to its ultimate death.

Many animals that are brought into shelters come from unfortunate situations; abandonment, as strays, neglect or abuse and by owners who can no longer care for them. In instances where dogs have been abused or feral, they require a great deal of training and socializing in order for them to fit into the perfect family, safely. Some dogs unfortunately cannot be fully rehabilitated due to an ill-fated past. Such was the case with the German shepherd who lost its life.

The dog was picked up as a stray, aggressive and not socialized. Six days later, the dog bit a Sheriff’s Canine Deputy who was looking for an animal to work with him. According to the Animal Bite report, the Deputy "went to put a leash on the dog and it bit.” This was not the first or last time the dog would bite someone; yet they still adopted him out, despite its aggressive behavior. The new owner tried to work with the dog and hired a trainer who also got bit during a socialization session. This dog was obviously not ready to be a part of society in a new adoptive family.

Everyone did what they could to save the dog, now known as Paul. Clai Martin, Rowan's Animal Control Supervisor, told WBTV in an email "the trainer, Winter assumed full responsibility for Paul, Paul's training and gave reasonable assurances that she had been successful in the past and would not endanger the public as part of Paul's training.” However, it is unfortunate that some dogs may never be successfully trained and/or rehabilitated to fit into society safely.

The shelter in Union County should have never adopted out this dog. All dogs do deserve a chance in life but the past the endured prior to entering a shelter sometimes cannot be eradicated from their minds and hearts. Shelters need to ensure all the dogs they adopt out will be a safe option for those who are choosing to give it a permanent home. Despite any alternative options, dogs that cannot overcome their fears and aggressive behaviors should not be put up for adoption, endangering their new owners and the public.

Please sign and share this petition on all your media sites in an effort to get this and all shelters to perform better rehabilitation, socialization and training of all their dos prior to adoption. A dog was recently adopted out from a shelter in Union County, NC, only to attack three people and get shot.