Well, the sad story for Nikko continues.
You may remember 9 months ago that Nikko was taken from his family in Kansas City, KS because Animal Control thought he was a 'pit bull'.
For 8 months, the folks over at Kansas City Dog Advocates worked with the owners in dealing with legal challenges and DNA testing. After 8 months, Nikko was finally released from animal control because he was indeed, nothing more than a run of the mill mutt. Nikko returned home.
Unfortunately, 8 months in the KCK shelter weren't good for Nikko (nor would they be for any dog). Plus, Nikko's owners were now preparing for the birth of a new baby and are having some difficulties with their pregnancy. Given all of this, they decided they didn't have the time to devote to getting Nikko back into life as a family again and after a difficult decision, gave Nikko up.
So after 8 months in doggie prison for no crime at all, Nikko is now homeless and has been forced into foster care with a couple of KCDA members.
He's a great dog. Fun personality. Loves to play. Loves to snuggle. Knows basic commands and can shake. He's doing really well on walks now, after initially fighting the leash (8 months of being drug around with catch poles at the city pound will do that to a dog). He gets along well with other dogs...although is a little reactive to cats. He also gets a little separation anxiety when he is initially kenneled, but settles in nicely after a few minutes.
He's pretty high energy, but nothing that the walks and some games of fetch can't overcome. He is a perfect example of fitting into Ceasar Milan's mantra: Exercise, Discipline and Affection. That's all this boy needs.
If you know of anyone or any rescue that would like to take Nikko into their program, please let me know. He's a non-pit bull (with DNA evidence to prove it), so he should have no restrictions as to where he can go. Except that his adopters will be 100% committed to being this boy's forever home.
This is just another tale of a broken family due to an ignorant and unenforceable breed specific law in Kansas City, KS. Is this really what we want our animal control departments spending their time and wasting our tax dollars doing? And after 3 lost lawsuits in 6 monhts, when will the members of city government call for an overhaulof the city's AC? Not holding my breath...
How sad.
People being dragged around by a catch pole would have trouble after release,never mind a dog.
What a way to treat an animal!
He`s a good looking boy.
Just out of curiosity,I wonder if a legal win for a dog in the US would hold up legally in Ontario?How does that work?
I`m going to put a link back to Niko on my blog.I`m sure this good looking fella will find a family.
I have a lot of US visitors.
Posted by: MAC`s GANG | March 04, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Nikko is one fantastic looking dog! I'd snatch him up in a minute, if I were able to handle one more, and if my Roo was not so rude to males!
I am going to pass his story and plea on to Roverlution and anyone else I can think of. Nikko is a huge symbol of what is wrong w/ too many AC depts, POUNDS, and city governments -- as well as a major example and proclamation that city governments are repeatedly violating citizens' constitutional rights.
He is just about famous and I believe there should be quite a few good people out there who would jump at the opportunity to train, care for, and show off this extremely handsome boy!
This is another American Tragedy that I hope and pray leads to a happy ending.
Posted by: Becky | March 04, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I'm sending lots of emails and making calls to people that might know of a good home for this stellar boy. I am saying lots of prayers too, so he gets the BEST home - he deserves it.
Posted by: KC KS Kills Dogs | March 05, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Poor Nikko. Another victim of a dog gulag run with tax dollars. Too many dogs are ruined and killed in municipal pounds, the UK has hundreds of horror stories.
I propose that every lame animal control/services manager and officer should be dragged by the neck with a catchpole, so they understand the dog's point of view. The good ones already understand.
Posted by: SocialMange | March 05, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Breaks my heart, knowing all he that he must have suffered. Still, he is a very good dog!
Posted by: Becky | March 05, 2008 at 10:44 PM
More than upsetting. It's amazing that time is spent on breaking up a perfectly happy family when it seems there are some terribly wrong things going on in our world that should be dealt with.
This poor dog. I'm hoping for Law of Attraction for this boy and he will end up with a great home with the plan of exercise, discipline, and affection!
Posted by: K9 Coach | March 06, 2008 at 12:24 AM
What did the DNA result show this dog to be a mix of? Please let us know.
Posted by: Cindy | March 06, 2008 at 08:21 AM
First off, let me note that I'm not sold on the DNA testing thing just yet, but according to the test, Nikko is 100%, certifiable, DNA tested Mutt.
According to the test, he is about 1/12 Staffordshire terrier, with noticable amounts (but less than 1/12) of Cavelier King Spaniel and Miniature Schnauzer. The rest is just trace amounts of stuff.
If I were to judge him based on looks (and I have a few pretty expert opinions too) I'd say he was part Rhodesian Ridgeback, and part bulldog/boxer of some type.
But according to the DNA test, he's a mutt.
Posted by: Brent | March 06, 2008 at 10:26 AM
There is no common sense in government. With breed specific legislation officals are trying to cuddle up to the vocal minority.
Posted by: Ricky | March 06, 2008 at 11:20 AM