By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Lewis County leaders have changed the rules once and now they are prepared to do it again to avoid euthanizing a dog that was condemned under a set of strict procedures regarding animals that kill a domestic animal or severely injure a human.
Hank the pit bull terrier who remains impounded at the Lewis County Animal Shelter is at the center of a controversy in which his supporters say he was wrongly designated a dangerous dog after he was implicated with his mother in killing two goats last year in Winlock. He was just a puppy and his mother was the actual attacker, they say.
Tank, now Hank
Under Lewis County code, there was no option other than death for the canine, once his original owner decided she couldn’t meet the county demands including an escape-proof enclosure and a $500,000 bond. However, unbeknownst to most county officials, the dog was spirited out of the shelter because “there was a feeling it wasn’t really dangerous.”
His name was changed from Tank to Hank and the 2-year-old was adopted to a Centralia family unaware of his background. Jann Propp-Estimo described the dog she met at the shelter in January as just wagging his tail with a stuffed toy in his mouth, the only dog there not barking. Shelter Manager Amy Hanson had written in a message trying to persuade a rescue group to take him, that he continued to be a polite sweet dog at all times.
Hank lived with Propp-Estimo and then her son and grandson until May, when the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office and the Board of (Lewis) County Commissioners learned what had occurred and he was impounded again.
Criminal charges were filed against Hanson and her boss, Danette York, but have been put on hold in a case that is being handled by the Pacific County Prosecutor’s Office.
Commissioners, working with Lewis County Civil Deputy Prosecutor David Fine, approved an amendment to the dangerous dog ordinance that allowed Propp-Estimo to ask a Lewis County District Court judge to erase the label of dangerous, through allowing consideration of new evidence including present behavior. That effort failed in June, was appealed and has been upheld.
Now, county commissioners and Fine are contemplating another amendment which basically says, even if a dog meets the definition of a dangerous animal, Lewis County District Court has other options besides ordering the dog to be put down.
Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer said today the proposed change is not because of any predicament the county finds itself in, having adopted the pet out to a family and then taking it back. Propp-Estimo and Bellingham animal lawyer Adam Karp have a case seeking relief in federal court.
“I think everyone agrees, no one wants to kill the dog,” Meyer said.
The code amendment would allow District Court other avenues, he said.
Board of (Lewis) County Commissioners Chair Gary Stamper said the idea is a more flexible code going forward. Times and attitudes towards pets have changed, he said.
“People had the idea we wanted the dog euthanized,” Stamper said. “That’s not the case.”
In early August, a dozen individuals stood outside the Historic Lewis County Courthouse, holding up “Honk for Hank” signs and showing their support. They brought commissioners signatures they said were from more than 148,000 people who wanted to save the pit bull terrier. Meyer today spoke of getting a phone call from someone in another state about Hank.
A public hearing on the proposed code changes will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 2 in the same building, where commissioners hold their meetings. People can share their opinions at that time, in person and also in writing.
Ordinance 1280 would amend Chapter 6.05, “Animals,” of the Lewis County code because, “the public interest is best served by permitting a District Court judge, in a limited circumstance, to permit a dangerous dog not to be euthanized.”
The greater discretion it would give a Lewis County District Court judge includes the judge may rule that an animal that harbors a potential to, or is even likely to harm people or domestic animals, can be released to a party to the action. The judge can order it to be housed and maintained under specified conditions subject to proof of compliance.
If adopted, it could be enacted immediately.
“We knew there were some errors, we tried to right the ship as quick as possible,” Stamper said.
•••
For background, read “Higher court agrees with Judge Buzzard’s order that dog should be euthanized” from Friday September 8, 2017, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Thank God I hope Lewis County finally corrects the mistake they made about Hank! Their is the public watching this case and what Lewis County has put Hank and his family through is outrageous!! You need to make this right and free Hank immediately if not sooner. Not all Pitbulls are bad and it’s really sad that they are one of the most abused breed of dog!! Please do the right thing Lewis County and free this poor dog he has Suffered enough along with is family and the public that care about him!!! DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!
I’ve had many dogs shot for going on to Neighbors property there’s ea way to get around this new code. Shoot first ask questions later. Right? Lcso?
I support the changes to the Lewis County Code.
The barbaric practice of killing pets because it’s convenient for humans simply must stop. Killing pets for fear of a lawsuit must stop. Killing pets to somehow justify a bad decision must stop. Killing pets based on breed discrimination must stop. Just stop. We are talking about lives here. Breathing, feeling, caring lives created by the Almighty himself.
Hank is one of those lives. Support for Hank has come from people far beyond Lewis County. Rightly so. Let us also support Amy Hanson and Danette York. But for their compassion and courage, Hank would already be dead.
Filing charges against Amy and Danette is reprehensible. The idea that they knowingly broke a county code & willfully hid the fact that Hank had previously been WRONGLY labeled, is completely ridiculous. Hanks name change has seemingly been put out in the press as proof of some sort of criminal intent. Absurd. Shelters often change the names of dogs and cats that come through their doors. A dog named Jack has a better chance at adoption then one named Killer. That is just the way it is.
The actions taken by these two ladies on behalf of Hank was based on common sense, years of experience and compassion. They have been doing this day in and day out, year after year, for the thousands and thousands of unwanted pets that have come through the doors of the Lewis County Animal Shelter. They should be commended, not condemned.
“Any society, any nation, is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members ; the last, the least, the littlest.”
Cardinal Roger Mahony
I have been following this case from Plano, Texas and signed the petition. Hank’s plight is on my mind day and night because he has been dealt a blatantly unfair death sentence. The evidence shows he did not kill the goats. Even the goats’ owner testified that Hank is innocent. Yet the judges ignored the facts and ruled that Hank must die. That is just wrong! I hope the code changes are approved so that Hank can go home where he belongs. He and his family have suffered enough because of the questionable actions of certain officials.
I’m so happy to see that someone is finally doing the right thing! This dog needs to be home where he belongs with his family! Please release him as soon as possible! With every day that passes both the dog and family are more wounded. They deserve to be happy, together now!
Hank has been wrongly accused and labeled a dangerous dog without evidence that this was true. Even the goats owner testified it was Hanks Mom and not him. Do the right thing. Return Hank to his family without the label of dangerous dog. You should also pay the attorney fees, and no fees should be charged to his family for keeping him. FREE HANK. (from South Carolina)
This animal by all reports and evidence has never shown any aggression to anyone, h7man or animal. Even the owner of the goats that were killed by Banks mother agrees that Hank had no part in the killing.
In our legal system we have all kinds of levels of culpability and degrees of severity of punishment. Yet for this dog, a puppy at the time of the incident, the punishment went from zero to death with no middle ground. Even the support of many actual people with nam3s, addresses, email and so on the legal system has turn3d a deaf ear to this case! I have never even heard of any behavioral testing being done on Hank, What was his classification as dangerous based on? At least let him be given a behavior test and don’t just kill him!
Poor Hank is a victim of circumstance. Don’t take his life & punish him for a crime he did not commit. Every life is precious, including Hank’s. Send him home to his family.
Let Hank Go!!!! PLEASE…………………………..
I’ve been following this case from Seneca, IL from the beginning.
It seems that every generation has it’s own “evil ” dog that you should be afraid of. My Grandmother and Mom were afraid of German Shepherds. My generation was afraid of Doberman Pinschers, Then it was Rottweilers . Now it is Pitties.
It’s a shame. What’s next? Chihuahuas? Pomeranians? Those little ankle biters can do some damage!
Time to stop the labels! Just like a children “Learn What They Live”, so do animals!
Hank needs to come home to the family he loves! It is obvious from photos and videos that he is just plain happy to have a family that loves him and that he can love!
Humans are allowed bail, why not Hank?
Hank needs to be released to his family where he belongs. He has been seperated from the love and security of his home for long enough while politicians play games with his life. This animal deserves a life, a family and love – NOT death. He did NOTHING wrong and we as a society think it is ok to just kill him because of how he looks. No one is listening to the people that witnessed the incident and stated that it was NOT Hank that killed, but his mother. Free Hank!!
This is going on long enough!! Send Hank back to his family. He is a sweet, healthy, playful pup that was wrongfully accused and his punishment, they want to put him down!!! So many people have put their necks on the line for this dog because they know he has a sweet temperament and is not a dangerous dog. This is so emotional to me I can’t stand to imagine the pain the family is going through. I pray for all involved keep fighting!!! Love you, Hank❤️ Brooklyn, New York is pulling for you 🐾🐾
Please let this dog go home. Look outside the bx
I don’t see why or how it’s taken all this noise to give Hank back to his loving family?? He was a puppy when this was suppose to have happened, as a long time dog and other pet owner, I seriously doubt that a puppy would do something like he’s suppose to have done!! My heart is broken, not only for poor little Hank who’s lived so long locked in a cage, instead of the arms of his loving family who miss him greatly, but his family as well! What nightmare for both of them and yes, dogs most certainly have feelings and a heart! Please release Hank, let the wounds of being away from his family and loved ones touch, hugs and kisses begin to heal in the home of his family that love him and have fought so hard for him, let alone half the U.S. and probably others around the world too. My heart is broken for this family, please get them all back together again. Love, thoughts and my heart sent from Eastern Kentucky 🙁
Please let this dog go home. Look outsolide the box
Please save this dog. Look outside the box
if Hank gets euthanized because he’s guilty BY ASSOCIATION (being with his mother), NOT because he actually killed one of the goats, then that asshat from Grays Harbor that raped and hung the dog needs to be put down, too – he’s a dangerous animal – much more so than Hank!
What a joke, this dog is now famous. What a waste of money and time. The system is corrupt, that we know. Until we get rid of these biased judges and commissioners nothing will change.
All “Lewis county sirens” (facebook page) has been is a “have you seen this dog/ cat” hardly any relevant news anymore. Everyone should stop attacking everyone else online and go back to putting a hard days work for some well earned great sleep. Everyone needs to go back to caring for their own business and stop getting involved with everyone elses minor details of everyday life.
Stop texting/media and driving
This animal was a puppy when his mother ‘allegedly’ killed a goat, that was apparently roaming free. ‘Guilty by association’ for a puppy, is not only inhumane, it is absurd. It is apparent that everyone involved in this case (except possibly the first judge who condemned him) that no one involved, nor the 150,000 plus individuals around the world who have been following this case, want this innocent animal destroyed. I am one of them, as are the 250 members of my organization, that is dedicated to the rescue of ‘at risk’ dogs. Please follow this link:
https:// drive.google. com/open?id=0BwTY-NJq2wdxcXZ6UF9UYWtHR1U
Mr Meyer & Mr Stamper- Please explain to the hundreds of thousands of people following this case- if “no one wants to see” Hank killed, then WHY, WHY, WHY was he seized from Jann Propp- Estonia, and WHY, WHY, WHY is this case being allowed to continue???
You have BOTH just admitted, in PRINT, that there is no real “plaintiff” in this case- that is, no injured party, or “victim,” has alleged specifically that Hank caused damage to their person or property, & so no injured person has requested relief from the court in the form of having Hank put down. You have STATED that the COUNTY officials & the office of the prosecutor have no desire to have Hank killed, and have, in fact, actively worked to save him. Therefore, you’ve admitted, in print & in public, that you are wasting the taxpayer’s money & the time of elected officials, which isn’t something anyone wants. This case involves a dog- which is legally defined as “property”- being in the vicinity of another dog-also property- that harmed livestock- still property. A dog cannot be brought up on criminal charges by law, as they aren’t human. The prior owner isn’t being charged with criminal “animals at large” at this time. Therefore, no matter what ordinances were in effect at the time, this is a property case, and must be a civil matter. There is no valid or legal justification for ANY government agency to continue to move on this case unless some “plaintiff” is pressing charges for the damage to the property. The owner of the goat isn’t. You say that neither the County Prosecutor nor the County Commisioners want Hank killed. So then NO ONE is bringing charges. NO ONE. Now, you may claim you “have to” proceed under the County ordinance at the time. That isn’t true. For example- if a person reports their significant other beat them, & the police arrest the sig other, the courts can’t convict the person if the one who reported it later refuses to press charges. And that’s a criminal matter. A govt body ALWAYS has some lee-way, & courts almost never proceed against a defendant if a victim refuses to press charges. All you have to do is go to the Shelter, release the dog, and advise the court that, as the “victim” says Hank didn’t kill his livestock & wont press charges against him or his owners, the County refuses to proceed & has released him. Unless you think the judge is going to send the court bailiff after Hank, it’s really that simple. What you are doing now, seizing a dog from its rightful owner, who adopted him in good faith from a County Shelter, after he passed temperament tests, is nothing short of criminal. Let me ask you- have refunded to Jann Propp-Estimo the adoption fees plus any & all amounts she paid for vet bills, food, & shelter when she adopted Hank in good faith, as she apparently was “boarding” a shelter dog? If not, then whoever took Hank stole her dog. She should demand their arrest. Have you considered the cost to the County of the future suit for pain, suffering & emotional distress that will be filed by her grandson, who was apparently given Hank? He’s the age where this will be scarring to his temperament? Have you considered the loss of income to the county, when people who read about this case refuse to visit, shop there, frequent your businesses, etc? And do you understand, in no way, shape or form would Hank be euthanized. Euthanasia is a mercy killing for the ease of those in pain with no hope of survival. Killing an animal for human “convenience” is just a convenience kill; it doesn’t get to be called euthanasia. So why is this case proceeding? You would have already been removed from office in my district for this kind of monumental abuse of power & waste of taxpayer money.
Slaughter our unborn children. Save the dogs. What a messed up world we live in.
Hank does not appear to be a dangerous or aggressive dog from what I
have seen, or read. Stereotyping a specific breed is wrong! I have had first hand experience with a Pit Bull that was used as a bait dog. He was rescued and rehomed. He is a very loyal, loving dog! Lives on a
farm. Never a threat to any of the animals. Loves children and the other dog. He has been in his new home for seven years now and
” Loving Life”… Let Hank go home!!!
It’s time to stand up and do the RIGHT thing! Hank and his family has suffered enough! Lewis County the world is watching!!! Sending prayers from Louisville KY!!
Hank is innocent, please do the right thing and return him to his family! Change the negative perception of “bad breeds” by speaking the truth. There is no evidence of a “dangerous breed” of dog. Dogs aren’t born mean anymore than children are. This comes from stories of ignorant, cruel people that chose LARGE dogs to fight & be mean.
Hank the dog won’t kill or attack anyone because he wasn’t dangerous to begin with, relevant facts were waived by legal powers-that-be when this dismissive judgement was made! Hank isn’t a dangerous dog.
I love the whole “no one wants to euthanize the dog” line. That is why it took court proceedings, 148K people signing a petition, a FB page dedicated to bringing this case to light, and phone calls from around the country to get them to consider changing policy and saving Hank’s life.
My name is Alissa Iam 6 years old my mom and I prayed for you Hank and for all the animals in the world, animals are created it by God they are beautiful in the name of Jesus please free Hank.
Please free Hank, I have been following this case from Delrona FL and I have also contacted the governors office on this. There is no proof that this pup did anything wrong. How can you put a death sentence on him? Hank and his family has suffered enough. FREE HANK NOW….Watching and following in Deltona Florida..and no still cleaning up from hurricane Irma, but I make time to check on him several times a day.
The story TONYS Tale a Arizona tragedy is heartbreaking to say the least. Please put an end to this horrific practice of judging and killing pit bulls and pit mixes just because of peoples lack of education.This breed was once used to watch over infants believe it , its true. THey are some of the sweetest dogs. I own one I know. It is humans that have hurt this breed with their evil ways of dog fighting. Punish the people who partake in such evil acts. Honesty I dont understand how anyone could find enjoyment in harming any animal! Dont let what happened to Tony happen to sweet Hank please! Tony was innocent and so is HANK!
Hank has been falsely imprisoned long enough. He is of no danger to anyone of the shelter would not have gone against the order and adopted him out! Even the farmer whose goats were killed doesnt want hank killed and had no evidence he attacked his goats! The family who adopted him knew nothing of his past and should be allowed to have their dog back! Even if Hank did attack the goats (which he clearly did not) does not not mean he is a threat to humans or other dogs! You are torturing this poor dog by keeping him locked up and not allowing his family to even visit him! Send hank home!
What more evidence do you need to prove Hank should be freed. He’s a sweet dog that happens to be a pit bull wrongfully accuoof something he didn’t do . Even the owners of the animals attacked have stated he was not involved. What if it was your dog in this circumstance would you be out there fighting for him? My Lord I’d hope so. My goodness let Hank go home!
Hank is innocent. He Never showed Aggression. He is a young sweet dog playing with his Toys. He is the best Friend of a little Boy and a beloved family Member. He passed a Temperament Test. He is innocent,calm and goodminded. Save Hank and Release him Home to bis family. Hank has Thousands of supporters Worldwide. We will fight for you Hank, Free Hank !!
This dog has been punished too long. He has a loving family who want him back. The laws are too harsh and need to be changed. There has to be a viable solution to get him out and back to his family soon. The powers that be please do the right thing. Please save Hank!
This poor dog is not a danger to anyone and has suffered enough being caged all this time. Please right this wrong and release this dog to the people that love him and who he loves. Pit bull always get a bad rap because of the people that own them. But this dog is a loving happy dog that loves his family and misses them. Please have a heart and release him.
How will Lewis County taxpayers be protected from people like you BleeBloo? At least they can put on a leash on the puppy and make them wear a muzzle. People like you get dogs like Hank killed. If Hank or all the other innocent animals could talk, they’d still let people like you live, because these animals are better people.
If only we as a society cared this much about children.
Please free Hank!!
This has gone on too long. The video shows he’s innocent. The owner of the goats say hes innocent.
Get it done. Let him go home.
Please, Please, Please do not KILL HANK!!
I am following this from Dallas Texas and if I could be there in person to show my support I would…He has past his temperament test and you can see that he is just a sweet boy wanting to be treated with respect and LOVED…No different than you or I. He and His family are clearly suffering and I’m sure he doesn’t know why..I’m begging you again to please see the injustice that has happened and……
SET HANK FREE!!! The world is watching and waiting…💜🐶💜
This has gone on long enough.
Free Hank.
He has been at this shelter too long. There is enough evidence to show he is innocent. He is not a dangerous dog. Stop labeling him and go visit him yourself.
Get this over with once and for all and let him go home to his family.
I don’t feel that HANK is getting a fair judgement.He didn’t do anything wrong..It was his mother..PLEASE FREE HANK..He doesn’t deserved to be pen up and punished for another dogs doing. He has shown nothing but happiness when his family comes to see him..Except he he would love to be out of the pen so he can run and have the loving from his family like he use to have. His little tail wagging is enough to say he is a loving and caring animal.. PLEASE find it in your HEARTS to FREE HANK…
Thanks Debbie
Euthanising Hank would be a complete TRAVESTY!! The world is watching Lewis County! Give Hank back, set him FREE!! Australia is watching!!
Please let Hank go home to his family and please correct this code to protect other dogs like him in the future. It’s time to do the right thing and free Hank! And please let his family have contact with him!
Stop discrimination against Hank. Heven is innocent and it is time someone reads the documentation supporting the evidence for his release
Even video is there supporting the fact that he did not take part in the act. Stop this heinous act of injustice.
I am so happy to the news reporter for finally getting it right. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to meet the county demands for Tank. It was that I could not afford the 500,000. dollar bond they demanded.
I have and always will have a special place in my heart for Tank and
I am soo happy the county finally understands how special Tank/Hank is to all of us involved….
Please let Hank go home to his family . Hank did nothing wrong . Free Hank ! 🐾
I’m glad to see reason is starting to enter this case. This poor dog has been abused and so has the family who,loves him. Release Hank. Sooner than later. Its the right thing to do.
Sending my support of proposed code changes. Too many animals have been unnecessarily destroyed and this can help avoid this happening again.
Thank you for your time and support,
Linda Saunders
Denton, TX
Mr. Meyer, the prosecutor of this case sums up this case perfectly when he says, “I think everyone agrees, no one wants to kill this dog.” If the prosecutor is rooting for Hank who can be against him? From your lips to the judge’s ears, Mr. Meyer. Hold on Hank, your thousands of supporters are holding strong.
How will lewis county taxpayers be protected from liability if the dog attacks or kills someone?
Leave the damn dog alone. Let it live and go home. Damn evil asses.