JIMMY MUGS
After going to see her dog in doggie jail, the owner found us online and wrote: They said he was going to be evaluated now he is going to be put down and they will not release him so I guess I just killed my dog!
Jimmy Mugs, a 4 year old English bulldog lives an hour south of Boston. Recently he nipped his owner’s hand while playing, requiring a stitch. The visit to the doctor triggered a visit from the animal control officer (ACO).
While investigating, an elderly family member told the ACO a “funny” story of how Jimmy got pepper sprayed this summer by the mailman. Another showed a scratch from when Jimmy was playing with his cane. These anecdotes led the ACO to view Jimmy as a danger and he was seized. The owner was told to sign surrender paperwork or the dog would be killed immediately. Once she signed, the ACO said the dog would be put down after the rabies quarantine period.
Once retained, we immediately contacted the city and demanded a fair and meaningful hearing. Within a week Jimmy Mugs was freed and cleared of any wrongdoing. Pet owners should never sign paperwork surrendering a pet unless their lawyer reviews it. Our client’s property was taken without a hearing. According to the 5th and 14th Amendments to our Constitution: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.”