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Custody Battle Over Abused Pit Bull Patrick Has Animal Groups at Odds
Patrick, a malnourished pit bull who quickly became the national face of animal abuse after he was rescued from a New Jersey apartment building trash chute, is now at the center of a three-way custody battle, according to The Associated Press.
The Associated Humane Societies wants the New Jersey state Superior Court to overturn a judge’s decision issued last month that ruled Patrick would stay at the Garden State Veterinary Specialists while a criminal trial proceeds against his former owner.
Patrick was brought to the Garden State Veterinary Specialists by the AHS, who is paying for his care, after he was found. The city of Newark, where the incident happened, opposed the 40-page motion filed by the AHS, saying their contract with the animal group does not give them custody over Patrick.
“Patrick is no different than any other stray or abandoned picked up in Newark or any other city — once he was rescued by AHS, he became the property of AHS,” the motion reads. “AHS did not surrender possession or control of Patrick, but merely turned the dog over to GSVS for treatment, with the expectation that Patrick would be returned to AHS once his medical condition improved and he was able to be released.”
Who do you think should get custody over Patrick?
Tagged Animal Rights, News, Pit Bulls
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Pamela EikleberryMay 16, 2011 at 9:39 am
GSVS. They brought him back from the brink of death. They are the ones whom Patrick has come to know and love. And after all, isn’t that what we all want for Patrick, his happiness, not the other organizations with the biggest egos.
joslyn birch oakesMay 15, 2011 at 10:07 am
Leave Patrick in the loving hands of his current care givers – it is a no brainer!
Monica McLaughlinMay 14, 2011 at 10:43 am
No one except a forever home should have custody of Patrick. Patrick should be adopted out to a loving home.