After an emergency campaign was launched to save a dog’s life in Florida. Cooper, a lovable floppy-eared coonhound, facing a possible death sentence, is safely back at home with many thanks to the hundreds of readers that demanded his release.
The story started with a Saturday afternoon romp in the park for Cooper and his owners.
Cooper. Image Patricia CarzoliA neighbor who is allegedly autistic has a history of harassing Cooper. This individual has repeatedly approached the dog’s home to kick the fence, stare at the dogs for long periods of time to disturb them, and yell at the dogs. At night, he jumps out in front Pat Carzoli, Cooper’s owner, yelling “Boo” attempting to startle the dogs.
On Saturday, this neighbor – as incredible as it sounds – was put in sole charge of his two-year-old nephew. He saw Cooper enjoying himself in a park with his owner and committed an extremely reckless act. He lifted the two-year-old nephew over the fence and placed the child with the dog in the park without any supervision.
As soon as this occurred, Pat’s partner – Dr. Steven Cohen a respected cardiologist – yelled “What are you doing? Stop!” As the Uncle was putting the child in the park.
Cooper felt he was being threatened by his harasser once again and spun around to defend himself. To the shock of all, the two-year-old was standing in the park and behind him was the Uncle who had repeatedly harassed Cooper.
Dr. Cohen yelled, “Get the child out! Get the child out!” But the Uncle made no move to do so.
Unfortunately, the child was bitten on the arm. He received medical treatment and returned home in a few hours.
The police and animal control were called and were told that one of Pat’s dogs were involved. The family also claimed that Cooper dragged the child through the fence. Animal control actually measured the fence and determined this was not possible.
Measurements show it was impossible to drag the child through the fence. He had to be lifted OVER the fence. Image: Patricia Carzoli
The stories told to animal control have changed from day to day. Both of Pat’s dogs were seized and put in quarantine. When it became clear that one of the dogs had nothing to do with the situation, he was released.
That leaves Cooper behind bars with the family of the child adjusting their story daily agitating for Cooper to be put to death.
In cases like this, there is an investigation. Animal control will issue a verdict that determines whether Cooper lives or dies.
Cooper is a loving family dog with no history of aggression. Image: Patricia Carzoli
The choices are that either Cooper will be declared a dangerous dog, returned to his family, and will only be permitted to go out with a muzzle on… OR… he will be put to death.
Think back to all those episodes where Lassie used her mouth to save Timmy from danger. Can you imagine Lassie being seized by animal control with her fate just days away?
Take a look at Cooper in the photo to the right. Should this adorable and loving dog suffer because of the harassment of an individual?
We urge you to call Palm Beach County Animal Control and tell them: Return Cooper to his loving family. Call them today at 561-233-1221. Your call may save a family pet.
UPDATE May 1, 2018: Thanks to your phone calls, emails, and messages, Cooper has now been released and is back at home with his family. Without your help, this might not have been possible. Thank you!
