November 14, 2007

NEW JERSEY – A dog named Congo is slated for euthanization after attacking a man. His owners say he was only defending his master.

At 6:40 a.m. on June 5th of this year, Guy James looked out his bedroom window and noticed the landscapers he hired had arrived – albeit an hour early.

From his window, James instructed the workers to remain in their car until he gave further notice. That's because his six German Shepherds – two adults and four puppies – were outside, and he didn't want the dogs to frighten the workers.

Fifteen minutes later, the men got out of the car to begin working. Mrs. Elizabeth James had come outside with her son to look for one of the puppies who had not shown up for the morning feeding.

She noticed the men had exited their car, contrary to her husband's instructions. As Mrs. James neared the workers, the three six month-old puppies approached one of the men, who was holding a five-foot long metal rake.

The dogs began barking at the man, who was a stranger to them, at which point he hit them with a rake. By this point, Congo and Lucia (the adult female) had taken notice of the situation – likely because their pups were yelping in pain.

Another man, Mr. Giovanni Rivera, was standing near Mrs. James and Congo. Afraid of the large male dog, he grabbed Mrs. James' shoulders. She screamed, and that's when Congo jumped at Mr. Rivera's back.

In an attempt to diffuse the situation, Mrs. James led Mr. Rivera to her car, which was nearby, intending to separate the man from the dogs.

Before they got there, Mr. Rivera fell to the ground. In doing so, he grabbed Mrs. James, bringing her down with him.

And that's where it gets cloudy. The dogs began scratching and biting Mr. Rivera, in what the James' call defense of their master. Rivera's lawyer claims it was a mauling.

But neither Mr. Rivera nor Mrs. James could identify which dog inflicted the wounds – wounds that won Mr. Rivera $250,000. Mr. Rivera testified that his hands were covering his face during the attack. Mrs. James was also unable to identify the landscaper's attackers.

The James' defense argues that since no animal could be identified, none should be euthanized. Still, municipal Court Judge Russell Annich ruled that Congo must be put to sleep.

Aside from Congo being put down, the remaining five dogs are to be listed as potentially dangerous.

“But who will want to come to my home, knowing I have five potentially dangerous dogs,” Guy James said.

This story is meant to give background to the issue. Tuesday of this week, Judge Annich ruled that Congo must be put down. Pending appeal, that could happen. We will be posting a follow-up to this story soon, including interviews with the family. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, Guy James says he won't stop fighting for Congo until he's home. He says he'll take it to the White House if he has to – to save his dog Congo, who along with the other dogs, was only trying to save his master.

For now the dog is being kept at a nearby shelter. The James' say the dog won't eat and looks depressed.

If you would like to help save Congo you can write to the judge presiding over the case:

Russell W. Annich, Jr. – Judge

Email Judge Annich in care of the Court Administrator:

caroline_sapio@princeton-township.nj.us

fax letters to 609-924-5902

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