When Jade moved into her new property with her two dogs, she has no idea that a rotting fence paling would lead to her spending six months fighting to free her pet from the local pound.
On December 4, 2012 Jade’s two dogs broke through the fence of the home she’d moved into just three days earlier. Luckily, they didn’t end up on the street but in a neighbours yard, which could have meant the dogs were taken straight home. Unfortunately however this neighbour assumed calling the local ranger from Monash Council was the right thing to do, and both dogs went into the Burwood RSPCA pound.
One of Jade’s dogs, Kerser, was a few days later assessed as a restricted breed and Monash began the process of having him destroyed.
Jade had purchased Kerser from a friend back in April 2012, making him just 8 months old when he was seized. He was sold to her as an American Staffordshire terrier cross puppy. And Kerser was unregistered as Jade had delayed doing it, knowing she was soon moving into her own place.
Being unregistered, and being identified as a restricted breed, was an immediate death sentence for Kerser as any restricted breed dog that is found to be unregistered must be destroyed.
Distraught, Jade appealed this decision with Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The April court case saw Kerser’s declaration upheld and he was formally declared a restricted breed. VCAT deputy president Heather Lambrick who upheld the council’s decision said;
“The overall impression of Kerser is one of compliance. He may not be a perfect example of a pit bull. However, such a dog probably does not exist”
Jade has since worked to take this decision to the Supreme Court, but this appeal has now been denied. Kerser will be killed.
Kerser is scheduled to be “humanly euthanised” Monday 3rd June at 5pm.
I am allowed to spend one hour with him and then I’ll be getting him cremated.
Please everybody we need to band together to stop BSL. Let’s change this so nobody else has to go through what I am.
Kerser, just a pup at not even 2 years old, who never hurt or threatened to hurt anybody and whose only crime was to escape from his brand new backyard will, thanks to Victorian dog laws, die in the kennels where he has spent the last six months away from his family.
Jade will pay for her paperwork oversight, not with a ‘first warning’ or a fine, but with her best friend being murdered by direction of the state government.
Shame Victoria. Shame.
Kerser’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FreeKerser)
Ah the prison colony still has the laws of fit ancient master … some things never change and some mentalities do not improve !!! ever wonder why the british lost its empire…well this is the reason why, 200 years of progress is still backwardness for a nation as Australia with its councils of … some tribal backward looking clowns it is such a shame that the animals have to suffer, well it would have been better if those prisoners were humanely euthanised 100 years ago… then this bull shit of breed discrimination would have not arisen….
I am so saddened by this. Jade, my heart goes out to you and Kerser.
There are worldwide rallies against BSL please check and fight against this terrible law which kills innocent dogs. Brenda adelaide
This is just disgraceful!!!! I have never heard such rot in all my life. Poor animals are always on the losing end. This beautiful dog’s life is now being cut short because of BSL. I am absolutely disgusted. He has a loving home with an owner who now is going to be devastated with her loss. SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE!! PLEASE STOP THIS HAPPENING.
SHAME on you VICTORIA. There are no words to describe how ashamed I am of all involved in this farce.
Please Please dont kill Kerser!!!! this is so unfair! poor boy.
I think a protest is in order … and ring the papers and radio stations… this is disgusting that a beautiful dog dies monday … FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT it .. wish I was there for you
I have sat here reading all these replies and see only one person doing anything about this horrifying situation. Let’s everyone write TO the officials responsible for this situation. If we all stand together and make a loud noise we just might make a difference.
[email protected]
This is where the other letter was sent. Let us send them a lot more. If anyone knows of another place please do not be shy. Share that address with us so we can write to them too.
There is only one way to make change —speak out— let these idiots know get rid of this ignorant inhumane murderous law lose a lot more than just votes. They will also lose the money that the tourist bring because I know I will never visit a place with these kinds of ignorant laws. In other words hit them in their wallets.
Let us educate these idiots give and or show them that it’s not the dog but the people that are the problem.
Innocent animals are being treated like criminals, This law is unfair, unjust, absolutely ridiculous and inhumane!!!
If the dog hasnt hurt another living being, there is no logic at all to have him put down! It is terrible for the owner as well as for the dog. What kind of laws do they have over there??
Poor baby.He is only a puppy.
I am so sorry for your impending loss Jade. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through.
Breed specific legislation is a joke. Dogs are not the problem. People are the problem. But, unfortunately it is so much easier to condemn an innocent dog to death than to deal with the issue of irresponsible and down right evil people.
For what it is worth I’ve sent an email to the politicians. I hope that Kerser’s legacy can be the beginning of the end to this ridiculous, irrational law.
Please know that Kerser must know how much you love him. Be strong for him on Monday. Try not to let him know that it is his last hour. Dogs live in the moment and if nothing else you give him the best last hour on this earth that any dog has ever had. He will leave this life knowing how much he is loved and valued. He can leave this life feeling happy and contented.
Be strong. There is plenty of time for tears later. And hopefully time to end this unfair slaughter.
This is absolutely DISCUSTING!!!!!!!!!! My daughter has 2 of the most loving pit bulls I’ve ever come in contact with! Maybe people should be euthanizing bad people ! It’s not the poor animals fault it was born in the first place! 3 days in your new home is clearly not enough time to register your animals. They should do like a car and give you so much time to do this when you move! My prayers are with you, I am an animal lover and am totally heartbroken for you. I hope things change!!!!!
Racism in the animal world inflicted by the hierarchy humans :( poor poor babies.. <3 to Kerser..
Now if this isn’t the most IGNORANT thing I’ve heard of. Really, people caring for their dogs and this is what the state does. How bout going after the two legged thugs in the world and putting them down when caught.
it makes you sick to think this could be happening in Australia. what are we still in the dark ages?? my heart goes out to Jade and all the victims of BSL
I have been following the bsl rules regs and council info etc for awhile now in total fear that my baby to may fit these ridiculous “discriptions” of a “dangerous dog” advised from others he does I no his parents he is an am staff x English staff but he is a tank with a head like a brik hence the name brik. These sort of cases tear my heart out because its totally inhumane disgusting and basically a lazy government/council/country’s way of getting a quick fix and not dealing with the actual issue……., HUMANS! Wake up u bunch of pen pushing bully’s!!! Quick fixes manipulating the public to form an opinion and an unrealistic fear of these breeds is n way to solve an issue
My heart breaks for u n your baby,
Anyone involved please take ur bsl and cram if firmly up your ass!!!
I am disgusted & appalled by this Nazi style regime in supposedly enlightened & modern day society.
We are raised to judge by personality no looks.
We are raised to be kind & use compassion.
We are raised to live with honor & integrity,
BUT the law can take an innocent animal that is loved & part of a family without any knowledge of it’s nature because of who it’s parents were ???????
Who it’s parents were, what it looks like & what colour it’s skin is Was Not Supposed To Matter
Remember ?
Your love for Kerser will never die. Even if your heart breaks and your sweet dog dies…. just use it to keep fight BSL (stupid) laws and let this motivate you to make changes long term. I am so sorry for your pain, I cry tears for you and your sweet dogs!
this is totally inhumane and absurd- loving and loved animals being destroyed- as was racial overtones and sexual overtones which have hopefully been overturned- pit and pit crosses are as any other breed- wonderful ones and not so – as in every canine breed- also equine and feline- so come on get real and look at the animal itself- have been a vet tech and gee- worse bites are from Chihuahuas – st bernards and other breeds that aren’t even acknowledged but should be- how about muggings- rapists- sexual deviants- and murderers – slap on the wrist and out you go again- something is wrong here- so pick on something that doesn’t have a voice it sure isn’t the list I just mentioned above- they have mouths attornies and a voice- look at those two beautiful dogs and their owner and fix this BEFORE june 3rd
Any dog can TURN ON YOU. If the dog is breed to close to the blood lines, even a POODLE WILL TURN ON YOU.There is no reason for Kerser to die. This is MANS STUPIDITY SHOWING UP AGAIN.
While I have two Aussies, I still sympathize with this family. I will do as much as I can to support people in this situation. It is not the dogs but the owners, that make a hostile animal. Laws need to be changed! I am so sorry you have to go through this.
Can you please give me a link where I can sign a petition or something…..I really want to save Kerser , please just give me something to sign , or an e-mail address so I can send an e-mail . I have my thesis on Monday , 3rd of June and it will really ruin my day…Please help me help Kerser !
http://www.causes.com/actions/1753888-save-kerser-from-being-euthanized?recruiter_id=46014456&utm_campaign=own_timeline&utm_medium=wall&utm_source=fb
https://www.change.org/petitions/australia-against-breed-specific-legislation
and heaps more info on the Facebook page “Free Kerser”
Until when a Dog will be judged solely by his looks!!! This is totally arbitrary and it should be banished from any country that stil holds it as fair!!! That is the same thing as judging people “dangerous” by the color ot their skin … shame on Australia, a country known for good standards of human rights and development to abide by such arbitrary law!!! Shame on you Victoria!!!!
Please stop this insane law, and leave the pets and their owners to live life peacefully!!!
I think our world is just a sick place in this day and age to even think this is acceptable. I think they should be the ones destroyed. This is a very young dog that doesn’t deserve to die. I hope justice is served. One day they will be the ones to meet their maker.Time will only tell what is going to happen when we all die. Lets hope you were a good human being. God Bless all the animals that are wrongfully destroyed over greed and disgust.
This is just disgusting that this is happening again – to a dog that has done nothing wrong.
BSL must be stopped.
There are no bad breeds , just bad owners who do the wrong thing by their dogs.
Sympathies to Jade.
And the RSPCA are doing nothing to fight this injustice, and why would they, they are Government funded.
So much for there slogan ” For All Creatures Great and Small “
This is a modern day witch hunt!!Instead of going after criminals..YOU pick on dogs!!END BSL!!
Boycott any products from Australia!!Brand name shoes like Nike get their leather from the kangaroos,contact the big companies and tell them why you won’t buy their products!
The only way to get something done is to hit their pockets!Give this dog and owner a second chance,,the dog didn’t do ANYTHING!!!Give the owner a fine and let the dog live!
Dear Humans
Stop the insanity of cruelty and use the philosophy of kindness.
Humans have spread their disease of indiscrimination in other innocent beings too. I fail to understand despite all my effort why majority of humans act as a disgrace on humanity and still justify their reckless behaviour? Will they bear if same is being done to them and their familes? I guess they must be OK with that too…
This is murder. What happened to a fair go? Pathetic council laws murdering our pets- I never thought I would say this but Australia is turning into a shithole and I am starting to resent what our land has become. Time to stand up and fight people before our laws control every moment of our life. Law no longer helps the elderly, no longer keeps our borders safe,no longer keeps our kids and homes safe and now it kills our beloved pets when they have done nothing wrong….. sad and pathetic Australia. Rise up and stop the madness!
What sort of a lame regulation that mandated restricted breeds of dogs must be destroyed?
May as well sentence to capital punishment some potentially dangerous human races in Victoria due to past incidents all across the world. Then Victoria would be a haven for the peace-loving humans to dwell in.
I am with you Eliena this is a ridiculous law. These animals have done nothing wrong. Whatever happened the sanctity of life and the miracle of life, animals are not just a piece of rubbish to get rid of, a life is a life no matter what.
Can he not be adopted by someone in another country???? I would take him in a heartbeat!!! And if he can’t-then the authorities involved in this case in Victoria are heartless, cruel and in my eyes, just wanting to kill!!!! Shame on them for atleast not allowing the option of adoption elsewhere. May the devil shower them with every horrific thing he can think of!!! And may God bless this poor lady and her two furry friends, both now and always. Next time, though, don’t put off till tomorrow, what can be done today. My heart goes out to her nonetheless xx
Just look at those pictures big vicious dogs yeah right cuddlying up to each other they should be ripping each others throats out. This is typical of victoria on killing innocent animals This is happening in Adelaide as we speak and Queensland, used to be supporter of the RSPCA not anymore un til theyy get their act together and stop lyng to the Austrlian community. Thde only ones that need putting down are the idots at the council and RSPCA and anyone else who think those dogs are vicious hope you r reading this Michelle already sent one comment through and it hasnt been accepted tis one probably wont go through either
This sweet young pup has a loving home to go to…. Let poor Kerser go home. He does not deserve this. If he had attacked someone ,,,,and killed then maybe he would be in line for this but dogs are wonderful creatures , made by God and generally protect humans and are man’s best friend. Please reconsider and save this little darling. I hope by writing this , it helps to save him. (Cape Town , South Africa) HELP.
This nonsense must stop! Free this poor dog NOW!!
BSL target breeds that were created by humans because of certain desirable traits, including an unfailing devotion to their owner and an intense drive to please them. Now, because uneducated, immoral, and unethical people have taken those traits and exploited them, these amazing animals are persecuted. I really would have thought, that here in the 21st century, humanity would have learned by now that the actions of a few do not represent the heart of the whole. I regret that my son is growing up in an intolerant world.
Free Kersher NOW!!!!!
I advocate that if Kersher is killed when he did nothing wrong that the incompetent Victorian Government be terminated including all individuals involved. Die you bastards!!!!!!!!!!! Karma
An eye for an eye.
I am sick of breed discrimination.it is total crap.
BSL = BULL SHIT LAW
This is a S.H.A.M.E! I totally refuse to tolerate this behaviour….why does this law even exist? If the owner has enough money and love to take care of the dog, who cares if Kerser is unregistered and pertaining to a restricted breed??
Change this law from YESTERDAY!
Let Kerser LIVE!
Stop this Cruelty .. this is unfair !!!
This is so typical of bureaucratic overreaction!! Poor dogs. So very sorry.
Jade, I am so sorry for what is going to happen Kerser. What a beautiful creature. And all because of ill informed policy and legislation. What an indictment on society that we could do this to an innocent animal. We should be ashamed of ourselves. Thoughts are with you Jade.
Kerser has recieved a Stay Of Execution in the 11th hour. Please everyone help with getting his charges overturn.
lots of email addresses for Victorian State Parliament and Monash Council posted on this Facebook page, we have 14 days only to get Kerser home. There is also info on this page for donations to a registered charity to fund the legal costs and a joyful picture of Jade visiting Kerser today.
“We still need to keep telling our elected Members of Victorian Parliament what we think. This legislation needs to be gone. It needs to be replaced with effective dog laws that protect the community, and the innocent dogs and owners. A dogs temperament can not be judged by the dogs appearance. Come on everyone, jump on to it, don’t let there be a lull. We have to keep pushing this. Save Kerser.” https://www.facebook.com/DogsOnTrialDOTVictoria
This is absolute ludicrous!!
This pet demonstrated nothing but a playful temperament.
To Euthanize this dog is MURDER.
To convict without a crime is MURDER. AUSTRALIA DOES NOT practice CAPITAL PUNISHMENT – this shouldn’t be any different. In particularly, an innocent creature with no sense of right or wrong.
The only so called “CRIME” committed was the un-registration of the dog, this does not warrant death.
Every pet has a unique nature and therefore this generalisation is purely due to the ignorance of many.
This is discrimination towards animals and as a result a cruel and unjust act. There was no provocation displayed by the animal for these charges to be laid.
Just read your article in the news.
Wish you all the best.