While the news that Lennox’s owners have lost their appeal causes an enormous worldwide outcry, a more local but no less unjust murder is happening right here, right now in Australia.
In early 2011, dog owner Nathan Laffan bought two dogs and named them Kooda and Bear.
They were purchased from a byb as ‘American Bulldog/Bull Mastiff Staffi Cross’. They were microchipped and attended the vet as ‘mastiff crosses’. When the new Victorian restricted dog legislation was publicised, Nathan contacted his local council to double check his dogs would be ok.
He went to the Moira Council offices and met with Mr Bob L’Anson, a Council law enforcement officer. They agreed Mr L’Anson would inspect the dogs the next day. After visiting the dogs at home Mr L’Anson deemed both to be ‘pit bull/mastiff crosses’.
Now, as ‘restricted breeds’ and being only seven months old at the time, it was not legally possible for Nathan to register them. The dogs were seized.
Nathan applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a review of the decision to declare the dogs. The case went to court in February, five months after the dogs were taken from their home. Nathan represented himself. Council was legally represented. At the end of the hearing, Nathan asked the court for the opportunity to present further evidence, saying he hadn’t realised the process would be so formal. In April the case went back to court again. Mr Laffan’s evidence included:
A statutory declaration from Mr Michael Brown who sold the dogs (to another person who apparently on sold the dogs to Mr Laffan). Mr Brown did not give evidence at the hearing. His declaration says in part that both Kooda and Bear, who are from the same litter;
… are American bulldog/bull mastiff x staffy. The father is an American bulldog/bull mastiff and the mother is a staffy. There is no pitbull in either of the parents. Both parents have been inspected by the local state ranger and law enforcement officer and he has cleared both parents from having any pitbull in them whatsoever.
Despite this evidence that there was no ‘pit bull’ in either the mother or the father of Bear and Kooda, the Mr L’Anson, the authorised officer who declared the dogs gave evidence that he believed them to be a restricted breed. He had been employed by the council as an authorised officer since 2005 and had previous experience in seizure of dogs. He had also attended training seminars on the identification of restricted breed dogs.
The ‘not pit bull’ dogs were declared to be restricted breeds by VCAT.
The council gave the date of this Friday 15th June as their kill date. They brought the date forward and they were killed this afternoon.
These dogs were never accused of being unsocialised, uncared for or having ever shown any sign of aggression. It was never in doubt they were loved pets. But thanks to these laws, championed by animal ‘welfare’ organisations, they are now dead.
Hang your head in shame Victoria.
When are people going to see the hurt the banning dogs is doing. Just look at these to beautiful dogs that have done nothing wrong. But because some person says no that looks like a pit bull x these two babies died. For what? Shame to everyone who agree’s with Banning any breed of dog.
You can not kill dogs, puppies because they might and that is a huge might bite someone. You might as well kill all male human babies because they might grow up to become rapists, killers it’s the same thing.
At least when I stand infront of the Lord I can say I have never stolen,killed, or condemed one of his animals creatures to death just because of a breed.
It not fair for innocent animals that don’t do anything wrong…
This poor man, who went out of his way to ensure his babies would be safe only to have them seized and murdered,and the authorities will wonder why people start to hide their dogs and leave them unregistered and unchipped.
Shame on you Victoria…..were these dogs DNA tested?
The council should have been made to do so
If I were the owner of these dogs I would have it done now & when it comes back with no pit breed, take the council to court for wrongful euthanasia.
If for nothing else but to save more dogs from the same fate
[…] Saving Pets » Blog Archive » A murder in Moira – Bear and Kooda. […]
shame on you victoria and all states that support this BSL!! our thoughts are with the owners/parents of bear and kooda. rest in peace boys. fly free over the rainbow bridge.
Tutt tutt … shame on you. Two innocent dogs euthanised for no reason.
What a disgusting and stupid law. How can 1 persons view on what he thinks is a dangerous dog be taken over solid evidence from the breeders that they had no pitbull in them at all.
Any dog can be dangerous if it is taught to be that way. I have had several friends who have owned pitbulls and they have been the softest most gentle dogs whilst others have owned “Legal” breeds that have been dangerous and have to be chained.
It all comes down to the training.
Several hundred thousand dollars later – what do the Victorian Government have to show for their BSL? Several dead family pets, community outrage and no reduced incidences of dog bites.
I feel for these poor people. Having recently lost my 2 dogs to an unsympathetic council I know what they are going through. It’s not fair that council have been given these powers to hurt people so easily with no evidence, just by the look of an animal. Breed specific laws are the worst thing that could have been brought in to prevent dog attacks. It was a silly knee-jerk reaction that was given absolutely no consideration to the consequences. If a DNA test was onducted on all dogs, I wouldn’t be surprised if upwards of 75% of dogs would need to be destroyed for having a hint of their DNA. Regardless of their nature or character, they are judged by their make-up. In humans, thats considered racism and or discrimination. Its illegal for us, so what makes it ok for animals??
Victoria government has gone backwards, shame on you , how dare you kill these dogs I am so glad I don’t live in Victoria and never will, banning dog breeds is not the answer,
I believe all animal lovers need to unite and fight the Victorian government with all their resources, people of Victoria stand up to your government don’t let them do this to anymore dogs
This law needs to be changed! How tragic for these beautiful puppies and their loving owner. Shame on you, Victorian Government for such a shortsighted ruling.
I simply cannot understand how if the parents of Bear and Kokoda have been proven to NOT be of restricted breed, that they can then kill these two beautiful dogs for being of restricted breed???!?!!! Seriously it makes no sence and two innocent and beautiful lives have just been lost due to some idiots uneducated fears based on looks. BSL is so wrong on EVERY level. My heart goesout to Sammi and Nathan on the loss of Bear and Kokoda xox
When will humans learn that they are the aggressive ones. Leave the innocent animals alone … Hell how would you feel if someone put you down because you are murdering innocent lives!!!!!!
Makes my blood boil… Most rediculous thing I have ever hear, look out Mastiff & ridgeback breeders, because… that’s what they look like! not pit bulls… F’n hell, I can’t imagine what the owners must be going through. Honestly if this happened to my dog, I would go on a killing rampage myself…
Hopefully some good will come of this & the owners adopt 2 dogs saving them from being euthananised from an animal shelter, although this won’t replace their beloved pets it may help mend the hurt.
Where to next…. what about the small dogs, the fear bitters?? who with their owners hand cause thousands of dog bites?????
Bloody sickening… so f’n frustrating… But you know what the Council always know best… You should be so proud of yourself Mr L’Anso…
This story makes me sick to the stomache. Shame on all involved. i would love to give them a taste of there own medicine. Beautiful looking dogs. May they RIP now knowing they are in a better place then earth itself.
People need to realise. banning dog breeds is not the answer.
Condolences to owners and all involved with these beautiful animals that lived a short but well loved life!
I now have no respect for governments.
How dare they?? Two beautiful animals. What a ridiculous law. Euthanised for no real reason. Shame on you.
SHAME ON YOU VICTORIA – and (Mr) L’Anson
(Mr) L’Anson NEEDS TO GO,,,!!!!!!!
How do you sleep at night
Shameful!!!!!!!
Discusting vile people who play god with animals lives & peoples love. BSL laws & anything like it must end.
Punish the deed not the breed!!
shame Victoria ? NO. .do what we did to belfast…BOYCOTT MOIRA. .
As a person who shares this planet with others I pledge not to visit ,and/or buy any produce manufactured or grown in Moira ..and I urge others to do the same. .
I am absolutely disgusted that these innocent dogs were taken and kept from their owners for such a lengthy period of time because of a highly criticised and unjust legislation!!! Why was there no dna testing to prove these dogs were restricted breed??? It is cruel and i cannot understand how someone other than a qualified veterinarian (who is capable of performing tests to prove breeding) is able to make a judgement on any and all dogs based on appearance, can we as concerned citizens make judgements on other people on sight with no investigating?? These 2 babies did not deserve to die and i am horrified that there was no obligation for the council to prove these dogs were pit bull breeds before they were put to sleep. Absolutely shameful!!!!
Definitely glad im in WA and these laws better not ever be brought over here!!!
i am ashamed to b a victorian under these stupid laws.
vcat is not accountable to anybody but should be.
this is such a wrong decision for any owner of the dogs. maybe dna test mr l’anson to see if hes human.
Is there any lawyers prepared to pro-bono take on a challenge to this and to help the owners of the poor dogs seek damages?
I see this as the only way to challenge the killing of two family members on the word of a person with (I assume) who has no formal qualifications in animal husbandry, veterinary science, biology or anything else The courts must uphold the law, but if a law is flawed or unjust it should be challenged.
Two beautiful dogs died for the ignorance of humans. RIP
Are there any lawyers prepared to pro-bono take on a challenge to this and to help the owners of the poor dogs seek damages?
I see this as the only way to challenge the killing of two family members on the word of a person with (I assume) no formal qualifications in animal husbandry, veterinary science, biology or anything else.
The courts must uphold the law, but if a law is flawed or unjust it must be challenged.
Two beautiful dogs died for the ignorance of humans. RIP
[…] A murder in Moira – Bear and Kooda […]
Disgraceful, ignorant, and unnecessary. Please send my heartfelt condolences to the owner of these beautiful dogs.
Mr L’Anson you are a murderer! Attending seminars does not make you an expert. You’re a very sick person as is the Victorian court system.
Unbelievable draconian, and cruel!!!
Just read a great article about why BSL is so bad.
Here’s the link:
http://www.care2.com/causes/why-i-will-never-support-breed-bans.html
Mr L Anson, how do you live with your own conscience knowing full well these dogs were not even a restricted breed?! Total ignorance that you think you can judge a dogs breed just by looking at them. Yes there are certain indicators that mark dif breeds but these are never 100% reliable. Shameful that Victoria supports this mindless law that targets ‘so called potentially harmful’ crossbreeds to be destroyed. It is about responsible pet ownership and stricter ownership laws! Its not about punishing innocent animals just for being born. This is like saying certain races of people should be killed because they are potentially more violent than the rest of the population. Ludicrous! Once again animals suffer because of human ignorance and stupidity.
Shame on you Victoria. This owner was actually trying to be responsible and was harshly and wrongly punished for it. My condolences to the family.
No better than the unfortunate Lennox incident.
I’ve got a ridgeback x mastif, who is a spitting image to one of these dogs. Do I now have to keep him locked up in case some knob head council worker sees him and thinks he looks like he has put bill in him? What a joke.
This is so unfair! how can this be happening! Ill sign any pitition to help stop,i know it dosnt bring back Kooda and Bear but maybe prevent from ever happening again! Iggnorance should be ban!! God Bless all and RIP babies! :*(
take note moira council,the lost dogs home,victoria,it is not over we will now beef up the campaign to rid victoria of heartless people inflicting so much heartache and pain,the lost dogs home ,posted a profit last year of ten million dolars..yes ten million dollars,yet they publicly beg and plead for people to donate money andto donate food,i guess u murderers get a discount on the large amount of the green dream killing machine u obviously purchase,as u pts more animals than any other state in australia,needle in,kill,toss in the garbage,that is how u operate a supposedly caring community based facility,supposedly caring for animals and yet u took away all human and animal right,from these two boys and their loving owners,not allowing even to hold their boys during those long months u had them incarerated,shame shame shame the shepperton vets, moira,lost dogs home,victoria, australia,you are being held accountable.to the vet that refused to pts these innocent dogs,we all give thanks,u may not be rewarded in your life time,but when it comes to judgement day u will be able to hold your head high
Is there any lawyers prepared to pro-bono take on a challenge to this and to help the owners of the poor dogs seek damages?
I see this as the only way to challenge the killing of two family members on the word of a person with (I assume) who has no formal qualifications in animal husbandry, veterinary science, biology or anything else The courts must uphold the law, but if a law is flawed or unjust it should be challenged.
Two beautiful dogs died for the ignorance of humans. RIP
I´m the owner of a big türkisch Tourism Agency, and you can be true Victoria – I tell ALL MY CLIENTS in the Future, NEVER to go to your Country….shame on you!!!
I feel sickened! How was this allowed to happen? I’m ashamed to live in Victoria!Rip babies x
Absolutely sickening. Council scum.
I’d like to see the Victorian government try take mine or any one of my friends dogs. Bring bandages and back up, because you won’t be walking out of there in one piece. And the dogs won’t have anything to do with it.
I hope the ranger that made his uneducated decision ends up mauled by a legal dog. Karma at its best. And I’ll laugh at your suffering.
‘Total’ disgrace Victoria!!!! You have murdered two beautiful dogs. I am angry and sickened by this total injustice. I also have a Mastiff x that looks very similar and whom is now 15.5 years old – she has been the most perfect pet and companion and has never hurt a fly. If I lived in Victoria would you now come after her thinking she ‘might’ be part Pit Bull! Shameful and how you sleep at night I don’t know. This ‘has’ to stop and stop ‘now’!!
Thinking of Bear and Kooda and sending my condolances to their family who must be totally bereft today!
This is so wrong.. A family from vic have just won the same sort of case. The dogs name ia Tonka. they ended up with a barrister that done the case probono.. dogs are what the family teaches them..no breed should be labled.. It the same as saying dont let muslims in Australia as some of them are terrorists..Its called being racist.. dont be racist to dog breeds.Not ment to offend anyone.. just used as an example.
This is insane! Why are the most evil, arrogant people in charge of making all the rules? There was definite proof that the dogs weren’t banned breeds, yet Mr L’Anson simply decided that he wanted to kill them, and so he did. The so called “officers” who make these horrible decisions deserve to be kicked out of office on their asses, and to be shunned by the entire world.
Until people start rising up against the Oppressors, and those despicable jerks who go around killing other people’s dogs for no reason ARE the OPPRESSORS, then these jerks will continue to go around with their noses so high up in the air that they block the sun, and do whatever they want to the rest of us.
I agree with everyone. My fear is where will it end. They will have to needle me off, to get to my fur babies. This person has done the right thing and lost his babies for it. I don’t see any one doing the right thing again in a hurry and who can blame them. Hell I would help them in a heart beat.
Its horrible what the world is coming to, just because a dog is a certain breed doesn’t mean its going to attack or hurt anybody. these dogs weren’t even a restricted breed so murder is definitely something you can say with certainty. they need to removed this law because sersiously whats next, killing people because of their colour or race? im absolutely disgusted with victoria and anybody else who supports this BS.
I was thinking about this for hours last night while I had the good fortune to hold my dogs close, unlike the poor people who had theirs ripped from their home. These dogs were destroyed just because someone considered their ‘breed’ to be unsafe. This is not dissimilar to a tragic story from the 40’s where one group of people decided another group of people were not a ‘safe’ race and they attempted to wipe them out in the worst genocide humanity has seen to date. I believe it was called the Holocaust. That would make this asshole who decided these dogs were unsafe about as welcome as a Nazi. Or is this another “stolen generation” but without the mass murder. Did they even bother to DNA test these babies prior to their murder? Did the wanker who decided they were unsafe have any veterinary quals or is he just some council idiot who’s done a half day training course to make him an ‘expert’?
Just because of their breeds? WTF? We have pitbulls here iin my country and I have not heard of any aggression nor bad behavior. People are the ones who make Pitbull breeds dangerous, it is either they use it for dog fights or just make money out of them. What the hell is wrong with people? I am ashamed to be a part of the human race… Poor pups… Run and be free on the rainbow bridge. There will l come a time that KARMA will struck evil people who had done harm to you and to other animals… STOP ANIMAL< ABUSE AND CRUELTY. Too much to take…PURE INSANITY to kill INNOCENT DOGS…Shame on you AUSTRALIAN Government. How could you be soooooo ignorant…I just have all the evil words for those who made the final verdict. for those who are responsible for putting them to sleep and for all the ignorance on animal welfare in Australia. Rot in hell….
Disgusting. This brings tears to my eyes and sickness to my stomach! I was attacked by a German Sheperd….. last time I checked no one is looking to go on a rampage and kill them. The dog that bit me wasn’t even destroyed, I don’t blame it for doing what it was trained and bred to do! When will the human race start taking responsibility for the effect they have on the world wether it be war, pollution and destruction? It’s disgusting!!!! My mum was bitten by a chihuahua!!! Good luck restricting THAT breed!!!!!
The whole thing is a joke and I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall in that brain storm session where the outcome was “KILL THEM ALL!!!” Lucky this person isn’t racist or sexist other wise we could have another WW2 on our hands. His name wasn’t Hitler was it??? Because I’m seeing a bit of a disturbing pattern here…….
I am ashamed of VCAT… they also allowed a mass puppy farm to go ahead in Ballan, Vic for 250 dogs, with provision for another 250 dogs (2011).
Individuals, communities, councils and media protest against VCAT, however they continue to make concerning judgements without any ethical viewpoint for animals. I am not sure what criteria they possess for their judgements, however they appear to be swayed by some unknown factor… and one could suspect that they accept certain privileges such as cash bribes because there is no clarity around their decision making processes and they certainly do not concern themselves with community and retain a tunnel vision for one voice… ie the idiot from the council who identified a breed with his vision rather than a scientifically proven DNA result… and the one person who applied to have ANOTHER puppy farm in Ballan, irrespective of the local council decision to deny the application.
Questionable behaviour indeed.
I am a Victorian and I am ashamed that we have a fat cat liberal premier who allows this to take place.