URGENT - anyone have media contacts in the SF area for Lucy

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (Northern California)
Contact: Attorney Shannon Keith (323) 243-2300

OVER 10,000 PEOPLE RALLY TO
SAVE DOG SENTENCED TO DEATH

In the last 48 hours, since a Petition to Free Lucy has been live, over 10,000 concerned citizens have signed on to save Lucy the Pit Bull sentenced to death in Sunnyvale, California.

Several months ago, Lucy was ordered killed by the Chief of Police in Sunnyvale because she escaped her home and an incident ensued with a smaller dog.

Unfortunately, the smaller dog did not make it; however, this was the only incident with Lucy. “The smaller dog provoked Lucy. According to the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, this is an exception to a dog being labeled viscous,” stated Attorney Shannon Keith, who represents Lucy and her guardians.

Lucy has been part of the Young family for over six years, and has worked closely with many dogs from foster associations around the bay area, helping shelter dogs to be socialized. She is a doting mother-dog to their 2-year old son, Liam, and an integral part of the family.

“Under California Law, Lucy would be considered, at most, a “potentially dangerous” dog. Lucy would be free to live, but with restrictions such as having to carry supplemental insurance. There are many other options for Lucy other than death. In fact, under the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, Lucy could have been ordered back home with restrictions, or ordered out of the city,” said Attorney Keith. Also, various animal sanctuaries have offered Lucy lifetime care and residence.

Even the City's own animal behaviorist stated in her report that Lucy is a very friendly, well-socialized dog. The Young's behaviorist gave Lucy a 0 out of 10 for human aggression.

During one of the motions in Superior Court, even the Judge stated, "I would love to keep Lucy alive by ordering her out of the city." Despite his discretion to do so, he ultimately ordered her death sentence.

Lucy has made an enormous impact on the lives of those around her. She has friends on the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce asking for leniency, over 25 sworn declarations attesting to her good nature, two lawyers representing the case pro-bono, and now a petition with over 10,000 signatures. Such is the strength of feeling that Lucy has evoked in all who know her.

Ian Young and Desiree Hedberg, guardians of Lucy, will appear today at City Council armed with their Petition with over 10,000 signatures, asking for Lucy’s release once again.

Address of meeting tonight is: 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Time of hearing tonight: 7:00 p.m.
Petition for Lucy: http://www.petitiononline.com/Lucy/petition.html
Website for Lucy: http://www.freewebs.com/freelucy