Virginia woman contends dog was protecting herself from another dog but shelter euth’ed her

In Arlington, Virginia, a woman who has been fostering dogs tried her best to protect one of the dogs she had been caring for from being euthanized because of a recent incident.

Rachel Manu stated the dog, Marley, who had been her foster dog for the last three weeks, protected both herself and her temporary parent from another dog. Rachel had been taking Marley for a walk when another dog, which had been leashed and harnessed, had escaped from its owner and ran over to Marley barking.

According to WjlaNews, Manu bent down to grab the other dog’s leash to separate the dogs when Marley managed to grab the other dog in a sudden attack. Manu was bitten during the process of separating the dogs. The other dog, a Yorkshire terrier, needed stitches, a drain and an overnight stay in a local animal hospital.

I understand that Marley did go from zero to 60 real fast, but I also feel she wasn’t the initial aggressor in this situation, and she should be given a chance for rehabilitation.

Rachel Manu on Instagram

A petition to help Marley find a rescue organization to help her, garnered thousands of signatures, after the Humane Rescue Alliance sentenced the dog to death because of her aggressive action towards the other dog. The shelter refused releasing Marley to any rescues and stated the dog could have killed the other dog.

I understand the shelter’s concern for public safety, but I also think as animal advocates they would be trying to give Marley the chance that she deserves – to live in a home where she can be safe and happy and loved.

Rachel Manu

Sadly, on Sunday morning, the social media support group, #SaveMarley informed their supporters that Marley had been euthanized. The HRA issued a statement describing the reasons they ultimately decided to euthanize Marley, assuring the public they take the decision to euthanize an animal very seriously – and have live outcomes for nearly 95% of the animals who enter into their care.

A history of Marley’s past indicated some aggressive behavior. Marley had entered the shelter in April 2020 after she had attacked and killed a cat while running loose in the community. For months, the behavior specialists worked on Marley’s aggression towards other animals, and even though she had been placed with two other families, she was eventually returned to the shelter; her most recent return occurring in November 2022.

HRA still hoped for a happy ending for Marley. we placed her in a temporary foster home in Arlington, Virginia on february 1, 2023. on February 16, the temporary provider was walking Marley when a small Yorkshire terrier, leashed and harnessed, got away from her owner and approached Marley.

Marley bit the Yorkshire terrier’s neck with out warning, held and shook her without releasing her. In the 30 to 45 second long incident, Marley, who weighed nearly 70 pounds did severe damage to the Yorkshire terrier. The Yorkshire terrier will require ongoing veterinary care to treat her wounds. Marley redirected her aggression to the foster provider, who sustained at least 12 puncture wounds trying to separate the dogs.

Humane Rescue Alliance statement

The HRA stated they were confident they had done everything they could to help Marley, and had been working with her for the last three years. Ultimately, the organization stated it was their responsibility to keep the animals and people of the community safe.

Marley’s passing was peaceful, and she was cared for by our staff members until the end.

HRA

Read the entire statement issued by the HRA about Marley here.

Rest in peace Marley.

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