Legal group's TRO staves off euthanasia for dog

GALVESTON - A legal defense group that specializes in litigation pertaining to dogs acquired a temporary restraining order preventing euthanasia for a Harlequin Great Dane, according to recent court documents.

The Lexus Project Inc. obtained the TRO from Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Michelle Slaughter on Dec. 12 as part of its lawsuit against the Galveston County Resource Center, or ARCPETS.

The defendant is alleged to have refused requests to release the Great Dane, known as Fine Wine, "to the many rescue organizations who have offered and begged to take her."

Fine Wine was brought to ARCPETS after a Galveston animal control officer was reportedly seen abusing her earlier this month.

Though the dog was "photographed with extensive injuries," she "did not receive medical attention for the injuries until the media became involved," the original petition says.

The plaintiff further asserts the veterinarian who examined Fine Wine deemed the canine dangerous, insisting the respondent "will euthanize Fine Wine at the first opportunity."

It adds a lot of people and "several licensed and reputable" animal rescues have expressed their willingness to take Fine Wine off the defendant's hands though it is unknown whether those offers were accepted.

A trust was created on the subject dog's behalf.

"There is no reason for ARCPETS to kill Fine Wine, especially given that so many people are willing, able and begging to take her," the suit says.

Meanwhile, the Galveston County Health District submitted a motion to quash the TRO for which a hearing is scheduled Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.

Attorney Christiana Dijkman of Sanchez, Whittington, Wood & Dijkman LLC in Brownsville is representing The Lexus Project while Galveston County's legal department serves as ARCPETS's counsel.

Case No. 13-CV-1542