Today, we ask that you to sign this online petition to help “SAVE SPORK.” Spork is a miniature dachshund who could potentially get kenneled for the rest of his life or killed just for being scared at the vet. The little guy can’t defend himself, so it is going to take a community to come together and protect an innocent miniature dachshund from the horrific animal laws currently found in the City of Lafayette, Colorado. SPORK'S STORY: Last August the beloved 10-year-old miniature dachshund, Spork, snapped at and bit a veterinarian technician at Jasper Animal Hospital as he was being held by his owner. He has been at the vet on numerous occasions over the years and had been there just the week before, without ever having any issues except that he is usually very scared and shaking, sometimes defecating (which some dogs do if they are scared at the vet). In fact, he had been there just the week before when he got his shots and examination for oral surgery. Spork's owner was doing exactly what she was told and was holding the 17-pound dachshund firmly in her arms when the vet tech suddenly, and without warning, put her face in his, which resulted in the bite. He was shaking badly before this happened which was noticed by the entire staff, and had pooped on his owner just before the accident. Clearly the little guy was just scared to be at the vet and that was obvious. Spork’s owner was utterly unaware that it had happened until the vet tech stood up. This is a sad accident, but YOU must realize that it is a very common risk at the vet where it is imperative for everyone involved to follow procedures and best practices, including training to avoid being bitten. Spork, unfortunately, didn’t have the benefit of any of these at Jasper Animal Hospital. WHY THIS IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO YOU: About a month after the bite, Lafayette Animal Control charged Spork’s owners with having a vicious dog in the City of Lafayette. Please look into this for yourself and understand that this is an extremely serious charge and it is a guaranteed risk you face if you do veterinary business in Lafayette. The owners have spent more than $6,000 dollars already defending their 10-year-old little buddy! Despite specific and unambiguous Colorado state laws specifically excluding veterinary health care workers, the City of Lafayette will declare ‘home rule’ and can kill your dog, make you relocate or, maybe worst of all, kennel your best friend for long and cruel periods of time, even making you pay for the kenneling and even if you are found innocent! The staff at Jasper Animal Hospital endorses this action which could very, very easily happen to you today. Dog bites are very, very common in the industry and you have no way to know what provocation could trigger a reaction from your pet. IF YOU OWN AN ANIMAL YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT IT! PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION TODAY TO HELP GET SPORK'S CASE DROPPED AND TO PROTECT OTHER ANIMALS FROM HAVING THIS HAPPEN TO THEM. 

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