Source: Veterinary Practice News
Ana Chan, a disabled Army veteran with a traumatic brain injury and partial blindness, relies on her Great Dane, Rodgers, for support in daily tasks. When neighbors accused Rodgers of biting, a judge deemed him dangerous and ordered euthanasia. Chan, unable to afford legal representation, sought help from Cornell Law School’s Veterans Law Practicum, a program supporting veterans with legal needs.
Cornell law students, including U.S. Air Force veteran Aziz Ali and Isaac Belenkiy, advocated for Rodgers, gathering evidence and community testimonials confirming his gentle nature. A dog behavior expert testified that Rodgers’ first alleged bite was defensive, while the second may have been mistaken identity. After a lengthy appeal led by Belenkiy, the court reversed the euthanasia order, allowing Rodgers to return home under specific conditions, including additional training, public muzzle use, and neutering. This outcome highlights the program’s impact in assisting veterans facing complex legal challenges.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/dog-death-row-law-clinic/