Stay of execution sought for death row dog

A Peachland man whose dog was handed a death sentence in August has made a impassioned argument for a stay of execution before a B.C. Supreme Court judge in Kelowna.

Drew Panton's dog Jake was ordered euthanized after it attacked and killed a smaller dog, but Panton is asking the court to reconsider. 

"There are other options available other than the death of the dog," Patton said through tears in court earlier this week.

"It's still extremely difficult to talk about another man's beloved pet, who he loved as much as I love my dogs."

In January Panton's two dogs — Jake, a 60 kilogram Presa Canario, and an American pit bull cross named Buddy — escaped and attacked a Wheaton terrier cross named Charlie, which was being walked by his owner.

Both attacking dogs were seized by animal control officers and designated as dangerous by a provincial court judge. Jake was ordered to be humanely euthanized in August.  

Charlie's owner Jeff Clarke would like the order upheld.

"I lost a good friend, a good dog, one that certainly didn't deserve to get torn apart like he was," said Clarke. "I'd like to see justice done for that."

Panton has suggest that Jake could be sent to a friend's animal shelter in Kitimat as an alternative to being destroyed.

The judge has reserved his decision for a later date.