Owner says dog isn't trapped in basement, despite neighbors' claims

sumithryo said on September 30, 2010 at 12:35 PM

what an idiotic russian.

zaxxon7469 said on September 30, 2010 at 12:28 PM

I still say deport the SOB.

melonkelly said on September 30, 2010 at 10:19 AM

Yep that's exactly what's going on... we're discriminating you because your russian. (sarcasm) You don't deserve the dog, just give it up. I have read three different links pertaining to this particular case and, every time something in the story changes. Trust me, I'm sure you won't miss your dog, you haven't in the past.

smilesjewels said on September 29, 2010 at 2:52 PM

Enjoy how this turned out to be a RUSSIAN owner and not a MEXICAN owner as others had previously jumped so fast to conclusions - I get so irritated when everyone points the fingers to the MEXICANS as if they are the only illegals in this country but because of their skin tone they are judged so quickly.. lets not forget there are probably 60 plus other illegals in our area that are milking the system just as the "mexican" people are.. stop judging so quickly and look in the mirror - these stories aren't about RACE but all these racist / ignorant people who post these comments on here are a bunch of idiots!

camanotraveler said on September 29, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Thank goodness caring people are out there committed to helping animals! Way to go neighbors for going the extra mile to help Lucky!

pipsissewa3 said on September 29, 2010 at 10:50 AM

Well well well. I see that NOT a thing has changed in the 18 years I have been gone from the Seattle area. Animal Control is still footdragging on abuse and neglect situations. FOR SHAME, AC. Tell me, now - was there ever a time when you actually DID do your job in a timely enough fashion to benefit the poor animals? I loved Puget Sound country but this is the sort of thing that made me absolutely wild with frustration. I worked for years up there in animal rescue (horses) and it is easy to understand the growth of private rescue organizations to attempt to deal with the things that taxpayer dollars are SUPPOSED to be used for. Instead, taxpayer dollars are are flagrantly wasted and the situations roundly and thoroughly ignored until the weight of public opinion and six o'clock news coverage embarrass the agency into actually (gasp!) looking into complaints that have gone on literally for YEARS.

jinxedagain said on September 29, 2010 at 10:49 AM

If the dog has the run of the house and the basement is in that bad of shape, just think of the rest of the house! I would think the health department if no one else could step in. His being Russian has nothing to do with this

sjp1276030601841 said on September 29, 2010 at 10:17 AM

There is a special place in Hell for people like this....it's VERY clear who is the "animal" in this story?? Certainly not the dog..... Lock this guy in a basement with no escape...let him drown in his own excrement....and send someone by "several times a week" to feed him... I don't give a holy hot banana if he's Russian....and I highly doubt his neighbors do either, unless he uses that as an excuse for the poor example of a human being that he is....did you have a rough childhood??? Whaaaaa....

animallvr said on September 29, 2010 at 10:05 AM

How can Lucky have free run of the house? It looks like he's tied up to me. Except for being locked in a cage, what is the dif between Lucky and a dog stuck in a puppy mill? They rescue puppy mill dogs. Somebody please save Lucky.

aricimone said on September 29, 2010 at 9:52 AM

clear2copy said on September 28, 2010 at 4:59 PM trojan.. the difference is that the dog has no choice.. the dog can't get a job and get off the streets.. --- That is entirely subjective. While some of these posts may have been expressed without tact, what I'm guessing is that some users feel a lot of folks express excessive compassion to animals, than to people. And now I'm entirely off the subject. Free the dog, rah.

vclearwater said on September 29, 2010 at 9:41 AM

This poor dog lives on my street. Gerry, quoted in the article here, has been tireless is getting the dog removed - calls, getting petitions signed by all of us, etc.. Great the animal control is finally taking major action but it's been over 4 years - YEARS!!!! (sigh)...at least something is finally being done....I hope. As for the owner...the 'racist comments' thing? Please. They were welcomed to the neighborhood like everyone else here. But from the day their family moved in, Lucky's plight was obvious. He left for days when no one was home, barked incessantly - hours at a time, ect. @abelenky...I'm with you. The owner should face charges.

aricimone said on September 29, 2010 at 9:38 AM

Even if his neighbors aren't technically "racist", they probably are xenophobic to some extent.

ljsheeley3399698 said on September 29, 2010 at 9:35 AM

He thinks that being fed "several times a week" is enough? Animals need to eat at least once, if not twice a day. AND be let outside. And need love. Where is he all the time? If he wants his dog so much, why isn't he home taking care of it? That guy doesn't deserve this dog and hoping animal control really does take it away.

sonata said on September 29, 2010 at 9:09 AM

Whoever you are, you are full of what you let your dog do in your home. SH*T! May you be tiedup for years and ignored, yourself! I hope you get what you deserve in life.

1beachperson said on September 29, 2010 at 8:51 AM

When all else fails, pull the "race" card - even though Russian is not a race. Next thing you know, he'll claim he doesn't understand English. Wonder how many of our tax dollars he's living on? give up the dog - do somethin decent for once in your life!

newlogin86 said on September 29, 2010 at 8:50 AM

This dog has run of the house? I can see why houses I have seen for sale have unbelievable urine scent in them. The owners either have non-functioning noses or they just let their animals have run of it while they move from their foreclosed homes!

newlogin86 said on September 29, 2010 at 8:49 AM

He pulled the race card?? LOLOL, aon a white russian?? Hey where is the tool yesterday that tried to say the owners were latino and should go back to Mexico? How do you feel now you bigoted racist???

autumnb said on September 29, 2010 at 8:40 AM

It's so obvious that this man is lying. Animal Control is likely getting the search warrant prepared quickly. The problem before was that they couldn't see the dog without trespassing, now they have proof from cameras, neighbors access, video etc. This person needs charges pressed for cruelty neglect. Who cares what nationality he is, they are breaking the law and this poor little dog has suffered enough. This dog deserves a better home now.

libbygu said on September 29, 2010 at 8:12 AM

This may seem like a slow process, but it actually seems a bit more expedient than CPS.

dede1978 said on September 29, 2010 at 8:01 AM

Through this "negotiation" they are only giving him time to go clean things up. Someone needs to be watching that house really closely right now and record what happens. You can bet the owner will do whatever he can to avoid prosecution for what he's done to this dog. If I didn't own cats, I'd go get him myself, I don't live that far from there.

kehbird said on September 29, 2010 at 7:55 AM

Poor Lucky! My dog goes with me or stays with someone when I am away. My dog is like a child to me! This dog deserves a better family, someone to pet and cuddle the dog, feed the dog, clean the dog. This has had none of that for months!!?? WTF! What is the point of even having the dog as a pet?

krisbrood said on September 29, 2010 at 7:41 AM

Black isn't a race, white isn't a race, Russian isn't a race. We are all from the race of humans. Asian, black, white, Russian is an ethnicity. I love it when people or forms say we are of the 'fill in the blank' race.

theknowitall said on September 29, 2010 at 7:01 AM

I can't figure out why this guy would be going through a divorce. What woman would not want this guy?

yogibear said on September 29, 2010 at 6:55 AM

ginas--maybe the "Russian man" was married to the man who is tossing some food to the poor dog.

stryker said on September 29, 2010 at 6:37 AM

Gerry Harris and King 5 are lucky this guy doesnt press tresspassing charges on them.

ginas said on September 29, 2010 at 6:21 AM

I'm confused. first they reported the owners ex husband was coming by to feed the dog, now they are reporting the owner is a russian man. which is it?

blueoystercult said on September 29, 2010 at 6:08 AM

First of all it hasnt been months.. its been years! I live one street over and have called animal control about Lucky 2 years ago! and they did nothing - they said they arent doing anything illegal- I am really angry it has gotten to this point. The owner is lying - the dog is ALWAYS there - I have NEVER seen the dog in the living room - in the front yard.. nothing! He is also lying about the racist remarks.. we have a great neighborhood with the nicest people - give Lucky up! and Animal Control please take him or I will! I have left notes on the owners front porch telling him to treat it as family instead of leaving it chained up in the back - now.. if I have been doing that - years ago- you can imagine this dog NEEDS to get out! Chrsitine Lange - you better take that dog away! - and Russia isnt a race!

yogibear said on September 29, 2010 at 5:39 AM

mikthrac--Yuk!!

jppatches said on September 29, 2010 at 3:35 AM

maybe the dog likes the basement. maybe he can go upstairs.

cmeeverett said on September 29, 2010 at 1:38 AM

First off... i didn't know Russian was a race, it's a nationality covering 2 races, white, asian, or a mix. Anyways... somehow i feel Lucky the dog, who likes to bark a lot, is going to find some great luck in its future & the owner is going to find out what American Justice is all about.

prpletr said on September 28, 2010 at 11:11 PM

RCW 16.52.207 Animal cruelty in the second degree. (1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal. (2) An owner of an animal is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the owner knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence: (a) Fails to provide the animal with necessary shelter, rest, sanitation, space, or medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result of the failure; (b) Under circumstances not amounting to animal cruelty in the second degree under (c) of this subsection, abandons the animal; or (c) Abandons the animal and (i) as a result of being abandoned, the animal suffers bodily harm; or (ii) abandoning the animal creates an im

prpletr said on September 28, 2010 at 11:10 PM

RCW 16.52.100 Confinement without food and water — Intervention by others. ...If any domestic animal is impounded or confined without necessary food and water for more than thirty-six consecutive hours, any person may, from time to time, as is necessary, enter into and open any pound or place of confinement in which any domestic animal is confined, and supply it with necessary food and water so long as it is confined. The person shall not be liable to action for the entry, and may collect from the animal's owner the reasonable cost of the food and water. The animal shall be subject to attachment for the costs and shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon execution issued upon a judgment. If an investigating officer finds it extremely difficult to supply confined animals with food and water, the officer may remove the animals to protective custody for that purpose. [1994 c 261 § 10; 1982 c 114 § 6; 1901 c 146 § 12; RRS § 3195.]

mikthrac said on September 28, 2010 at 10:43 PM

imagine what the rest of the house looks like if the dog has free run of it....

heidimary said on September 28, 2010 at 9:32 PM

I do not understand why these people own a dog. Why have one if you arn't going to care for it. No excuse to cause any living creature to suffer like this. Dont want to take care of a dog anymore..fine..then give it up. And who is this person who came by every day? Thankfully he brought food, but how could face this every day and just drive away? There is no excuse and everyone involved needs to face animal cruelty charges.

spayneuterpets said on September 28, 2010 at 8:49 PM

Good Job King 5 for keeping the pressure on. Please keep covering the story. I agree with other posters: "negotiations" appear to be inappropriate; animal control has ample cause to execute a warrant and remove the dog immediately. It appears unjustifiable that animal control is failing/refusing to do so. I would call for an investigation by the county. I also agree animal cruelty charges should be filed. Animal cruelty such as this is against the law, morally wrong and a scientifically proven indicator of someone who is likely to act cruelly (and illegally) towards humans. The fact that people think like Trojan shocks and outrages me--but explains the current plight of our society.

plutonomics said on September 28, 2010 at 7:50 PM

Soon be rescued??? Get that animal out of there now!!!

tenacious said on September 28, 2010 at 5:18 PM

"Lucky", huh? The poor thing should be named "neglected" or "abused"! And to the people who say people care more about this dog than humans, karae62 said it right.

katznk9s said on September 28, 2010 at 5:09 PM

There is no excuse for waiting months to rescue a dog. Animal Control can and should immediately get the warrant to enter and rescue this dog. As far as "negotiating" for the dog, that's ludicrous. Obviously the dog is NOT being cared for, so there is no reason whatsoever for not seizing the dog and charging the owner/feeder with animal cruelty Animal control: get off the dime and do your job..

clear2copy said on September 28, 2010 at 4:59 PM

trojan.. the difference is that the dog has no choice.. the dog can't get a job and get off the streets..

emptynestr said on September 28, 2010 at 4:18 PM

I just hope this poor pooch gets the care it deserves. What was the owner thinking or rather NOT thnking? That was just plain cruel. This person should be punished for cruelty to an animal. Maybe they thought the dog would be safe but that certainly didn't take in to account that the dog needed to be let out to go relieve itself and it's need for companionship. I will keep the rest of the comments to myself.

jonlisa05262002 said on September 28, 2010 at 3:31 PM

This owner should be arrested and never allowed to own a pet again. This is totally despicable to do this to a poor defenseless animal. Maybe the person should be locked up alone with no companionship in retaliation for what was done to the poor dog. I have more sympathy for defenseless animals than I do for people who often put themselves in bad situations.

trojan33 said on September 28, 2010 at 3:26 PM

It's a dog. Unbelievable. Much, much worse things are happening to people.

karae62 said on September 28, 2010 at 2:40 PM

chuckstr76: Who says we don't care about homeless people? I, for one, have enough compassion for many causes.

chuckstr76 said on September 28, 2010 at 2:29 PM

I wish people cared as much about the homeless people as much as they do about this dog. Evidently the home owner does not care about her house condition either. peeeew

abelenky said on September 28, 2010 at 2:28 PM

It is not enough to remove the dog. These owners must face cruelty and neglect charges as well. Their actions are criminal, and they must be held to account.

rosie234 said on September 28, 2010 at 2:25 PM

I'm glad this story appears to have a hopeful ending, but now - King 5, how about doing a story on the fallout from closing the King County Animal Shelter and cutting funds to that agency, which also provided enforcement services in King County. Remember that story from about a year ago? Remember how other law enforcement agencies and shelters were going to pick up the slack from the closing of KCAC?? This is what happens, people! There is nobody picking up the slack for these animals. Citizens should not have to contact local news agencies to make something happen when they see an animal suffering. Lucky is not the only one out there in trouble. Please make a real difference and do some thoughtful investigative journalism on this issue so that animals like Lucky have to become a front-page story in order to be rescued.

stormkat said on September 28, 2010 at 2:17 PM

So how long will that take??

karae62 said on September 28, 2010 at 2:05 PM

Woo hoo! Way to go King5 for posting this story but please, please please let's make sure this sweet thing gets placed in a no-kill shelter! The owner should not be allowed to have another pet...EVER!!

tacomagrl said on September 28, 2010 at 2:03 PM

fantastic!!