California Euthanizes 3-Year-Old Bruce Despite Supreme Court Appeal

3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 14

Ventura County Animal Services euthanized Bruce on Wednesday before Justice Elena Kagan could act on an emergency Supreme Court application seeking to stop the order.
A judge had ruled in April that the 100-pound Great Pyrenees-German Shepherd mix was legally “vicious” and a public threat after multiple biting incidents.
VCAS cited three attacks, including a February 2024 bite that left a minor with severe facial lacerations and later incidents that required sutures, surgery and skin grafts.
Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center and owner Claire Birgy tried to block the euthanasia, but lower courts said the rescue lacked standing; a federal stay that had delayed a May 15 deadline was lifted earlier this month.
The case drew unusual national attention because Supreme Court emergency appeals typically involve executions or major government disputes, not a local order to put down a pet.