Ventura County Euthanizes 100-Pound Dog Bruce After 9th Circuit Denies Last-Ditch Motion
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 12
Ventura County Euthanizes 100-Pound Dog Bruce After 9th Circuit Denies Last-Ditch Motion
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 12
Summary
Ventura County Animal Services said Wednesday it humanely euthanized Bruce, a 3-year-old German shepherd mix, after the 9th Circuit denied a rescue group's motion to block the order.
Four alleged unprovoked attacks drove the case, including a 2024 face bite to a 16-year-old and a 2025 mauling that required surgery and a skin graft.
County officials said no case was pending when Bruce was put down and noted four judges had upheld or declined to disturb the euthanasia decision.
The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, which had appealed after a federal stay was lifted last week, said Bruce was killed despite an expected appellate hearing and condemned the county's timing.
The fight began with a March dangerous-dog hearing and grew into months of state and federal litigation that centered on public safety versus animal welfare.