Shown below, death row dog Beau is scheduled to be executed soon for a petty crime he likely never even committed.
Since being incarcerated for allegedly “killing a duck” (or “growling” at a cop) last year in Dyersburg Tennessee, the smiling yellow lab has been labeled “vicious” by those determined to put the animal down now.
Thus, with no time to spare, Beau’s community is rallying together via a change[dot]org petition this month, in hopes of moving the mayor of Dyersburg or the governor of Tennessee to spare the friendly dog’s life.
“After we started a petition the duck story was recanted and not proven,” they say, “although Beau was still sentenced to death.”
The group, which call themselves #BeausHeart, has obtained over 25,000 signatures so far, but clearly more than that is needed to accomplish their mission of mercy.
As expected by those who know this doomed canine well, Beau never exhibited any aggressive behavior or tendencies while he was jailed, which is notable considering the substandard conditions of his confinement and that he was surrounded by strangers.
More troubling still is that there doesn’t appear to be a single shred of proof that the death row dog actually killed anything, let alone growled at his arresting officer.
“We stand strong and feel, since it has been a year and Beau has never been proven to be vicious, Beau should be pardoned,” the dog’s supporters are urging in their petition drive.
“Mayor John Holden has the ability to do this,” they add, “but, in case he refuses, we also humbly request that Governor Haslam review the situation and PARDON BEAU.”
What do you think -- even if Beau did foolishly kill a duck or resist arrest, do you think he should be put to death for such a minor offense?