On Friday, February 15, 2008, the City of Littleton, Colorado rammed in the doors of two homes and seized eight of Bob Attleson's and Melissa Mengel's cherished show dogs. The City took four nine-week-old English Setter puppies and three adult females (including the puppies' mother) from Mengel's home, and an 18-month old male from the home next door which is owned by Attleson. The young male was convalescing from recent emergency treatment. The City justified its actions to a Municipal court judge based on vague allegations of animal neglect put forth by Littleton Community Development employees.

At the time of the raid, Attleson (the founder of All Setter Rescue), was showing some of his other dogs at the Plum Creek Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show in Denver. The dogs were taken to the Colorado Humane Society shelter, a privately owned organization that is under investigation by the Colorado Attorney General for inhumane conditions. Dog lovers around the US are referring to this event as "The Colorado Incident." The City of Littleton has made no attempt to substantiate the animal neglect allegations, because they are completely without merit.

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Anybody who knows Bob Attleson and his dogs, knows how much he cares about them, and how healthy and happy they are. Bob has already spent more than $150,000 to defend his property and his dogs, and legal costs continue to mount.

Although this case is a technically a dispute over zoning ordinance violations, it's clear that the dogs are being used as pawns. The window of opportunity to protect hobby breeders’ and rescue groups’ rights, is shrinking around us locally and nationally. Eventually, these actions by local governments may affect YOUR basic right to own a dog

Littleton has made a powerful statement about how it regards dog owner rights, as well as our constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure. Now, we are asking you to do your part in support of Bob, and other dog lovers who could be the next victims. Educate yourself, express your opinion to Littleton officials, and help us support Bob's ongoing legal expenses..

Donate now via credit card or PayPal account!

To donate now, click the "Make A Donation" button below, and you will be directed to the PayPal site, where you can make a contribution securely.

 

If you prefer to write a check, make it payable to "Attleson Defense Fund" and mail it to:

 

Attleson Defense Fund, c/o Steven A Wheeler

7834 West Friend Drive

Littleton, CO 80128