Supporters help delay terrier's date with death

ST. CHARLES, Mo.-- Supporters from around the country have helped postpone the likely execution of a West Highland white terrier.

The 4-year-old dog, Chip, appeared doomed when he was picked up in July after biting a child in St. Charles County.

But Gil Copley, director of the county's Health Department, has decided against having Chip euthanized. Instead, he's working with a group of the dog's backers on a plan that would lead to Chip's release.

Copley has heard plenty on Chip's behalf from advocates for the dog's cause all over the country.

"I've had at least 650 e-mails about this," Copley said.

Chip's supporters contend the dog was left alone with a toddler who, they believe, must have antagonized the terrier.

Neither the child nor Chip's owner has been publicly identified, and Copley has not revealed details of the biting incident. He has said only that he exercised his authority specified in a county ordinance to declare Chip a "dangerous animal" -- a designation that could have meant the dog's demise.

Chip's incarceration and sentence came to the attention of Westie Rescue of Missouri, an organization that saves dogs from puppy mills and other undesirable situations and relocates them to safe environments.

Luann Johnson, the organization's attorney, said she represented Chip and his supporters at a hearing Wednesday at which Copley stood by his decision to declare the dog dangerous.

"We're filing a petition for judicial review of the administration decision and for a stay of execution," Johnson said.

The group has found an Alabama couple willing to take Chip upon his release, Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Chip remains in custody in the county's animal shelter in St. Peters.