A pit bull that had been detained by Brighton authorities for nearly a month has been allowed to go home.
The dog, named Dre, was first detained by Animal Control July 25. Police say the 5-year-old pit bull was “chasing, charging, growling and baring teeth” at two men and a woman in the 100 block of Apache Plum Street in Brighton.
The city later detained the dog because it had displayed aggressive behavior in the past. Police say Dre had “previously chased and attacked a family visiting a residence in Brighton.”
Animal Control held the dog for nearly a month before the dog’s owners were able to reach a plea deal with the prosecution. The agreement, finalized last week, will allow the dog to return home and also dismisses four of the five charges in the case.
Attorneys with the Animal Law Center, which provides legal services for animal owners and guardians, represented the dog’s owners, Rick and Mary O’Brien, during the case.
“We are satisfied with the outcome of this case and that an agreement could be made that was in the best interest of Dre and his family,” said Jennifer Edwards, founder and attorney with the Animal Law Center.
“This case has been followed by thousands of dog lovers around the world who will be relieved to know that Dre can finally return home to his family that missed him so much,” Edwards said.
Attorneys say the dog will be required to follow animal-care guidelines determined by an animal behaviorist until he receives a “Canine Good Citizen” certification from a third-party evaluator.
