Spare Sam and Put Down the Magistrate:
Says Queen's Council
Calls are mounting to save Sam the barking West Highland Terrier from the death sentence imposed by a Scottish Justice of the Peace.
Leading Queen's Council (QC) Donald Findlay told the press the sentence was a disgrace. And he added: "Spare the dog and put sown the magistrate - you'd be doing society a service that way." Mr Findlay's defence of Sam has been echoed by politicians, charities, people across Scotland and screen legend Brigitte Bardot. The eight year old Westie was spending his first night behind bars last night after being given a police escort as he was led away from his Aberdeen home by a dog warden. The sentence was imposed by John Logan at Aberdeen District Court after Sam's owner, William Shaw, failed to comply with an order to restrain him. Sam must remain at a cat and dog home until judges in Edinburgh decide his fate. Sam's imminent future would be decided within the next two weeks, although the reprieve hearing could take much longer. Hundreds of people have called the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offering homes. The charity will write to Mr Shaw's solicitor on Monday with a formal offer to rehome Sam in the hope that that will persuade judges to reprieve the dog. Ms Bardot, who was said to be horrified by Sam's execution order, pledged to do all she can to save him. Politicians have also backed the fight to save Sam. Conservative MSP, Alex Johnstone said: "The idea that a dog should be disposed of in this way, simply for making too much noise, is going a bit far... This is a case of officialdom going rather over the top. All parties should get together to find a reasonable solution that doesn't require this dog to be put down." Scottish National Party MSP Richard Lochhead said: "It's extremely unfortunate that the whole issue has reached this stage. Many people are surprised an alternative solution could not have been found." Aberdeen South Liberal Democrat Nicol Stephen, Mr Shaw's MSP, said: "The decision seems totally disproportionate to the problem. "None of the neighbours, including the original complainer, wants the dog put to sleep. I hope the High Court comes to a sensible decision quickly."
This is the latest news on Sam, but we will bring you any update as we hear it.
You still have time to write to the court and help Sam live.
The address is below.
Remember Sam needs your help.
Write to: The High Court. Parliament Square. Edinburgh. Scotland.
Let them know how you feel about this injustice.
Nessie's Loch Ness Times will keep you updated on how Sam gets on.
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