Twenty one pit bull-type dogs that are facing possible euthanization are getting some high profile help.
Celebrities such as media personality Paris Hilton, singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia, and philanthropist Sir Richard Branson are calling for the Ontario SPCA to withdraw an application to have the 21 dogs put down.
Philanthropist Sir Richard Branson shows his support for 21 dogs seized from an alleged dog-fighting ring in Tilbury. (Photo courtesy of SaveThe21.com)
The animals were seized from the alleged dog-fighting ring in Tilbury back in October 2015.
"Dog Tales and countless other rescue organizations have offered to take in these dogs and provide them with the love, care and rehabilitation they need in order to experience just how beautiful life can be," says actress Maggie Q who also expressed her support of the dogs in an online video.
Actor Adrian Grenier also posted a video online to condemn the euthanization of the 21 dogs.
"Once rescued, these dogs entered a new tragic chapter of their lives and were given a death sentence by the very organization that is meant to protect them," Grenier says in the video.
The OSPCA filed the euthanasia application after the American SPCA assessed the 21 dogs a few weeks after their seizure, and deemed them too aggressive for rehabilitation. Another 18 dogs that were seized were also assessed, but were considered fit for rehabilitation.
Singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia shows her support for 21 dogs seized from an alleged dog-fighting ring in Tilbury. (Photo courtesy of SaveThe21.com)
A website called SaveThe21.com, which was created by animal rights group Dog Tales, refutes the ASPCA's assessment of the dogs.
"When reviewing the assessments, we did not see dogs who were 'too far gone' to receive help -- we saw dogs who were scared, dogs who were excited, and even a dog who could not focus on her assessment because she was so worried about her puppies," a statement reads on the website. "Out of 21 assessments , only four dogs showed any form of aggression towards humans."
Dog Tales and Animal Justice, another animal rights group based out of the GTA, applied for intervenor status back in November 2016, to make their case before the court. However, in early December the Justice of the Peace ruled that animal rights groups will not be allowed to intervene in the hearing.