On Friday, February 15, 2008, the founder of All Setter Rescue, Bob
Attleson, had the doors at his residence physically kicked (rammed) in and 'HIS' dogs
[English Setters], seized by the City of Littleton. He had one 18 month old
male, three of his champion bitches and 4 nine week old puppies. The dogs
were taken with a court order alleging that they were being abused.
On that Friday morning Bob was at the Plum Creek All Breed Shows in Denver
showing his brace of English Setters. Funny names for the dogs but, "Pig" and
"Jo" went Best Brace in Show at age 7 and 1/2 or 8 years of age. I can't
remember their true ages, but I am close.
Over the past year Bob has been harassed and sighted for 'over the dog
limits.' Many of these citations came when he was either picking up a rescue and
had not placed it in foster as yet or when he was grooming a rescue after the
dog was placed in foster and brought to him for grooming. It didn't matter
to the City of Littleton, if that was the day that they dropped in for an
inspection, the dogs were counted and Bob was issued another citation. Bob has
been in court at least three times defending his position that he is active in
Rescue and that all the dogs, his and the rescues are loved and cared for
and some being medically attended to coming in from a shelter or an owner turn
in.
This Friday, February 22, 2008, Bob, his attorneys, Bob's neighbors, members
of the Irish Setter Club of Colorado, members of the English Setter Parent
Club, President and members of All Breed Rescue Network [ABRN], friends and
family were all present at the "Emergency Motion For Hearing On Illegal Seizure
Of Property." filed by Bob's attorney, Susan M. Martin. There was standing
room only. The hearing was held and there were stipulations that Bob had to
agree to in order to get his dogs back. His only concern was for the safety and
welfare of his dogs and that meant agreeing to things totally unfair and
nothing could be done about it at this time. If he did not agree, his dogs would
suffer the consequences. The judge then signed an order that the dogs be
immediately released after both parties agreed. One of the stipulations was
that the dogs could only be released to Bob's agents, the two attorneys. Both
attorneys agreed as they are dog people and also active in rescue, however, not
in the City of LIttleton, where rescue seems to be outlawed.
Even with the Court Order to release Bob's dogs, it did not go well. Bob's
dogs were being held at the Colorado Humane Society, a privately owned
organization that is under investigation and sighted for inhumane activities. The
Denver Police had to be called out to officiate to see that the Judge's Orders
were carried out. If you have read this far, you are probably asking, why
and how can this be happening? We are and have all been asking ourselves
these same questions. But I sat in court with the others and we were very upset
with what we were witnessing and to what Bob had to stipulate to.
I am writing this to the list because Bob's friends on the west coast have
asked about this, they are calling it the Colorado Incident. They and everyone
concerned should have the details straight from the horses mouth. Channel 7
was present at the hearing and the story should be aired when they get it put
together and there is a time slot. We are also trying to put together a
'Defense Fund' to help Bob with further action against the City of Littleton for
harassment; mental, physical and financial damages. I asked the attorneys
who was going to pay for the damages done? There will be more court hearings
and appeals. Anyone interested in the Motion that was filed may email me as I
have permission to share it with all Bob's concerned friends.
This involves rescue and a very decent and
caring person that for the last 30 years or more has given more then anyone I
know to saving the lives of lost setters. Bob has already spent more than $150,000
out of pocket expenses for boarding fees moving rescue dogs to comply with
ordinances, becoming in compliance, the purchase of homes and relocating expenses.
Barbara Miller
Berthoud, CO
one small voice for those that cannot speak
All Setter Rescue
March 3, 2008 UPDATE ~ ~ ~ Please join our letter writing campaign
Please write to the officials listed. Write in your own words expressing your horror at what is
happening to Bob and what has already happened to him and his dogs. Just a few paragraphs will help
tremendously. Public opinion goes a long way.
The City of Littleton officials share the same physical address:
2255 W. Berry Avenue
Littleton, CO 80165
This information is up at the City of Littleton's website so it is all public knowledge.
