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Brother Wolf faces backlash for euthanizing dog


Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is facing backlash for its decision to put down another dog over the weekend. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is facing backlash for its decision to put down another dog over the weekend. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) - There is some new controversy surrounding a “no-kill” animal shelter in Asheville.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is facing backlash for its decision to put down another dog over the weekend.

“We all want to save animals, and every shelter around the country is having to make these heartbreaking decisions,” said BWAR Executive Director Leah Craig Fieser.

Fieser said they had to put down Tucker, a dog with a history of aggression.

The decision led many online to question the organization's “no-kill” philosophy.

On the West Asheville Exchange Facebook page, one person said, "Brother Wolf is nothing like it used to be" another said, "Someone has to do something about this"

“As a nation, we recognize that a ‘no-kill’ organization is having a live outcome of 90% or more of the animals that enter that organization's doors,” said Fieser.

Some like Valinda Cortez, believe more should have been done to help Tucker.

“In a different shelter environment, it might have been a different dog,” said Cortez.

She says many others stepped up to help.

“Other shelters and rescues were willing to take these animals, as well as myself,” said Cortez.

“We have made the decision as an organization by that point that we have tried every single thing in our power to have positive outcome for that animal,” said Fieser. “And the way to serve that animal best is through humanely euthanizing that animal."

While Fieser said it’s not about a lack of space. She said due to recent financial issues they had to change how they operate.

“We had to give up the dream of having a sanctuary,” said Fieser.

In 2019, Brother Wolf expects it will adopt out almost 2,000 animals.

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