Keep Kano Home

Hello Everyone,

The reason this GoFundMe has been started is to help us fight to retain custody of our beloved Olde English Bulldogge, Kano. These funds will be used for our legal costs, to protect Kano from his former owner(s) and the household where he was abandoned, neglected, and abused. Any extra money earned will be donated to local animal shelters and organizations.

Kano was originally given to me as a foster pup by a co-worker. Kano’s primary caretaker and owner was sadly diagnosed with health issues and temporarily placed in a care facility. Her son lived with her, but was incarcerated once again for DUI and related charges. As a result, Kano was abandoned in a home with no heat in the frigid winter. The other dog in the home was discovered deceased and decaying amongst the house debris.

When Kano arrived at my home on February 18th, he was dirty, horribly emaciated, and so dehydrated that his coat was plagued with dandruff, his lips were cracked and bleeding, and his eyes were bloodshot and cloudy. He was later diagnosed with a double ear infection, interdigital dermatitis, conjunctivitis, separation anxiety, and atopic dermatitis. Under my care, Kano thrived. Read more about Kano's story here.

On March 26th, during a meeting at a local dog park, Kano’s owner told my boyfriend and me that we could keep Kano: “I can see how happy he is, and how much he loves you and you love him. Keep the dog.” We were officially a family. Or so we thought.

About one month later, the son was released from jail and began demanding “his dog” be returned. A grueling legal battle for custody of Kano followed. Despite days of testimony about the abandonment, neglect, and abuse Kano suffered, even with no proof that Kano was titled, registered, or licensed to this man, on Friday, September 16, 2022, the Gloucester Township civil court ruled that Kano should be returned to this man’s custody. The two deciding factors were: 1.) there was no physical “receipt” for Kano’s owner relinquishing her ownership, and 2.) Kano, like all pets, is considered PROPERTY. According to the current laws, pets are no different than a TV or toaster. Therefore, Kano’s best interests don’t matter. As their lawyer stated, “It doesn’t matter what the dog’s best interests are. The law is the law. He is a piece of property and that property needs to be returned to its owner.”

The tears I have cried every day since the ruling don't compare to the fear I have for Kano's future. The laws for pet custody need to be changed. Immediately. An animal's best interests should be considered when determining custody.

We have created a petition to implement Kano's Law, which aims to legally recognize and protect the best interests of companion animals by ending their legal status as property. Our stance is that current laws equating pets to property are antiquated and harmful, not only to our companions, but to our communities and society as a whole (https://aldf.org/article/the-link-between-cruelty-to-animals-and-violence-toward-humans-2/ & https://nationallinkcoalition.org/faqs/what-is-the-link). Indisputable science proves that companion animals are sentient beings capable of feelings such as fear, happiness, and love (https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Report-on-Animal-Sentience_Ingrid-Taylor_2021_NE.pdf), therefore their well-being and best interests matter and should be afforded legal recognition and protection.

Please, help us tell Congress that Pets are Family, NOT Property, and that their best interests should be legally recognized and protected. I hope Kano's Law will save many animals from suffering at the hands of inept and heartless "owners." Please add your signature to this petition to pass and implement Kano's Law immediately: https://www.change.org/PetsAreFamilyNOTProperty