Attorney Christina Ponig Maccio and Snuggles’ owner, Jennifer Evancho, are fighting to save the family dog from a court-ordered death sentence.
Jennifer and her husband, both military veterans, have spent nearly a year battling for the life of Sergeant Snuggles, their 110-pound Anatolian Shepherd.
A Pima County court classified Snuggles as dangerous and ordered him euthanized after he bit a 68-year-old relative. The family describes it as an isolated, provoked incident and says Snuggles had never bitten anyone before.
The relative has recovered and supports sparing the dog, according to the family.
Snuggles remains confined at the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson while his owners and attorney pursue legal alternatives. They’re asking the court to release him under strict safety conditions or allow his transfer to a qualified sanctuary.
Pima County has described the incident as an “attack,” while Jennifer maintains that Snuggles was startled on his own property. She says the family is willing to install additional fencing, use electronic safeguards and work with a professional behaviorist.
The case has now drawn thousands of petition signatures and growing public pressure.
