Turner dog to have his day in court

The Turner family dog, Ugly, will have his day in court on Dec. 18.

Libby resident Barbara Turner and family has been dealing with the legality of her dog since June. Turner was recently issued her first citation for having a pit bull or under section 7.14 of Libby municipal code, a “dog which has the appearance” of a pit bull within city limits.

At the Sept. 20 City Council meeting, members said a veterinarian-signed document stating Ugly’s breed may be sufficient in granting Turner a variance to the code.

Turner believes Ugly is an American bulldog and not of the pit bull breeds.

Veterinarian Rick Myers of Kalispell concurred with Turner’s findings and issued a signed statement declaring Ugly a bulldog. He also said the dog is “friendly and non-aggressive.”

“Because he (Ugly) looks like a pit bull, it is a huge issue,” Turner said. “I am doing what the city asked, but it doesn’t seem to be enough.”

Turner believes she has enough proof to show that Ugly is an American bulldog, which is not listed in the current code.

“I am looking for charges to be dropped,” she said.

Turner said her fight would not stop if the court does not rule in her favor. She said she would then go after the law as “vague and unconstitutional.”

Turner also has a note from her doctor, in which he prescribed Ugly as an “emotional support animal” and that separating Turner and her pet could cause undue stress.

“I am not going to roll over and play dead,” Turner said. “I wish I could just move, but it is not feasible.”

She emphasizes education about dog breeds and responsible pet ownership.