Nadas, the gentle dog on death row in Jackson County, Oregon since September 1996 was finally spared

Jackson County officials, bowing to overwhelming public pressure, passed an emergency ordinance on February 12th, permitting some dogs who chase livestock in that county to be sent to animal sanctuaries outside of Oregon instead of facing death.  County officials permitted Nadas to be spared as a result of this ordinance.  Nadas was transported to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, on February 18th.

However, the county required owner Sean Roach to drop all lawsuits against the county for unlawful seizure of his dog and for defamation of character.  Best Friends Sanctuary was forced to agree to never permit anyone to adopt Nadas from the sanctuary.  Sean agreed to the terms of the agreement in order to spare the life of his dog.

On March 3rd, courtesy of Hard Copy, Sean visited Nadas at Best Friends Sanctuary for a tearful reunion and farewell. It was the first time Sean and Nadas had seen each other in a year and a half.

Click on The Unfolding Story for details of the progression of events in recent months.

OTHER OREGON DOGS ON DEATH ROW STILL DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP! The ordinance and agreement that spared Nadas does not apply to them.  Click on  OTHER DOGS for details.

Also, be sure to see the ON-LINE PETITION generously provided by Mesia Quartano. This petition, among many others on the Internet, was instrumental in building public support to free Nadas.

An unbelievable story of government abuse. The tragic story of Nadas, who was condemned to death solely on someone's unproven claim that he chased a horse.

Overview of this Story
How Jackson County officials stole a family pet, and kept him in solitary confinement for 16 months

Background Info
from Sharon Roach detailing how Nadas was taken by county officials

Listen to the Hearing
Audio clips from county hearing in 1996 where Nadas sentenced to die

The Unfolding Story
Trace the development over time of this many-faceted story

Media History
Media Coverage of this story, including a copy of National Enquirer appeal for Nadas

Legal History
Background Information about the livestock law and an attempt to change it in the last legislative session.

Correspondence between attorney and governor's office
Copies of letters that detail the governor's indifference to this tragedy

Correspondence between attorney and Jackson County
Copies of letters that show how Jackson County is determined to put Nadas to death and will not consider alternatives.

Many thanks to the following websites and organizations who were some of those instrumental in assisting in the successful fight to save Nadas: