Owner’s final goobye to Diesel the dog

Another setback for the owner of Diesel the dog.

A Kelowna judge has ordered Diesel be turned over to an animal rescue organization which will oversee his adoption to an anonymous owner outside the boundaries of the Central Okanagan Regional District.

Diesel recently escaped a death sentence after a B.C. Supreme Court judge overturned an lower court order to have the animal destroyed after it was deemed to be a danger to the public.

Owner, Dave Smith of Peachland, and the Central Okanagan Regional District have been in a long, drawn-out court battle ever since Diesel was seized more than two years ago.

The dog has been in the pound ever since, costing taxpayers an estimated $100,000.

On Thursday, a Kelowna judge ordered Diesel be turned over to an anonymous animal rescue organization of the Regional District’s choosing where the animal will be rehabilitated and trained before being fostered out to a responsible owner.

“The Regional District is very pleased to have the court support our proposal that will see ‘Diesel’ placed anonymously with a new owner outside our jurisdiction,” says Chief Administrative Officer Paul Macklem. “This is something that we and many people have called for, giving ‘Diesel’ a new home and another chance with a responsible owner.”

The Regional District can apply for Diesel’s destruction if it’s deemed he can’t be rehabilitated.

Smith wanted to send his dog to a private residence of his choosing near Vernon.

He has been ordered to have no contact with the organization or Diesel’s new owner.

The judge granted Smith one final hour with his pet, but to avoid it becoming a “public display”, Smith is to have no friends or supporters with him.

A hearing will be held next month to determine if either of the parties should pay the other’s legal costs.