History - Synopsis

On Friday, February 15, 2008, the founder of All Setter Rescue, Bob Attleson, had the doors at his residence's physically kicked (rammed) in and 'HIS' dogs [English Setters], seized by the City of Littleton. He had one 18 month old male, three adult bitches and four nine week old puppies. The dogs were counted as EIGHT and taken with a court order alleging that they were being abused. Puppies under the age of six months should not have been counted as adults but they were. Abuse charges have never been filed against Bob, only 'over the limit' charges.

Friday morning Bob was at the Plum Creek All Breed Shows in Denver showing his brace of English Setters, "Pig" and "Jo." His Brace went Best Brace in Show at the age of 8 and a half years. Animal Control knew Thursday that Bob would not be home and they took this opportunity to obtain a warrant and forcibly seize his dogs.

Over the past year Bob has been harassed and sighted for 'over the dog limits.' Many of these citations came when he was either picking up a rescue and had not placed it in foster as yet or when he was grooming a rescue after the dog was placed in foster and brought to him for grooming. It didn't matter to the City of Littleton, if that was the day that they dropped in for an inspection, the dogs were counted and Bob was issued another citation. Bob has been in court at least three times defending his position that he is active in Rescue and that all the dogs, his and the rescues are loved and cared for and some being medically attended to coming in from a shelter or an owner turn in. He has always contended that the dogs are far better off going into rescue than they would be going to a shelter where they could get sick or be euthanized.

This Friday, February 22, 2008, Bob, his attorneys, Bob's neighbors, members of the Irish Setter Club of Colorado, members of the English Setter Parent Club, President and members of All Breed Rescue Network [ABRN], friends and family were all present at the "Emergency Motion For Hearing On Illegal Seizure Of Property." filed by Bob's attorney, Susan M. Martin. There was standing room only. The hearing was held to hopefully get his dogs out of the shelter. Bob had to agree to certain stipulations to get his dogs back. One of them being that he was guilty of conditions set forth by an earlier court finding of 'over the dog limit.' His only concern was for the safety and welfare of his dogs. If he did not agree, his dogs would suffer the consequences. The judge signed an order that the dogs be immediately released after both Bob's attorney's and the Deputy District Attorney agreed. Another stipulation was that the dogs could only be released to Bob's agents, the two attorneys. Both attorneys agreed they would pick up the dogs as they are dog people and also active in rescue, however, not in the City of Littleton; where rescue seems to be outlawed.

Even with the Court Order to release Bob's dogs, it did not go well. Bob's dogs were being held at the Colorado Humane Society, a privately owned organization that is under investigation and sighted for inhumane activities. The Englewood Police had to be called out to officiate to see that the Judge's Orders were carried out. If you have read this far, you are probably asking, why and how can this be happening? We are and have all been asking ourselves these same questions. But I sat in court with the others and we were very upset with what we were witnessing and to what Bob had to stipulate to.

I am writing this BLOG because Bob's friends on the west and east coast have asked about this, they are calling it the Colorado Incident. They and everyone concerned should have the details straight from the horses mouth. Channel 7 was present in the lobby, at the hearing and the story should be aired when there is a time slot. We have put together a 'Defense Fund' to help Bob with further action against the City of Littleton for harassment; mental, physical and financial damages. There will be more court hearings and appeals. Anyone interested in the Motion that was filed by Bob's attorneys may email me as I have permission to share it with all Bob's concerned friends. The Press Release, which is customary, is up at the City of Littleton's Website. "Attleson Pleads Guilty."

This not only involves Bob's show dogs, it also involves rescue and a very decent and caring person that for the last 30 years or more has given more then anyone I know to saving the lives of lost setters. Bob has already spent more than $150,000 out of pocket expenses for boarding fees moving rescue dogs to comply with ordinances, for the purchase of homes and relocating expenses, and on legal fees.

Further postings will include information on Where and Who to write; and the Attleson Defense Fund.
Thank you ...