The tragic story of Chevy, a young Dogo Argentino who met an untimely and unjust death after being rescued, has sparked outrage and mobilized animal advocates around the country. A petition on Change.org, titled “Justice for Chevy,” is gaining traction as supporters call for a thorough investigation into the practices of The Asher House, a well-known animal rescue organization led by Lee Asher. The petition, which seeks to hold Lee Asher accountable for the alleged mistreatment of animals and employees, urges authorities to revoke the organization’s 501(c)(3) status and to ensure justice for all affected animals and individuals.
The Heartbreaking Story of Chevy
Chevy’s story began with hope and excitement when he was saved from a euthanasia list at Apple Valley Animal Shelter in Southern California on June 14, 2024. His rescue was celebrated by animal lovers and advocates who believed he would find a loving home and the care he needed at The Asher House sanctuary.
Unfortunately, Chevy never made it to the sanctuary. Instead, he was transported to a boarding facility and then to an unqualified trainer at Valley Oak Dogs in Santa Ynez, California, where he faced deplorable conditions and, tragically, was euthanized less than 48 hours later.
In the last video of Chevy, he is seen being led back to an outdoor kennel with only a dirt floor, no food or water bowls, and in close proximity to other stressed and aggressive dogs. The chaotic environment was far from ideal for a dog like Chevy, who required a calm and supportive setting to decompress.
According to the petition, Chevy was never given a fair chance to adjust or receive proper behavioral assessments. Despite showing no signs of aggression during his transport and handling, he was deemed “aggressive” and euthanized without any documented evidence to support this claim.
Allegations Against The Asher House
The petition claims that The Asher House, which has gained a massive following for rescuing and rehabilitating animals, is failing to provide adequate care and transparency for the animals it takes in. Lee Asher, who has become a popular figure in the animal rescue community, is accused of profiting off the backs of innocent animals while neglecting their well-being and exploiting his employees.
Supporters of the petition allege that many of the animals rescued by The Asher House go unaccounted for, and some, like Chevy, never make it to the sanctuary.
In June 2024 alone, Asher claimed to have rescued over 150 dogs, followed by another 100 from a hoarding case in Oklahoma, yet only a small fraction of these animals have been seen or accounted for publicly. The petition raises serious concerns about the fate of these dogs and whether they are receiving the care they deserve.
A Call for Accountability
The petition calls on the Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Humane Society, and County Animal Services to investigate the allegations against The Asher House and to hold Lee Asher accountable. It also demands the revocation of the organization’s 501(c)(3) status, citing numerous breaches and unethical practices.
One of the most alarming allegations is that employees are coerced into signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent them from speaking out about the mistreatment of animals and the unsafe working conditions they face. The petition asserts that some employees have been injured on the job without proper reporting to county authorities or insurance providers.
Seeking for Justice for Chevy and Others
Chevy’s story has become a rallying cry for those seeking justice and reform in the animal rescue community. The petition is not only about holding The Asher House accountable but also about highlighting the broader issues within the loosely regulated world of animal rescue. Advocates argue that without proper oversight and accountability, animals and employees continue to suffer.
The goal of the petition is clear: to ensure that no more animals are subjected to the same fate as Chevy and that those responsible for mistreatment and abuse are brought to justice. By shining a light on these issues, supporters hope to create a safer, more ethical environment for both animals and the people who care for them.
More on the Alleged Horrors at The Asher House
The allegations against The Asher House extend beyond the tragic story of Chevy. Numerous disturbing incidents have been reported, painting a grim picture of the organization’s treatment of animals. Here are some of the most alarming events confirmed by the creator of the petition:
– **Gorgeous and Guilty:**
In early 2024, two Tibetan Mastiffs owned by The Asher House mauled an employee, resulting in severe injuries that required 66 stitches. The attack left the employee with significant emotional and physical trauma, forced them to take an extended leave from work, and caused major financial hardship. Despite the severity of the incident, Lee Asher has reportedly offered no financial assistance to the injured employee, who has since created a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses. [GFM for Liz](https://gofund.me/d1f99291)
– **Janey:**
A dog in need of medical attention was reportedly shot and killed by Lee Asher. The exact circumstances surrounding Janey’s death remain unclear, but it is one of several incidents where dogs have allegedly been euthanized or killed without adequate justification or humane measures.
– **Charles:**
Another dog, Charles, was attacked and killed by other dogs in Asher’s pack. The lack of proper management and supervision in the pack has raised serious concerns about the safety of the animals at The Asher House.
– **Jax:**
After a dog fight, Jax was shot and killed by Lee Asher and buried in a shallow grave on his property, near a running water source. The manner in which Jax’s body was handled has raised ethical and legal questions about the practices at the sanctuary.
– **Mugsy:**
Mugsy, a parrot, suffered a slow and agonizing death after being left in his cage while the flooring in the house was being redone. The noxious chemicals used during the renovation poisoned Mugsy, highlighting the negligence and lack of care for even non-canine residents at The Asher House.
– **Tony:**
Lee Asher reportedly shot Tony, a dog, on his property shortly after filming a “goodbye” video. The circumstances surrounding Tony’s death are questionable, raising the issue of whether it is legal to shoot one’s own dog in Oregon and whether this action was justified.
– **River:**
River, a dog with medical needs, was attacked and killed by other dogs in the pack. The petition creator argues that River was not provided with the necessary care and protection, leading to his untimely and preventable death.
– **Maeve:**
A French Bulldog named Maeve tragically drowned after being trampled in the property’s reservoir. This incident highlights the lack of adequate supervision and safe environments for vulnerable animals at The Asher House.
– **Wildlife:**
In addition to the alleged mistreatment of domestic animals, Lee Asher has been accused of unethical practices involving wildlife. He reportedly baited deer with apples on his property and then shot them dead. These actions raise serious concerns about whether he is registered and licensed with the Fish and Wildlife Department and whether these killings occurred during legal hunting seasons.
These are just a few of the disturbing incidents cited by the petition’s creator. The allegations suggest a pattern of negligence, mistreatment, and unethical behavior that has led to the suffering and death of numerous animals. Supporters of the petition are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability to prevent further harm to both animals and employees associated with The Asher House.
## Supporters Rally Behind Lee Asher Amid Allegations, Claim He Provides Second Chances for Rescue Animals
As the petition calling for the closure of The Asher House gains momentum, thousands of people have joined the movement demanding accountability from Lee Asher for alleged mistreatment and neglect of animals under his care. However, not everyone agrees with the accusations being made. Lee Asher’s supporters have come forward to defend him, vouching for his dedication and the positive impact he has had on countless rescue animals, especially those with special needs.
Supporters’ Perspective
Supporters argue that many of the allegations presented in the petition are misleading or false. They emphasize that Lee Asher has made it his mission to provide a loving and supportive environment for animals that would otherwise have no chance of survival. One supporter addressed the accusations directly, stating:
“I’m reading her vicious lies on these pics. That was a picture of Tony when he was adopted, not when he passed. Lee was out of town when Maeve passed away, and River was very sick with constant seizures when she was surrendered to him. They all were given second chances at a beautiful life. He takes on special needs animals that no one wants and gives them joy.”
These defenders of Lee Asher believe that he is being unfairly targeted by the petition and that the stories being circulated do not reflect the true nature of his work. They highlight the extraordinary lengths he goes to in order to care for animals with severe health issues or behavioral challenges, offering them a loving environment where they can thrive.
A Safe and Open Environment
Supporters also refute claims that the animals are kept in cages or unsuitable conditions. They describe The Asher House as a sanctuary where animals are free to roam and play, with quarantine areas available for those in need but without forced confinement.
“They are not in cages; they run free. Quarantine areas are open, but there are open crates dogs can use as some feel safe there,” one supporter explained, emphasizing that Lee Asher prioritizes the comfort and well-being of the animals in his care.
Defending Lee’s Integrity
For those who know Lee Asher or have followed his work, his commitment to animal rescue is beyond question. They describe him as an ethical and hard-working individual who has dedicated his life to saving animals that others have given up on. One supporter passionately stated:
“He’s an ethical, hard-working, honorable man. This coming from an ethical, honorable, hard-working woman… unlike the woman posting this vicious hate.”
Addressing the Controversy Around Chevy’s Death
The controversy surrounding the death of Chevy, a young Dogo Argentino, has become a focal point for those both supporting and opposing Lee Asher.
Critics allege that Lee insisted on rescuing Chevy from the euthanasia list simply because he found the dog “handsome” and “awesome,” despite not having any prior experience with the breed, which was deemed dangerous by the shelter. Supporters, however, argue that Chevy was not put down under Lee’s direct supervision but by a third party. They clarify that Lee Asher does not make euthanasia decisions himself and does not have a “rolling euthanasia van” as some critics have implied.
One supporter expressed frustration with the misinformation surrounding the case, stating:
> “Well, Chevy was already on the euth list. Lee insisted on taking him because he ‘looked so awesome’ and was so ‘handsome.’ He had to sign a waiver to take this dog, whose breed he knew nothing about other than he was deemed to be dangerous, because the dog was good looking. Chevy never attacked or harmed anyone while under Lee’s ‘care,’ but he was made dead regardless. These places aren’t run like some hospital, with strict rules & guidelines with people who know what they’re doing, so the things you listed would be comfortable to you to support their killing ‘100%’ are a fantasy.”
This statement highlights the confusion and miscommunication surrounding Chevy’s death and the procedures involved in euthanizing dogs deemed dangerous or unmanageable. Supporters insist that shelters, not Lee Asher, are responsible for making euthanasia decisions, and that Asher’s role is to rescue animals and provide them with a chance for rehabilitation and a better life.
A Divided Community
The conflicting views surrounding Lee Asher and The Asher House highlight a deeply divided community. While the petition against him continues to gain signatures and visibility, his supporters are equally vocal in defending his work and character. They argue that the accusations are not only damaging to Lee but also harmful to the broader mission of animal rescue, which relies on the dedication and goodwill of people like him.
The debate over The Asher House and Lee Asher’s practices is far from settled. As accusations and defenses continue to surface, it remains clear that both sides feel passionately about their perspectives. Whether viewed as a hero or a villain, Lee Asher’s story has sparked an important conversation about the responsibilities and challenges of running an animal rescue organization, and the truth may ultimately lie somewhere in between.
Conclusion
If the allegations being made are true and there is concrete evidence to support these claims, then it is crucial for Lee Asher to be held accountable for any harm caused to animals and individuals. Transparency and accountability are essential in maintaining the integrity of any organization, especially one dedicated to the welfare of animals. However, if these accusations are not backed by solid proof, it is equally important to recognize the potential harm in spreading misinformation. People should not be driven by envy or a desire to pull others down, particularly when it concerns someone who has dedicated their life to a noble cause. In the end, the focus should remain on ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals and fostering a community built on trust and compassion.
