On the change.org petition to save Neville, which has garnered over 210,000 signatures, Austin Pets Alive! explains the unfortunate and avoidable incident that lead to Neville's death sentence, writing that,

"Neville was taken into Austin Pets Alive!'s rescue program a few months ago. Neville is a young, friendly dog who has never shown any signs of aggression. On September 22, Neville was playing with other dogs in a play yard when a family entered the yard to visit the dogs. The parents were advised by a staff member not to put their small son on the ground, because the dogs were playing energetically and a toddler could easily be accidentally knocked over. However, the child was placed on the ground and allowed to grab Neville, who unfortunately bit the child.

It is a very unfortunate situation for everyone, as we would never want a child to be harmed. However, we believe this was entirely preventable had our staff's instructions and common sense been followed.

The family pleaded to the court system to have the dog killed, and Municipal Court Judge Clervi issued an order that Neville be killed, despite the evidence we presented"

No one wants a child to be harmed, but the safety protocol is in place for the protection of staff, volunteers, and visitors. To disregard the instructions of the staff is to take on responsibility for the consequences of that disregard. The petition has been making the rounds and the signatures keep coming because animal lovers want to #SaveNeville