Judge grants county’s custody petition for “Miracle” dog
Posted On: March 15, 2021
Nicknamed Miracle by her rescuers, the German Shepherd that survived being thrown from a second-floor motel balcony in Daytona Beach three months ago will remain in safe hands. A Volusia County judge ruled that the dog’s owner, Allison Murphy, is either unable or unfit to adequately provide for the dog. Murphy is facing criminal charges of animal cruelty and resisting an officer with violence.
Miracle has been recovering from the ordeal that occurred on Dec. 14, 2020 at the Motel 6 on West International Speedway Boulevard. County Court Judge Wesley Heidt granted Volusia County’s petition to have the dog permanently taken away from Murphy. The black and tan pooch, about a year old, will continue to stay for the time being with an animal foster family that has been caring for Miracle and helping her recuperate since the day after the incident. The judge also barred Murphy from owning or possessing any animals for five years and ordered her to pay $1,127.24 for the cost of the examination and care of Miracle since the dog was seized by authorities. Judge Heidt signed the order on March 5.
Miracle was taken into custody after law enforcement was dispatched to the motel in response to a report of a woman standing over the railing and threatening to jump. When officers made contact with Murphy, she picked up her dog and tossed it over the railing. The dog fell to the ground, landed on its feet and ran away, but was scooped up by concerned bystanders. Volusia Sheriff’s deputies arrested Murphy, while Volusia County Animal Services took custody of the dog and transported her to a local animal hospital for medical treatment. Fortunately, the dog escaped serious injury and Animal Services arranged for a foster family to care for her.
The story of Miracle, a trained service dog, is destined for a happy ending. Animal Services has identified a new home for Miracle, where a military veteran lives and is in need of a service dog.
“We’re gratified that working with our law enforcement partners, we were able to intervene and protect Miracle from any further harm,” said Volusia County Animal Services Director Adam Leath. “The teamwork between Animal Services and law enforcement around the county continues to be a true community partnership that’s providing help and resources for our four-legged and two-legged companions alike.”