Despite public protest and four families willing to adopt him, dog named Riley euthanized by Oregon shelter

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — The decision to euthanize a dog that had heartworm led to a protest at a southern Oregon courthouse.

The Grants Pass Daily Courier reports the border collie mix named Riley died Friday at Josephine County's animal shelter.

Charlyn Witcher organized Monday's protest, saying there was no need to kill Riley. She said four families were willing to adopt.

Diane Hoover is director of the county health department. She said it came down to a veterinarian's opinion on what was best for the dog estimated to be at least 8 years old.

Riley was found near Merlin last month in an area frequented by the homeless. A family kept the dog for three weeks, putting up fliers to find the owner. The dog ran away Jan. 10 and ended up at the shelter.

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Information from: Daily Courier.