PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) – A case about a dog who was drowned in a bathtub got the attention of one animal activist who wanted to organize a rally in the pet’s honor.

Jean Slepian asked for a permit from the state’s Bureau of Court Facilities, but it was denied.

On Monday, though, court officials changed their minds after state Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick and Justice Joseph Nadeau learned of the rally request.

While court officials are always concerned about security issues, “that doesn’t mean these people can’t have an opportunity to express their view,” court spokeswoman Laura Kiernan said. “We’re confident they will conduct themselves appropriately.”

Slepian said she will set a date for the “Justice for Dewey” event.

“There’s just something that’s touched people so deeply about this case,” Slepian said.

Dewey was a 2-year-old miniature dachshund. Two women have been accused of taking the dog from the Eliot, apartment of a former boyfriend and drowning it in Portsmouth.

Police say one of the women, Erin M. Wylie of Portsmouth, believed the dog was a nuisance to her relationship with the dog’s owner.

She is charged with being an accomplice to the drowning. The other woman, Shannon C. Walters of Newmarket is charged with animal cruelty in the dog’s death.

Both women have pleaded not guilty. They also face criminal charges in Maine involving the case.

If convicted on the New Hampshire charges, the women could each face 31/2 to seven years in prison.

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