BAD NEWS

First topic message reminder :

I haven't been on here for a while as something terrible has happened. While out for a walk a few weeks ago a dog off lead growled and showed his teeth at Mia in an aggressive way. Mia went for the dog and a fight broke out which lasted about 10 secs. The other dog had a cut ear and had to have 18 stitches. Mia was unhurt. Anyway I did the responsible thing and gave the owner my name, address and phone number. I said I would pay for the vets bill even though his dog started it.
I suppose that wasn't good enough and he reported me to the police. On sept 1st (which was my birthday) a PC came to the house and seized Mia. Took her off to kennels to assess her.
Apparently she shows a lot of characteristics of a pit bull type.
I have to go to court on Wed 17th to try and get her back.
As you can imagine it has been a very stressful and upsetting time for all concerned. Mia has been well behaved at the kennels and shown no sign of aggression to either staff or the other dogs.
It is going to be recommended to the court that Mia be returned home as she is not a danger to public safety, but she will have to wear a muzzle and on lead in public and pay defra to go on the exempted dog register.
It is down to the court whether she be returned or destroyed.
People's thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

what about asking a dog warden?

Have you tried Brooks-Braithwate ?

Did you contact DDA Watch, they may be able to help with this too:

http://www.ddawatch.co.uk/

Only just catching up with the forum.

I am so sorry you have been through this. I am also glad Mia passed the temprament assessment and can be returned to you as an ED.

No advice to offer in regards to insurance - hopefully the DDA Watch and similar will be able to advice and signpost you to places that can provide it.

Any updates on Mia Debs ??

Just a couple of little questions - was Mia tested at all during her stay with the police or who ever ? Did she have a DNA test to determin that she is a Pit Bull Type ? Do you have access to the test results ?

I don't know if it's because I am in Australia but this whole 'types' thing is foreign to me but it all sounds really awful. Looks like there are so big issues with the law. I am so sorry to hear all this but very happy that she is back home with her family where she belongs!

There is no DNA test that can be done as a pit bull is a cross breed. They go purely on measurements to determine whether a dog is pit bull 'type' . Mia had a temperament test and deemed as non aggressive.
Her muzzle training has gone very well, she is still not keen but doesn't try and get it off anymore. A bit more work with her and hopefully she will be dissensesitised completely to it.
Thank you for all the support and advice through that very difficult time

So glad you have moved on with your beautiful dog; and thank you for sharing your horror story - I suspect that many of us learned a lot from it.