“Breed Specific Legislation Killed Our Dog”
Published on February 20, 2008 by Alison Green · 3 CommentsFamily Grieve Pet Dogs Death
A Merseyside couple are calling for the government, organisations and individuals to demand a complete removal of Breed Specific Legislation after making the tragic decision to have their pet dog Missey put to sleep. Missey’s owners contacted Merseyside police early last year after being made aware that siblings of their dog had been seized as possible pit bull types.
They fought for almost three months, with Missey held in secret kennels, before a court of law decided their friendly pet dog posed no danger to the public and allowed her to be entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs.
However it soon became clear on her return, that Missey was suffering extreme separation anxiety and despite help from their vet and a behaviourist, Missey’s became more unhappy and on Sunday 17th February, owners Mark and Donna, decided to let her go.
Donna says, “ Missey was a fantastic dog and we loved her dearly. Letting her go was the hardest thing we have ever done but we couldn’t watch her suffer any more. We looked at the possibility of changing keepership however we didn’t think that would help her. She became distressed if she even thought we were leaving the house. It ruled her life.
Being seized and taken away from us killed her; she was terrified she would lose us again. Missey wasn’t dangerous, but she had lost her spark when she came home. She had lost the essence that made her our fun, loving pet dog. The only time she ever showed happiness was for a split second when you put her lead on for a walk. Then the muzzle went on and Missey vanished again. The rest of her time she worried in case we ever left her”
Mark and Donna firmly believe the law does not protect the public and are begging for a change to BSL.
Mark says “ We are expecting our first child soon. Missey would have loved him or her; she had a great love for children. We were good owners who taught Missey well. We have all been punished because of how she looks and Missey paid the biggest price of all. BSL doesn’t protect anyone; we need a law that does. We are hoping Missey will have not gone in vain, if she gets some people thinking about change its good. I beg those with a voice to help us reach a stage were BSL is a distant bad memory ”.
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It is a must that this whole issue needs to be looked
into. this tragic event could have been avoided if the actions taken after the very sad loss of a littel child
had not been rushed into.
Yes some dogs should not be in a fammly enviroment, but
then some owners should not have dogs.
I feel that Donna And Mark have had part of there fammaly
taken from them, through thay nor Missey had don nothing wrong.
It is sad that there first child will not know Missey,
but she/he will have a loveing home.
The removel of dogs from there home must be just.
Perhaps there is a case for unlawfull imprisonment?
What a sad story so sorry for your lose. The thing that jumps out at me is these people who are assessing these dogs are meant to the highest qualified people to assess dogs, so why are they making mistakes of identifying breeds? Surely all this was unnessary if they are qualified like they say they are? Its a very scary prospect if they can’t!! The BSL needs completing looking at and also some way of protecting responsible dog owners aswell!! RIP Missey.
I am so thankful that your dog was put to sleep before you had to go through the trama of the dog mauling or injuring your new baby. NO one belives their child can be killed until it happens to them. I am so grateful you will not have to live with the death of a child instead of the death of your dog. I know how it feels, I am there