In Southeast Wales, a friendly, 11-month-old puppy named Diwey, was seized by Gwent Police from his home in Torfaen because he reportedly is a banned breed. A heartbreaking video shows the dog wagging his tail happily and being affectionate when officers arrived on November 25 to remove him from his family.
Police arrived at the home with a search warrant for a “dangerous dog.” Following an assessment, police stated they determined Diwey is a banned XL Bully or Pit Bull type dog. His owner, Hope Evans disagrees, and stated both of Diwey’s parents were not banned breeds, but Diwey grew larger and that’s what led to him being seized.
They have ‘typed’ Diwey as an XL even though both his parents were assessed and neither are of the XL standard! Diwey unfortunately grew taller than both parents and his litter mates and this is why they have been able to type him under the XL ban.
In a GoFundMe titled ‘Help save Diwey from being ‘destroyed’ by Gwent Police,’ Hope has been raising funds to cover the cost of neutering and a DEFRA application (health certification from a veterinarian) should the court grant her a hearing. Owners can apply for a Certificate of Exemption which can be granted if the dog is deemed not to be a danger to the public.
If the exemption is granted, the dog must be neutered, microchipped, insured and kept on a leash and muzzled whenever out in public.
Under the Dangerous Dog Act, owning a banned breed can be punishable by fines, imprisonment or the dog being euthanized. The legislation identifies banned dogs by physical characteristics rather than by breed or genetics, meaning a dog can be considered a “type” even if it is not a pure pit bull.
Seems really unfair doesn’t it?
Update to follow.
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