A young ‘healthy and friendly’ dog has been put down despite 30,000 people backing a bid to save his life.
Francis, who was being cared for at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, has become the latest pet to be destroyed due to the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The organisation today reiterated its calls for the rules to be reviewed, and told how staff “feel the pain and hurt every time an innocent and kindly dog loses their life to this law”.
A statement issued by the home reads: “Battersea staff and volunteers, without exception, feel the pain and hurt every time an innocent and kindly dog loses their life to this law.
“We see dogs like Francis come through our gates every single week and it never gets any easier if they are certified as a banned breed.
“No matter how lovely they are, we have absolutely no alternative but to obey the law.
“Last year there were 91 such dogs at Battersea and until and unless the law is changed, there will be 91 more this year.”
Battersea is calling on the Government to review the act, saying current legislation is “flawed” and instead should target irresponsible owners.
The law – which banned the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo argentino and fila braziliero breeds based on their physical appearance – was introduced 25 years ago this month.
A petition has been launched demanding changes in the law. It can be found at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/131936
