A Pitbull Terrier-type dog whose seizure by authorities in Belfast last month sparked a major public campaign is to be reunited with his owners after a judge confirmed he will not face destruction.
Two-year-old Hank will return to his east Belfast home following an order for his exemption from a banned breed’s list.
Leonard Collins, one of the dog's owners, expressed relief that the dog was being returned after 19-days.
“Hank will probably wreck the house, he will be that excited,” he said.
Mr Collins and Joanne Meadows have agreed to a series of conditions in order to get their pet back. They must keep him on a lead and muzzle at all times, and comply with whatever training is recommended by an animal behaviourist following assessment.
Hank was seized from his home on July 14th by police officers and dog wardens after a complaint from a member of the public. He was removed while he owners were not present.
Examinations carried out by a breed expert confirmed Hank to be a Pitbull Terrier-type, the court heard. His owners believed him to be a Labrador-Staffordshire terrier cross-breed.
Support
The seizure provoked massive public support for the dog and his owners, raising nearly £19,000 to help pay for an anticipated legal fight.
A lawyer for Belfast City Council applied to have Hank spared from the requirement for destruction. She said the behaviourist had assessed him as being "boisterous", but suitable for the exemption register under the Dangerous Dogs Order.
Hank has already been micro-chipped and neutered, and must also now be insured.
Mark O’Connor, for Mr Collins, told the court his client wanted to thank the public, politicians and media who had backed their campaign.
District Judge Ken Nixon agreed to make the order which will lead to Hank being returned home. Supporters in the public gallery cheered and applauded at the move signaling the dog's release.
“We still don’t believe he’s a Pitbull, but in order for us to get him home we have to accept the Council’s exemption order,” Mr Collins said.