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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Seized pet dogs saved from death | Seized pet dogs saved from death |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Two pet dogs seized because they were believed to be pit bull-type animals have been saved from death. | Two pet dogs seized because they were believed to be pit bull-type animals have been saved from death. |
| The dogs' owner, Irene Chambers, 64, from Knock Way in east Belfast cried when the ruling was made. | |
| The animals were seized by Belfast City Council more than a year ago after a report that she kept dangerous dogs. | The animals were seized by Belfast City Council more than a year ago after a report that she kept dangerous dogs. |
| However, a magistrate dismissed the charges, accepting the defence evidence that Roxy and Hooch were two mongrels owned by a "loving and caring lady". | However, a magistrate dismissed the charges, accepting the defence evidence that Roxy and Hooch were two mongrels owned by a "loving and caring lady". |
| The two-day court hearing at Belfast Magistrate's Court was a legal contest about whether the dogs were pit bull terrier-type animals or not. | The two-day court hearing at Belfast Magistrate's Court was a legal contest about whether the dogs were pit bull terrier-type animals or not. |
| During the hearing, Mrs Chamber described Roxy and Hooch as "house dogs" one of them just a pup, the other a "gentle giant". | During the hearing, Mrs Chamber described Roxy and Hooch as "house dogs" one of them just a pup, the other a "gentle giant". |
| 'Disappointed' | |
| Prosecution witnesses described the two dogs as being of the pit bull terrier-type that could be extremely dangerous. | Prosecution witnesses described the two dogs as being of the pit bull terrier-type that could be extremely dangerous. |
| One USPCA officer described pit bull-type dogs as the "ultimate dog fighting machine in the world". | One USPCA officer described pit bull-type dogs as the "ultimate dog fighting machine in the world". |
| The council said it was "disappointed with the ruling" and would consider its position. | |
| In a statement, it said: "The council remains committed to tackling the issue of dangerous dogs and protecting the public. | |
| "This case once again highlights the urgent need to review legislation in relation to dangerous dogs and address issues around the identification of breeds." |