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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Seized pet dogs saved from death | Seized pet dogs saved from death |
| (about 1 hour 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 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 last January 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". | |
| 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. |
| They weren't pit pulls and I'm getting them home after a long, long wait Irene Chambers | |
| 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". |
| Magistrate Ken Nixon said the expert evidence put forward for the defence and Belfast City Council, who took the prosecution, had been key to his decision. | |
| He said: "This case is not about fighting pit bull terriers. It's about a lady lovingly caring for dogs that otherwise would have had no home." | |
| Outside the court, Mrs Chambers said: "I'm elated. It proved they were two good dogs, good natured animals. | |
| "They weren't pit pulls and I'm getting them home after a long, long wait." | |
| She added: "This has broke the mould for others who find themselves in the same situation as myself." | |
| Review urged | |
| The council said it was "disappointed with the ruling" and would consider its position. | 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. | 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." | "This case once again highlights the urgent need to review legislation in relation to dangerous dogs and address issues around the identification of breeds." |
| Mrs Chambers is expected to have her dogs returned to her within 24 hours. |