Destitute dog given ‘stay of execution’

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Dundee dog whose owner died has been given a “stay of execution” after a last-minute bid to find him a new home.

Rocco, who was to be destroyed on Thursday, was saved after lawyers managed to secure a delay.

It is understood the pet was taken by police after being involved in an incident in which another dog died in January 2020.

He has remained at kennels in the city ever since and while the dog was in there, his owner died.

Campaign group Save Our Seized Dogs has been fighting to save him for the past year.

Jayne Dendle, who founded the Uk-wide group, thanked the public for their support but warned he could still be killed.

She said: “It’s sad his owner is no longer with us. It means he is a dog in limbo.

“It’s essentially a stay of execution. Our lawyers have secured an interim interdict which means he was not put to sleep on Thursday.

“This does not mean he is safe; it just gives us time to continue to fight for him.”

Under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, the pit bull terrier is one of four breeds banned.

The law sees hundreds of pitbull-type dogs confiscated by authorities every year across the UK.

It also means breeds cannot be transferred to new owners even if they are

deemed to pose no threat.

Owners can, however, get a certificate of exemption if a court believes the dog is not dangerous.

Ms Dendle says the group does not believe Rocco is a pitbull type.

She added: “The police also say the owner’s next of kin have given permission for the dog to be destroyed.

“But every member of

her family we have spoken to say they have not. “He is not a bad dog.” Police Scotland are seeking the destruction of the dog, while Dundee City Council’s dog warden is not involved in the situation.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on the matter as we have been advised that

legal proceedings are to be raised.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA said: “We can confirm we assisted Police Scotland in relation to a dog seized under section 1 of the Dangerous Dog Act 1991.

“As this is an ongoing case we are unable to comment further at this time.”

SEIZED: Campaigners argue that Rocco is not a pit bull-type breed and not dangerous.