Seized pet dogs saved from death

Roxy was returned to Mrs Chambers

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 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".

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 Chambers 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.

They weren't pit bulls 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".

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.

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."

Mrs Chambers is expected to have her dogs returned to her within 24 hours.