A household have been left heartbroken after their canine was seized by police for biting a supply driver.
Emily Panther, from Margate, says her 4 kids had been “screaming” in misery because the American XL Bully known as Cali was taken away and put in kennels 10 days in the past.
Police had been known as after the two-year-old canine “nipped” a UPS worker on the hand – however her homeowners insist she will not be aggressive or harmful.
Ms Panther, 25, claims Cali felt threatened by the driving force, who had entered their backyard by way of a bolted gate earlier than “banging” on the again door.
As Ms Panther’s companion Daniel Jackson opened the door, the canine managed to push its means exterior and chew the supply man. UPS has confirmed the employee is OK following the “unfortunate incident”.
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The stay-at-home mum says two law enforcement officials arrived on the Dane Valley property later that day and stated they’d be taking the canine, primarily because of the truth there have been younger kids residing there.
The 4 children – aged 10, six, three and 7 months – then “just broke down” as they watched Cali being whisked away.
“They weren’t just crying, they were literally screaming – it was traumatic for them,” Ms Panther stated.
“I was heartbroken but seeing them when they took her away was horrible. It was just the worst thing.”
Ms Panther has additionally struggled to deal with Cali being taken away.
“For the first two to three days I didn’t eat or sleep at all,” she stated.
“I think I was sort of punishing myself because I knew she would be stressed and not eating either. I was just thinking about her in there alone.
“Now I’m just trying to keep it together for the kids and do what I can to get her back as quickly as possible.”
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Some politicians have known as for American XL Bullies to be added to the checklist of banned breeds following a number of deadly assaults within the UK, together with two on kids.
But Ms Panther describes Cali as an “amazing family dog”.
“I don’t let the kids jump on her – but my three-year-old would lay on her, and she won’t move a muscle until she gets up,” she stated. “Cali knows she would fall off her and hurt herself.”
Ms Panther says the canine is “very protective” of the kids in the home.
“If I was in the street and she randomly attacked someone I wouldn’t even be trying to get her back because of my kids,” she stated.
“But I know she’s not aggressive and I know she’s not dangerous.
“The only reason she did that that day was because she felt threatened.”
The household even have two different dogs – a Chihuahua and a French Bulldog.
Ms Panther stated: “Me and my partner suffer from anxiety and my dogs are my comfort. If I get upset they know. They calm me down.”
Mr Jackson, who’s a home assistant on the QEQM Hospital in Margate, stated: “My nana had died just before I got Cali.
“I have no family now, so she’s like a comfort blanket for me. I needed her – I’m really close to her.”
The 26-year-old added: “It’s so weird without her here.”
The couple are involved Cali was seized attributable to her resemblance to a Pit Bull Terrier – a banned canine breed.
But Ms Panther insists that her pet is totally authorized, and says she has paperwork to show she is a purebred American Bully.
Following the ordeal, Ms Panther and Mr Jackson have put indicators up of their backyard warning individuals dogs dwell there and are actually urging different homeowners to take action.
Ms Panther added: “I’d also like to advise delivery drivers not to go into people’s back gardens if they are bolted shut.”
A police spokesman stated: “On Monday, August 21, we received a report that a man had been bitten by a dog at a property in Margate.
“We attended the address and spoke to the dog’s owners, and the dog has been seized while inquiries into the incident continue.
“Officers attending reports of dangerous dogs make an assessment of the level of threat posed when deciding whether or not to seize any dog involved.”
A UPS spokesman stated: “The incident was unfortunate, but luckily the driver is OK.
“The safety for all those who work on behalf of the company is important to us, so we’re glad the driver is doing well.”
American XL Bullies have been liable for the deaths of seven individuals within the UK up to now 12 months.
KentOnline beforehand reported how a canine of that breed left a Chihuahua in Collier Street, Maidstone, with serious injuries – whereas one other “tore apart” a Dachshund puppy in Chestfield, Whitstable.
Despite the high-profile incidents throughout the nation, ministers lately rejected calls from MPs and police forces to outlaw XL Bullies.