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OWNERS GRIEF AS PIT BULL IS EXECUTED(Cutting Daily Mail by Chris Brooks) Police killed Otis and I couldn't even say "Goodbye" Otis the dog has been secretly put to death after a four year legal battle finally ran out. The pet, said police to be a pit bull was executed for contravening the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. Owner Harry Bates, who spent £50,000 fighting the order all the way to Europe, was not given a chance to say goodbye. His solicitor Susan Booth was informed by fax that" the destruction order made by Thames magistrates has now been implemented" The dog was given a lethal injection by a vet. Mr Bates 40, said yesterday: "I will not wallow in self pity because I have done everything possible. I am down on my luck. I don't have a house at the moment, I've got no job, and now this" "The news is gutwrenching, but I've got to hold myself together, keep my nerve and keep calm" Mr Bates, from Clapton, East London, claimed the way he had been treated lacked all decency" He said Obstacles have been put in my way by -police and the Home Office throughout this. I hope now people will see what th Dogs Act is about." The saga began in Dcember 1991, when Mr Bate's car was pulled over by the police who claimed Otis was a pit bull terrier which had not been registered or muzzled. Mr Bates argued that his puppy was a Great Dane cross. In July 1992 he was fined by magistrates and the dog was ordered to be put down. From that time on Otis was kept locked up while his owner tried every legal avenue to save him. His final appeal failed last week when the European Commission found there had been no violation of his rights under the European Convention. Police said Otis was put down "humanely" at 7pm on Thursday. Mr Bates picked up his pet's body from Limehouse Police Station in East London last night for burial in a pet cemetery run by sympathiser Dr. Roger Mugford. Dr Mugfors an animal psychologist said "Otis has been treated like some kind of international gangster" "I don't understanmd why the police were so secretive. They didn't habve the decency to allow Mr Bates to say "goodbye" to his dog" Two other pets, Magnum from London and Buster from Carlisle, now face execution. But Campaigners say Otis's fate will make them more determined to fight on. Amanda Dunkley, of the Endangered Dogs Association said "People will be down for a few days but I imagine once they get over the shock they weill get stronger. We must mot let Otis die for nothing./cutting ends |
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