A couple are heartbroken after their beloved dog died in kennels after being seized by the police.
Eight-month-old Jax was taken from owners Gina Beggs and Marc Culley at the start of the month – but before he was returned to them, the devastated couple were told he’d died of parvovirus, reports Hull Live.
Jax was taken away for an assessment on May 2 after cops were alerted that the puppy had a brown nose like a pit bull.
Pit bulls are classed as dangerous dogs which need to be assessed to ensure they are not a danger to society, but they are normally returned to the owners if no issues arise.
“Jax was taken to the kennels in Hull and we were told he was doing fine and settling in well,” said Marc.
“The dog assessor made a comment about Jax being one of the most well-tempered dogs he'd had to seize.
"We then got a call on May 11, to say that Jax had caught parvovirus and he'd become poorly. Apparently four or five other dogs in the kennel have also caught it.
“We were told that Jax was responding to the medication but then were informed that Jax was in a lot of pain and passed away.”
Marc, from the East Yorkshire seaside town of Withernsea, added: "We've put in a request for Jax's body to not be destroyed. We want an autopsy.
“I’ve had dogs all my life and we have other dogs in the house that Jax never had a problem with. We just want justice for our boy.”
Gina said Jax was a "loving, bouncing boy that would never hurt anyone", and added: "We feel lost without him and want to find out what's gone on.”
Humberside police said they were working with the kennels to make sure the necessary precautions had been taken, and were making contact with the owners of all the other animals there.
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Supt Lee Edwards said: “We fully understand the distress that will have been caused following the death of Jax.
“Dogs are very much a part of our families and we offer our condolences to the owners.
“Legislation exists that permits officers to seize dogs if reports are received that they are a suspected banned breed, are potentially dangerous or have been involved in an incident that resulted in injury.
“The decision to seize dogs is never taken lightly and it is completed only to allow for a full assessment by an appropriately trained officer. This is to ensure both the dog’s wellbeing and to protect the public and members of the community.
“We work in partnership with a private dog kennels who provide care and accommodation to support the needs of dogs after they are seized.
“We always try to work with the dog owners sensitively to assess and ensure the welfare and care of each dog thoroughly, with health screening and vaccinations provided as part of an initial assessment at the kennels.”
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