RottnBullies Haven

Victoria / Australia

Morning Peninsula Leader
Editon1 Tue.4.March 2008.
By Christian Tatman ans Lisa Haberman.


"I HAVE got my dog back, l can't believe it."


With these words Paula Nicoholson broke down and wept tears of joy after winning an
epic battle to stop Mornington Peninsula council destroying her dog.

The council's case collapsed last week after a Department of Primary Industires (DPI)
review panel ruled the Mornington Women's dog Pony was not an American pit bull terrier
and as such a restricted breed.

The panel held a brief hearing on Wednesday before panel members assessed Pony and
made there decision. Ms. Nicholson told the panel Pony's mother was "cross breed with some
American pit bull,"but maintained Pony was a Bull mastiff cross.

But council officer Colin McLean argued Pony was an American Pit bull Terrier.
He said officers based their decision on the appearance of the dog and inconsistencies
in Ms.Nicholson's story about Pony.


Vet Gordon Watt, called as an expert witness by Ms.Nicholson, said Pony was an American
Staffordshire bull terrier cross bull mastiff.

Dr Watt said Pony's 'physical characteristics do not fit those of a pit bull. He is heavier and taller
than a pit bull should be'.

"The poor dog has been locked up in the council pound since May 16th last year and deserves
to go home."

Morning identity Maggie McDonald, who offered legal support and played a pivatal role in
saving the dog, indicated Ms.Nicholson would sue the council for compensation.


Tensions remained high in the hours leading up to the dogs release with police called to
the dog pound in Mornington to reslove a dispute over the terms under which Pony was
released.

The Supreme Court last year directed the DPI to set up another panel after finding the
first panel, which found Pony was an American Pit bull terrier, did not afford Ms.Nicholson
"procedural fairness"