Petition to save Belfast dog Hank gathers over 100,000 signatures

Belfast City Council seized the puppy under the suspicion it was an illegal pitbull breed


A petition has been made to save a dog from being put down for being a pitbull, while owners claim he’s a staffie-labrador. 

Hank the dog’s owners started the petition after eight police officers and four dog wardens seized the dog.

So far, the petition has reached over 100,000 signatures and raised £15,959 towards legal costs to save Hank’s life.

Leonard Collins, who started the petition said: “On the 14th July 2016, Hank was taken from my home by eight police officers and four dog wardens. He has been condemned to die because he looks like a pitbull.

“Our only legal recourse is to fight this in the courts. We will do anything to save Hank, he is a much loved part of our family. He is more than a pet. The best chance at returning Hank to his home is to prove that he is not dangerous, this is costly due to the need for professional opinion.  This petition is to raise awareness of Hank and other dogs like him that  facing death due to  Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).”

So far the petition has been signed over 100,000 times and #SaveHank has trended on both Facebook and Twitter after Hank’s owners appeared on ITV’s This Morning, as scores of people lend their support to the staffie-labrador cross.

There is also a Facebook page in support of Hank which can be found here.