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        <title>'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</title>
        <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html</link>
        <description>ONE LIFE RESCUE: News</description>
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        <lastBuildDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:39:26 -0800</lastBuildDate>
        <item>
            <title>ONE LIFE RESCUE ON BARK RADIO, USA</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#21</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFCC99" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br />Dear all,<br /><br />Please check out One Life Rescue on Bark Radio, USA -<br /><br /><a href="http://barkradio.com/">http://barkradio.com/</a>  <br /><br /><br /><br />And our thanks to presenters Dee and Terry for inviting Maria to be interviewed on the show.<br /><br /><br /></font><br /> <br /> <br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#21</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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        <item>
            <title>'BLUE' SAFE AND SOUND</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#20</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFCC99" face="Sylfaen"><br /> <br /> <br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/blue4.jpg"><br /><br /> <br />Dear all,<br /><br />Beautiful Blue is now warm and safe in his foster home and he has been reserved for a special family who have offered to give Blue a forever home in the next few weeks when he is fully fit and ready to start his new life. Blue's fur is growing and he is putting on weight and he is being loved and spoilt by his foster mum who thinks he is a wonderful dog.<br /><br />Our thanks to Michelle at All Dogs Matter who took Blue in and gave him the best chance of a happy future. Michelle will be sending us new pics of Blue very soon.<br /><br /><B><A HREF="http://www.alldogsmatter.co.uk<br />">ALL DOGS MATTER</A></B><br /> <br /><br />Special thanks to Caroline for saving Blue's life and to Paul. D. Richmond, aka Zest and the team of Keep The Green Alive who donated funds to ensure Blue's future.<br /><br /><br /><B><A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/keepthegreenalive">KEEP THE GREEN ALIVE</A></B><br /> <br /> <br />Best wishes<br />Maria & Julia<br /> <br /></font><br /> <br /> <br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#20</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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        <item>
            <title>A NEW WARM HOME FOR BLUE, CAN YOU HELP?</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#19</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFCC99" face="Sylfaen"><br /> <br /> <br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/blue4.jpg"><br /><br /> <br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/BLUENEW2SMALLPIC.jpg"><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br />Dear all,<br /> <br />Poor Blue is a gorgeous blue & white staffie male, he is almost bald with severe mange and he is so cold in kennels, he is receiving treatment for his skin condition but this lad really needs to be found a warm rescue or foster place as soon as possible. Blue is a nice steady lad and he is very happy in himself considering the state he is in. Blue is around 3 yrs old, untested with other dogs but he seems ok when they pass his kennel.<br /> <br />One Life Rescue is currently sponsoring costs of Blue's vaccinations and neutering and we are assisting his rescuer Caroline to find the best foster placement for him with a view to finding Blue a new forever home in the near future. In order to save Blue from being put to sleep we are also seeking a rescue space for this lovely lad if a foster home does not materialise soon. If you can help to keep Blue safe please contact Julia, Maria or Caroline on the contact email addresses below, or telephone Caroline direct on this number -<br /> <br />07984 446717<br /> <br />Email -<br /> <br />caroline@ravenswoodarabians.co.uk<br /> <br />maria@oneliferescue.org<br /> <br />Julia@oneliferescue.org<br /> <br />If you would like to help with the cost of Blue's boarding fees or assist with the cost of his skin treatment, please also speak to Caroline about this, thank you<br /> <br />Any rescue centres that kindly offer help must meet the following criteria: <br /> <br />1 - A NO DESTRUCTION POLICY <br />2 - HOMECHECK ALL PROSPECTIVE OWNERS<br />3 - DOG TO BE RETURNED TO THE SANCTUARY IF OWNER CAN NO LONGER KEEP<br /> <br />Individual homes offered will be homechecked<br /> <br /><br />Many thanks for your continued support and special thanks to Paul. D. Richmond, aka Zest and the team of Keep The Green Alive who have donated funds to ensure Blue has a happy, safe and secure future. <br /><br /><br /><B><A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/keepthegreenalive">KEEP THE GREEN ALIVE</A></B><br /> <br /> <br />Best wishes<br />Maria & Julia<br /> <br /></font><br /> <br /> <br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#19</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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        <item>
            <title>MORE DOGS NEEDING HELP TO START A HAPPY NEW LIFE</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#18</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFCC99" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br />Dear all,<br /><br />Please help to make it a happy New Year for these lovely dogs by sharing this appeal with your friends, family and rescue organisations.<br /><br />Thank you <br /><br /> <br /><br />Blue<br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/blueSMALL.jpg"><br /> <br />Solo<br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/SOLOSMALL.jpg"><br /> <br />Tess<br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/TESSSMALL.jpg"><br /> <br /> <br />Tess, this little girl is tiny, a little underweight too, I thought she was just a pup when i first saw her, but she is around 3 years old, a little timid in her kennel but more confident once out and about, rolls on her back for a belly rub, fine with other dogs, a real sweetie.<br /> <br />Solo, a real handsome boy, GSD x around 18 months knows basic comands, a big boy, solid, a real nice dog. Needs a little lead training but other than that won't be too much trouble, seems ok with other dogs too.<br /> <br />Poor Blue, a gorgeous blue & white staffie male, almost bald with severe mange, he is so cold in kennels, he is receiving treatment, but this lad really needs to be found a warm rescue or foster place asap, he's a nice lad, steady and very happy in himself considering the state of him, he is around 3 yrs old, untested with other dogs, but ok when they pass his kennel.<br /> <br />If you can help please contact Caroline who is trying to save these dogs, email -<br /> <br />caroline@ravenswoodarabians.co.uk<br /> <br />Or telephone - 07984 446717<br /> <br />If you would like to buy them more time, boarding fees would be appreciated, please speak to Caroline about this, thank you<br /> <br />Any rescue centres that kindly offer help must meet the following criteria: <br /> <br />1 - A NO DESTRUCTION POLICY <br />2 - HOMECHECK ALL PROSPECTIVE OWNERS<br />3 - DOG TO BE RETURNED TO THE SANCTUARY IF OWNER CAN NO LONGER KEEP<br /> <br />Individual homes offered will be homechecked<br /> <br />Thank you very much for your support<br /><br /></font><br /> <br /> <br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#18</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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            <title>4 UK POUND DOGS NEED URGENT RESCUE</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#17</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFCC99" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br />Dear all,<br /><br />We have received news of 4 UK pound dogs needing rescue or foster placement urgently, please read the information about these lovely dogs and contact Caroline on the email or telephone number below if you can help.<br /><br />Many thanks, Maria & Julia<br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/Borispoundie.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/Timpoundie.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/chunkypoundie.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/JDpoundie.jpg"><br /><br /><br />VERY URGENT- PLEASE LOOK AT THESE STUNNING DOGS they only have until the 4th January to live as boarding fees have run out by then!!  PLEASE HELP ASAP!<br /><br />'Chunky' 'Tim' 'Boris' and 'JD' are all still waiting for rescue places. <br /><br />Young Boris is apparently very miserable and depressed in the dog pound, he is only a puppy.<br /><br />These Lovely young pound dogs are due to have the inevitable LETHAL INJECTION on Monday 4th January 2010.<br /><br />MESSAGE FROM CAROLINE WHO IS TRYING TO SAVE THESE DOGS<br /><br />Boris - Young brindle Staffie x male, young VERY lively, ok with dogs seems but had no training at all, nice friendly young chap.<br /><br />Tim - Brindle and white Staffie male, seems fine with other dogs, he's a nice boy about 2 years old and a friendly, loving boy.<br /><br />JD - White and brindle staffie male. Approx 2 years old, lovely muscular big boy, very good body condition. He is such a friendly, loving cuddly and affectionate dog. We feel he would be better as an only dog and will need an experienced Staffie owner. A stunning boy that just needs to be loved!<br /><br />Chunky - Male Brindle Staffie, seems ok with other dogs, big chunky lad, lovely and friendly, not castrated, vaccinated against parvo. About 3 yrs old.<br /><br /><br />CONTACT CAROLINE TRIGG WHO IS TRYING TO SAVE THEIR LIVES ON -<br /><br />07984 446717 <br /><br />Or email -<br /><br />caroline@ravenswoodarabians.co.uk<br /><br />If you would like to buy them more time, boarding fees would be appreciated, please speak to Caroline about this, thank you<br /><br />Any rescue centres that kindly offer help must meet the following criteria: <br /><br />1 - A NO DESTRUCTION POLICY <br />2 - HOMECHECK ALL PROSPECTIVE OWNERS<br />3 - DOG TO BE RETURNED TO THE SANCTUARY IF OWNER CAN NO LONGER KEEP<br /><br />Individual homes offered will be homechecked<br /><br />Thank you very much for your support<br /><br /><br /></font><br /> <br /> <br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#17</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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            <title>GUNNER IS SAFE!!</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#16</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFCC99" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/Gunnerpic1resized.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Dear all,<br /><br />Some GREAT news and a wonderful Christmas present for lovely Gunner, we're pleased to tell you Gunner is now in rescue and no longer in emergency kennels as of today! <br /><br />HUGE THANKS to Caroline who has been Gunner's guardian angel for many weeks. Gunner will now be found a perfect forever home and he will undoubtedly have a secure and happy future.<br /><br />Well done to everyone who helped us to spread the word about Gunner,  we appreciate your support and dedication to rescue dogs.<br /><br /><br />Thank you <br />Maria & Julia<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></font><br /> <br /> <br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#16</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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            <title>GUNNER NEEDS AN UNDERSTANDING HOME, CAN YOU HELP?</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#15</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFFFCC" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/Gunnerpic1small.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/Animal rescue appeals/Gunnerpic2small.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Dear all,<br /><br /><br />One Life Rescue is currently supporting Gunner, a lovely 7 year old Staffie cross boy who URGENTLY needs to be settled into a forever home. Gunner is becoming very depressed in kennels and he really needs to find his special people and be able to snuggle up in a warm home this winter and to feel that he is safe and loved.<br /><br />We are contributing funds towards Gunner's emergency kennel boarding fees to keep him safe and Gunner is vaccinated and neutered. Throughout all of his medical checks and his neuter recovery period, Gunner has remained a gentle and loving dog towards people, he adores affection and is not destructive, he also travels well in the car.<br /><br />Gunner has not had socialisation or training and therefore he is not good around other dogs so he will need an experienced and understanding home and we advise that he should be the only pet in the household. He is, however, 100 % house trained and is happy to be left on his own for a couple of hours. Gunner is a real cuddle monster and he really deserves to find his forever home as soon as possible. He's feeling very sorry for himself now and has almost given up because nobody has come forward to take him into their hearts.<br /><br />Can anyone help to save Gunner's life and offer him the love and care he needs so badly?<br /><br />Gunner is a very friendly 'people' dog who enjoys his walks and loves to be made a fuss of.<br /><br />If you can offer Gunner a new home and a happy future please get in touch with us as soon as possible.<br /><br />Gunner's adoption is subject to a successful home visit.<br /><br /><br />Please contact either of us by email -<br /><br />caroline@ravenswoodarabians.co.uk<br /><br />maria@oneliferescue.org<br /><br />Julia@oneliferescue.org<br /><br /><br />Thank you<br />Maria & Julia<br /><a href="http://www.oneliferescue.org">www.oneliferescue.org</a> <br /><br /><br /></font><br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#15</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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            <title>ONE LIFE RESCUE COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#14</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="FFFFCC" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/2009/K9PROJECTSMALLPIC.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><br />Dear all,<br /><br /> <br /><br />Tonight, as part of our One Life Rescue community outreach project,  Julia and I will be visiting 80 young people at a youth club in Cambridgeshire. We will be talking to the younger generation about animal welfare, animal rescue and responsible dog ownership, and including the topic of overpopulation of dogs and the effects of over breeding in general. We will also discuss how unlicensed breeding has affected popular breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the United Kingdom.<br /><br /> <br /><br />We hope to give young people an understanding of the danger of using dogs as a form of protection on the streets, which is regarded by current news media as anti-social behaviour with dogs, i.e. 'weapon dog' or 'status dog' culture.<br /><br /> <br /><br />All young people present at the talk will be given the chance to share their views on this subject and we will be handing out leaflets promoting responsible ownership of companion animals and offer advice on how we can all raise our standards of pet care generally. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Each member of the youth club will receive a free CD of The Staffie Song to take home with them.<br /><br /> <br /><br />After the talk our VIP awareness dog Patch will be happy to meet and greet youth club members and Patch is looking forward to lots of hugs and cuddles!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Best wishes<br /><br />Maria & Julia<br /><br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.oneliferescue.org">www.oneliferescue.org</a><br /><br /> <br /></font><br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#14</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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            <title>US MUSICIAN RICH RUSSOM RECORDS SONG TO BENEFIT ONE LIFE RESCUE</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#13</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><br /><font size="3" color="white" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gcRhqf6uGAw&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gcRhqf6uGAw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /> <br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/2009/RICHRIGHTPIC.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/2009/RICHWITHCATSMALLPIC.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Rich Russom<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/2009/PAULONRICHSONG.jpg"><br /><br /> <br />Paul Killington<br /><br /><br /><br />Dear friends,<br /> <br />We are thrilled to announce the release of a fantastic new song entitled 'Requiem', composed by US recording artist and animal advocate, Rich Russom. <br /><br />Download proceeds of Requiem are being generously donated to One Life Rescue and the sharing of this beautiful piece of music will ultimately help to save the life of a UK pound dog in the near future.<br /> <br />Requiem was recorded as an Anglo/American collaboration between Rich Russom and Paul Killington. The song was composed and performed by Rich in America featuring a guitar solo played by Paul in the UK. <br /><br /><font size="4" color="FFCC99" face="Sylfaen"> <br /><br />''Requiem, which means funeral song, is dedicated to all the animals who never made it to their forever homes and who are waiting for us on the other side. <br /><br />The song says instrumentally what Paul & I find so hard to put into words.' <br /><br />Rich Russom, 2009<br /><br /></font><br /><font size="3" color="white" face="Sylfaen"><br /> <br />We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Rich Russom for enabling One Life Rescue to further our work through the medium of art and music and we hope Requiem will be a hit on both sides of the pond!<br /> <br />We are always very grateful for the support we receive and this wonderful and intense masterpiece shows compassion truly knows no bounds and it is not limited by distance! <br /><br />We are very lucky to have the support of Rich Russom and Paul Killington, two world class musicians who have offered their time and talent to give an unwanted dog the chance of a happy life and a forever home.<br /> <br />To listen to 'Requiem' and to download it to aid One Life Rescue please visit the links below and if you have time please also check out Rich Russom's music and radio stations at IAC, Soundclick and Myspace -<br /> <br />Many thanks<br />Maria & Julia<br /><br /><br />RICH RUSSOM MUSIC LINKS -<br /><br /><a href="http://www.iacmusic.com/richrussom">http://www.iacmusic.com/richrussom</a><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/richrussom">http://www.myspace.com/richrussom</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.iacmusic.com/richrussom">http://www.iacmusic.com/richrussom</a><br /><br /><a href="http://iacmusic.com/stations/BSLISEVIL">http://iacmusic.com/stations/BSLISEVIL</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soundclick.com/RichRussom">http://www.soundclick.com/RichRussom</a><br /><br /><a href="http://iacmusic.com/stations/INMEMORYOFREE">http://iacmusic.com/stations/INMEMORYOFREE</a><br /><br /><br /> <br />REQUIEM ~ Rich Russom on Keyboards Copyright Â© 2009 Hornhead Songs <br /><br />~ Paul Killington on Guitar ~ Courtesy Daines/Killington ~ NorthStar Music, UK<br /> <br /> <br /></font><br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#13</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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        <item>
            <title>METROPOLITAN POLICE MISTAKE KILLS FAMILY PET</title>
            <link>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#11</link>
            <description><![CDATA[<center><br /><font size="4" color="white" face="Sylfaen"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/2009/file000.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MiJJheo1-fA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MiJJheo1-fA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br />Metropolitan Police Mistake Kills Family Pet:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiJJheo1-fA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiJJheo1-fA</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://dangerousdogsact.blogspot.com/">http://dangerousdogsact.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br />PLEASE SIGN PETITION, SAFEGUARDS FOR SEIZED DOGS<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/899455385">http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/899455385</a><br /><br /> <br />Sam's tragic story on the K9 magazine website -<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/4167/dog-lovers-please-dont-let-this-dogs-death-be-in-vain-you-can-help/">http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/4167/dog-lovers-please-dont-let-this-dogs-death-be-in-vain-you-can-help/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />A west London family have been left inconsolable and are demanding answers following the tragic news that the Metropolitan police have destroyed their family pet dog Sam, in error.  <br /><br />Sam, a four year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier was seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 legislation on 5th May 2009, six months after an incident in which he nipped a travelling salesman once in the leg when he called at the home of owner Melanie Hawes.  <br /><br />Sam had never shown any signs of aggression to anyone either prior to the incident or in the six months following the incident.<br /><br />In July of this year, Miss Hawes, a woman of previous good character, appeared before Ealing Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to an offence under s3 (1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.  Advice was sought from Dr Mugford, a leading animal behaviourist who carried out a behavioural assessment on Sam.  Dr Mugford found him to be friendly and compliant and concluded he should not be destroyed but should instead be made subject to a Contingent Destruction Order with conditions that he be either on a lead or muzzled when in a public place.  He also recommended further training for the dog.<br /><br />On 31st July 2009 Miss Hawes was sentenced by Ealing Magistrates Court; she was ordered to pay Â£500 in compensation and a Destruction Order was made against Sam.  A notice of Appeal was immediately lodged at court and the appeal hearing was scheduled for the 29th September at Isleworth Crown Court.  <br /><br />Appearing before the Crown Court, a hopeful owner, expert witness Dr Mugford and prosecuting and defence counsel were gathered and ready to commence proceedings when it was suddenly revealed that Sam had been euthanised on the 26th August 2009. Apparently the police were unaware that an appeal had been lodged and Sam was already dead. On being told this information in court His Honour Judge Lowen stated that this was in clear contravention of the Act which states that the order shall not take effect until the Appeal is heard.  He went on to say that this action was in conflict with those provisions and it was for another court to deal with the consequences.  Owner Melanie Hawes was left in court shocked to the core that the dog that she hoped would be coming home had in fact been dead for the past five weeks.<br /><br />Overcome with grief and chocking back the tears Sam&#8217;s owner Melanie told DDA Watch: &#8220;I can&#8217;t believe what has happened, that our dog had died due to some kind of paperwork mistake and I have to break the news now to my 11 year old daughter when she comes home from school, she loves Sam so much and has been waiting for him to come home.&#8221;<br /><br />As is usual in Dangerous Dogs Act cases, the owner wasn&#8217;t informed when her dog was to be euthanized nor offered the opportunity to receive the body back for burial or cremation. <br /><br />Solicitor Tina Hay of Wheldon Law, who is acting for Miss Hawes, is already in talks with the head of the Metropolitan Police Status Dogs Unit (SDU) to try and discover how such an appalling error could have occurred.<br /><br />Last year a much loved and previously healthy family pet seized under the Act by the Met. Police died suddenly in kennels 17 days after seizure. Following communications with the police and post mortem examination, the distressed family were waiting on the return of their cherished pet&#8217;s body when on the day of arrival they were informed that their dog had been sent to the crematorium by mistake due to being placed in the wrongly coloured disposal bag, leaving another family overwhelmed with the loss of their dog.<br /><br />The Metropolitan Police have a specialist dog unit, the SDU that is meant to ensure a professional handling of canine related cases and questions are being asked yet again.<br /><br /><br />For further Information Please Contact:<br /><br /><br />DDA Watch &#8212; 0844 844 2900 <br /><br />Email: <br /><br />mail@dangerousdogsact.co.uk<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ddawatch.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j211/Hellotrees/2009/DDAWATCHBANNERPIC.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a><br /> <br /></font><br /></center>]]></description>
            <guid>http://oneliferescue.org/news.html#11</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
            <source url="http://oneliferescue.org/news.html">'Rescuing dogs one life at a time' - ONE LIFE RESCUE - News</source>
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