I am a childminder and work from home having been registered for almost 5 years. I have 3 wonderful dogs, 6 cats, 2 guinea pigs and fish. Myself and my husband rescued our German Shepherd Dog when he was 5 months old; he was underweight, scared and had never played before. As part of my business I have people coming around to check how I'm meeting learning requirements for the children. I have a playroom and outdoor area solely for the children so my dogs are kept separate.
Blade, our GSD, is 2 ½ years old and can be quite clumsy. I look after children mainly under 5 years old, so do not allow my dogs into the children's area. On 6th September 2016, a lady came to grade my setting and she was aware that I had 3 dogs. She wasn’t here for long and I was showing her around the garden area (surrounded by a 3.5ft fence) and my husband (who is also my assistant) was outside too. My dogs were barking excitedly and Blade put his feet on the fence, wagging his tail. I told him to get down which he did, then one of the children threw a ball and I bent down to pick it up. Next thing I know the lady is saying that he’d bitten her! I was standing right in front of her and my husband was in the garden with the dogs. My governing body came out to me on the 7th September and took photos of my garden, looked at my policies and risk assessments, then called me on the 8th saying that no further action was needed as there is no concern or risk to the children.
The lady then went to the police on the 9th September and they came with a warrant on the 24th September and took my boy. I haven't seen him since. She is also claiming for injury under a no win, no fee solicitor. The police told me I could have him back if I signed a community order saying that he is kept on a 2 metre lead when out and that he is at my parents’ house during the hours I work, but my solicitor has advised me not to sign so now the police are taking me to court on the 28th November under section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Clauses 1 and 4.
PLEASE sign and share Blade’s petition for Joanne so that he can come home a.s.a.p. He’s done nothing wrong, never has, and never will. Thanks in advance xx
