A mum has launched a passionate campaign after her autistic daughter’s dog was taken from her by police.
Police believe 3-year old Darla is a banned pit bull terrier, but mum Jenny Armer insists the pooch is actually a Sharpei Staffie cross who’s “one of the softest dogs you’ll ever meet”.
Most upset is Darla’s best friend, seven-year old Maddison, who has autism and ADHD.
Darla is her best friend and she has a connection with her that she has with no one else,” Jenny says. “She's helped her through so much.”
Now the mum has started a campaign to raise £5,000, so they can mount a court case and have their precious dog returned to them.
“The only way we can get her home is to fight for her in court which is going to be costly,” says the mum. “This is why I am asking for any help anyone can offer to help raise funds to get her back. Every single penny is greatly appreciated and I cannot thank everyone enough for their support. All receipts and invoices of what the money is spent on will go up on the Facebook group HELP get Darla home.”
According to Jenny, Darla was assessed and merely has ‘bull features’. She now faces prosecution if the court case rules against her, but she’s willing to risk it.
“I was given the option to put [Darla] to sleep and kill her or go to court and fight this and this is what I'm going to do, despite the risk of prison,” she told the Lancaster Guardian. “I've been told I will only be prosecuted if I had known she was a pit bull type when I bought her.”
You can follow the campaign here.