It is not Newham’s intention to seek the destruction of the dog known as Ellie. However we do have a duty of care to the public at large to identify a suitable owner with whom she can safely be rehomed before she can leave our care.
An initial assessment of Ellie by a vet instructed by the council, concluded to return Ellie to kennels for any period of time would cause unnecessary suffering both physically and mentally, contrary to Animal Welfare Act 2006. Also since she is an aggressive dog she posed a threat to public safety and it would therefore be unsafe to rehome her. In the circumstances, given the expert vet’s opinion, the council initially sought to euthanise the dog.
On March 4 2019 an application was made by Ms Minns to the High Court for a Judicial Review of the council’s position in relation to euthanising the dog, which was granted by the Court. Ms Minns main application for judicial review is for the Court to make a decision on whether the dog can be returned to her. As a result the council immediately offered an undertaking not to put the dog to sleep pending the outcome of the main JR proceedings. Shortly after the hearing, the vet instructed by the council confirmed the dog was not now suffering to such an extent that the only option was for her to be euthanised. The undertaking therefore is still in place.
In the interim the dog has continued to be cared for by Newham animal welfare officers. As a result of the care given by experienced Newham staff, the council’s animal behaviour expert has commented that the dog is progressing well in it’s current environment.
With the improvement to her physical health, Ellie has also progressed in terms of her aggression toward her current carers, although not to strangers or to other dogs.
As a result of the improvements the council’s animal behaviour expert believes Ellie may be able to be rehomed with an experienced owner who does not have young children or other animals as Ellie remains unpredictable around strangers, and displays very strongly aggressive behaviour towards all other dogs.
Our duty of care means that we are not currently able to rehome Ellie without regard to the risks that our expert has identified following a detailed examination of her behaviour in various circumstances, including in a public place. The expert quoted by the Ms Minns solicitor has only seen her in a kennel environment.
Newham council welfare officers will continue to work with Ellie to rehabilitate her aggression to a point were we are satisfied she does not pose a risk to new owners, or the public at large. When we and the council’s expert are satisfied of Ellie’s progress we will search for a suitable home for her.
The council recognises that Ellie is not responsible for her behaviour – she is not a bad dog – she is the victim of cruel and criminal owners who left her psychologically and physically damaged - to a point were she poses a risk to others. When we are confident this is no longer the case we will attempt to find her a forever home that meets her needs.
The solicitor for Ms Minns is fully aware of the council’s position.