Seized dog won't be put down says DEFA

A dog which was seized by police on the Isle of Man for allegedly being a banned species won't be put down.

That's according to government - Rex was adopted by someone on the Island from a UK rescue sanctuary. 

However shortly after arriving last month he was taken away by officers who believe he is a pit-bull type dog and therefore illegal:

That's Lizzie White from Last Hope Rescue based in Essex - the centre says it's worried about what might happen to the dog and asked a UK solicitor to investigate.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says Rex has been placed in an appropriate kennel facility and it's not going to demand he's put down.

Instead he'll be sent back to England in the immediate future - although DEFA says the repatriation must take into account the dog's welfare and public safety.