Heather Kenny’s XL Bully dog, Drako, was seized by West Midlands Police for failing to comply with the XL bully legislation. During his six-week stay in kennels, Drako contracted parvovirus, a potentially deadly disease, and was in critical condition. When Drako was returned to Heather’s family, he was severely underweight and covered in sores, indicating neglect during his stay. Heather was furious that she was kept in the dark about her dog’s condition and the potential danger he faced. She had contacted the force to ask about the missed deadline for exemption but didn’t expect Drako to be taken or for his health to decline in kennels. She discovered Drako’s critical condition only on the day of his return when he had been diagnosed with parvovirus.
Heather Kenny expressed her frustration with the lack of communication from the kennels during Drako’s stay, stating that she called multiple times and received limited details about his well-being. Upon Drako’s return, Heather noticed a significant change in his appearance and behavior, as he had lost weight and had multiple sores on his body. She took Drako to the vet for a check-up, where they discovered he had a hole in his leg that was infected and required stitches. The vet also mentioned that Drako was severely dehydrated, indicating poor care during his time in kennels. Heather was shocked to learn about Drako’s condition and said that he seemed like he hadn’t eaten in days based on how eagerly he consumed food and water upon returning home.
West Midlands Police shared their side of the story, stating that the dog was initially seized due to the owner’s failure to comply with XL bully legislation. With Drako diagnosed with parvovirus, they arranged for his treatment to fight off the potentially fatal disease. Limiting close contact with the dog to prevent infection, they reunited the owner with Drako following successful treatment. The police mentioned that the owner would be charged with possession of a section 1 dangerous dog, and the court would determine whether Drako could be placed on the exemption list with certain conditions to be followed.
Despite the ordeal, Heather Kenny lodged a complaint about the matter and planned to dispute the boarding fee she expects to be billed at the upcoming court appearance to finalize the exemption process. Drako, a beloved family pet since he was 11 months old, endured a challenging journey during his time in kennels, and Heather was outraged by the lack of transparency and care shown towards her dog. She shared her experience with the media to raise awareness about the importance of proper communication and treatment for pets in similar situations. The incident highlighted the emotional toll and health risks that pets face when placed in unfamiliar environments without adequate care and supervision.
