Lancashire Police made a heartbreaking mistake when they euthanized an XL bully named Bruno, belonging to Connor Halliwell, due to an “administration error”. Mr. Halliwell expressed his devastation as he was eagerly waiting for a call to bring Bruno home. The family was in the process of applying for an exemption to keep Bruno when this tragic incident occurred.
Mr. Halliwell’s attempts to contact the police station where Bruno was held went unanswered for weeks. He was under the impression that Bruno had passed an assessment and was awaiting his return. However, during a meeting with a sergeant, he received the devastating news that Bruno had been put down mistakenly.
Despite Lancashire Police issuing an apology and implementing new processes to prevent such errors in the future, Mr. Halliwell is determined to seek further action. He plans to involve his MP, Lizzi Collinge, to address the situation and seek justice for Bruno.
Describing Bruno as a gentle giant who was great with kids, Mr. Halliwell expressed his shock at the turn of events. Negative comments and threats directed at Bruno on social media have added to the family’s distress. The XL bully breed was banned in England and Wales from 1st February, unless owners obtain an exemption certificate.
Lancashire Police seized Bruno in August as part of their responsibilities under the Dangerous Dogs Act. While preparing a case against the owner for potential offences, an administrative error led to Bruno’s premature euthanasia. Ms. Collinge, the MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, has demanded accountability from the police regarding this unacceptable incident.
The story of Bruno serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate record-keeping and communication in sensitive situations involving animals and their owners. The emotional toll on Mr. Halliwell and his family highlights the need for empathy and diligence in law enforcement procedures related to animal welfare. Let us hope that Bruno’s story leads to positive changes in how such cases are handled in the future.
