Overview

• More than 2,500 people have signed the family’s petition in two weeks, calling for dog licensing, routine council property checks, tougher penalties, visible insurance requirements and dedicated victim support.
• Durham Constabulary seized two XL Bully dogs and says the owners are assisting officers as an investigation continues; both animals were confirmed as certified under the current regime.
• The 3 September Ferryhill attack left four-month-old cocker spaniel Maisie dead and owner Nikita Devon, 18, with bite injuries that required hospital treatment, according to family accounts and police.
• Veterinary findings reported by local media state Maisie suffered a broken jaw and multiple puncture wounds to her head, face, neck and body.
• The family launched a GoFundMe to fund campaign materials and awareness events, noting petitions often gain political attention at 10,000 signatures and can be considered for parliamentary debate at 100,000.