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Case study: Alex

Alex lives with Sian Morton and her husband, in Kent.
The five-year-old is a very sociable, happy and easy going dog who loves going for walks. He goes on social walks and absolutely loves it. His walkers work very hard to make sure he joins in with as much as possible but he can't chase a ball or play and run with his friends. He enjoys running but must always be attached to his lead and the person walking him.

He has a lot of dog friends who he plays with but he hates the muzzle he has to wear as part of his exemption conditions.

Sian says: “He is seriously conflicted when you say it’s time for a walk. He loves walks but hates his muzzle so his tail wags but, as he slowly puts his face into the muzzle his back drops like a defeated dog.

“He wants to have fun but fun is always at a price for him.

“He can't just jump in the water and play like the other dogs do, so my husband bought chest waders and goes in with him, it is the only way he can do something he loves within the confines of his exemption restrictions.

“He wants to be friends with everyone and he looks at people with confusion when they drag their dogs away or cross the road to avoid him. He doesn't understand and, to be honest, neither do I.

“Alex spends a great deal of his life watching and waiting. Watching other dogs do things he wants to do, watching people walk away and waiting for change.”

What Sian thinks of BSL:
“It lulls the general public into thinking that the four banned breeds are the only ones capable of biting, the only ‘dangerous’ ones.

“We need stricter regulations on breeding and neutering, education programmes in schools, youth centres, housing estates etc. and we definitely need more positive stories in the media.”

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