What rights do Dog Warden's have?

[goldheart]

Last year I had a control order on my Alsation because she injured a neighbours dog in a fight when she escaped the house. I appeared in court to accept the order, I was fined & told to put a muzzle on her at all times.The neighbour reported me to the dog warden and is not pleased my dog is still around.Last week he lodged a complaint that I let my dog outside the home without a muzzle.The council have told me I have 21 days to rehome her because a complaint has been received & I'm in breach of the order & of my tenancy.Housing said that the warden informed them I was seen walkin her in the garden off the muzzle.I denied this but admitted that once the other week my dog was sick & I pulled her outside on the lead to finish.I dont know what day I was supposed to have been seen until the warden rings me back.When I asked for evidence the response was "it's not a case of evidence,a complaint has been recieved and we said in our last letter that if your dog recieves further complaints/ causes a nuisance or annoyance, we will revoke permission for you to keep her & we will collect the dog if you do not adhere" So because he's complained,the dog warden has believed him and told Housing.I am waiting to hear back today after they speak to the warden.What can I do about this situation?What's to stop this man ringing up every week if he wants?My dog is a great guard dog since having a burgler in my home when I was asleep.I have asked the council move me to a place with a garden,to no avail.I can't afford solicitors or to rent privately,I just dont know my rights or the rights or the warden if after 21 days I do not rehome her.Do they have to take me to court first or can they just come round & get her?I have been very co-operative with warden & council & fear they will just say No because they dont know what to do about the situation.

[Englishbird]

What an awful situation, i feel really sorry for you.  I'm afraid i don't know about the law with these things, but if you don't get an answer on here, i would go straight to your citizens advice bureau.  It can't be fair that they can take this man's word with no evidence. good luck.

[butter1]

I too feel for you.  Is there not a family member who can look after your dog until everything is sorted?  I too would suggest that you seek citizens advice.  This doesn't sound fair and being a dog lover myself I would appeal towards this without them having evidence.  Good luck and keep us informed.

[goldheart]

Thank you (both). I have been ringing CAB, cannot get through. Will keep trying. Someone told me that all complaints received via council's are only alledged until proven in court, so I should have some chance hopefully.

Unfortunately nearest family member is 300 miles away and friends all have and I dont trust her. I cant give her up as I would live forever wondering what happened to her and if she was treated ok by new owners etc (it would eat me up) I rescued her when she was a year old and was treated badly, hence not trusting her with children and even some adults she's not keen on when visiting!! So the worse case scenario would be re-homing but im gonna fight it!!

Thanks again, will post outcome on here to let you know if your still interested!

[butter1]

Your most welcome goldheart.  I understand how you feel.  I too have a rescue dog which isn't keen on children and some strangers.  Hopefully it will all turn out good in the end.  Afterall, it's not like see actually bit a person...it was another animal and I'm sure that another compliant with no evidence won't necessarily go against you.  Keep fighting, you'll get there in the end, I'm sure.

[natalie_1982]

I work for a local Council, in the complaints dept as it happens.  Get on to your local MP asap and keep ringing the CAB.