Owner fights for wonder dog pardon

George was declared dangerous without an assessment, says his owner, Kathleen Watson.

CHRIS ISON CI--

GEORGE the disability assistance dog, declared dangerous by Rockhampton Regional Council, could be reprieved if it can be proved his attack on a postal worker was out of character.

The council released a statement yesterday after The Morning Bulletin revealed the plight of George's owner, Kathleen Watson.

Kathleen claims she has been left virtually housebound after the council declared George dangerous after an incident with a woman postie. She says George – who is highly trained and worth $50,000 because of his ability to respond to her rare muscular condition – was condemned without an assessment.

But the council says the law is clear it's the deed that must be investigated, not the dog itself.

It said an officer declared George dangerous after testimonials from the postal worker and “people known to the dog”.

“Council is sympathetic to the owner's medical condition,” it says, but the authority is legally obliged to ensure the safety of the public.

“It should be noted that council's role is purely to assess the deed as it happened based on an investigation of the facts as they are brought to hand.”

It says there is an appeal process for anyone unhappy with a decision reached by officers and the council would be more than happy for this to proceed. George will be unmuzzled if it can be proved the incident was out of character.