Dog News

PUPDATE! Diggy’s Adoption at Risk Due to Breed-Related Ordinance

by Amy Drew

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"Diggy has paperwork from both a vet and animal control stating he is an American Bulldog. ..........................................
“Diggy has paperwork from both a vet and animal control stating he is an American Bulldog.
……………………………………

His adorable photo went viral, but now his adoption may go south!

Diggy, the sweet rescue whose smiling face earned tens of thousands of “likes” in cyberspace, is now at risk of being separated from his new, loving family.

Detroit musician Dan Tillery’s sweet, smiling selfie alongside his new buddy captured hearts worldwide after going viral on Facebook and spreading well beyond, garnering coverage in prominent media outlets including People Magazine and “Good Morning America,” but after getting complaints alleging Diggy is a pit bull, police were sent to investigate

Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said in a statement today that his department had received several complaints about the animal in the past 24 hours. On Thursday afternoon, police officers visited Tillery’s home to inspect the dog.

“Based on their observations, it was determined the dog was part pit bull,” Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said in a statement. This is an ordinance violation that can carry a $500 fine. Tillery was told he had three days to re-home the dog elsewhere.

Owning a pit bull in Waterford is an ordinance violation that can carry a $500 fine. Police didn’t cite Tille

In a post on their Facebook page, Detroit Dog Rescue, which facilitated the adoption reported that they had done their due diligence.

“Diggy has paperwork from both a veterinarian and the animal control he originated from stating he is indeed an American Bulldog. Waterford Township even licensed him upon adoption as an American Bulldog. Detroit Dog Rescue called the township to get the adoption approved and was excited that Diggy would live happily ever after with his family,” read the post.

diggy1

“Diggy was polite to the officers and played with them like the friendly dog he is,” it continued, “but now Diggy may be forced out of Waterford Township, MI. We understand that the police officers are just acting as agents for the community they serve and we look forward to resolving this matter with them.”

Per Mlive, the Waterford ordinance says that because of “increased urbanization and population density,” it’s necessary to protect citizens from certain animals, including pit bulls, which the law says were bred for “fighting or baiting.”

Detroit Dog Rescue’s director was told the representatives handling this case are out of town until Monday.

“We are hoping that we will be able to come to an agreement and that Diggy will be able to stay in his home where he is loved and safe…. We stay committed to helping Diggy and his owners and are confident that we will be able to work with Waterford Township officials.”