Judge overturns decision to euthanise pitbull
Judge Graham Cottle said that he was "extremely impressed" with the new arrangements.
A decision to euthanise a ‘pit bull type’ dog following two years in a kennel without exercise has been overturned.
Four-year-old Stella’s plight emerged when a BBC documentary exposed that she was being held by Devon and Cornwall Police in a 3ft x 9ft cage without opportunities for exercise, until a decision was made about her case.
Amid concerns that such confinement could fuel Stella's aggression, Torquay Magistrates Court ordered her destruction.
On Wednesday (22 June), however, that decision was overturned, and now Stella is allowed to roam free at her new home in Tiverton, Devon.
At an appeal hearing, the court heard that Stella had recently been living in converted stables. Her new carer, Caroline Pharaoh, said that Stella had access to a large secure field and had not given her any problems at all.
According to The Guardian, judge Graham Cottle said that he was "extremely impressed" with the new arrangements.
“She [Caroline Pharoah] has looked after Stella for some six weeks and is willing to become the permanent keeper of the dog. She is fully aware of what is involved when she takes ownership,” he said.
“She has stepped into this very difficult situation and it is very clear she is willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure the dog does not pose a risk to the public. From the description of the premises, it is ideal.”
Caroline will now have to apply for an exemption certificate to allow her to keep a prohibited breed. In public, Stella will have to wear a muzzle and, at home, must be kept in secure surroundings.
Police seized Stella following an unrelated raid on her previous owner, Anthony Hastie, in May 2014.
The police judged her to be too dangerous to exercise, as she had threatened and shown aggressive behaviour to staff.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
