by Angela Cole
acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

He was labelled a dangerous dog and condemned to death but “proper softy” Bailey has been reunited with his owner after almost a year apart.
The pit bull labrador cross was facing a destruction order after he was taken by police when they raided owner Clive Beard’s home in Grecian Street, Maidstone, where they found cannabis plants growing.
A hearing at Maidstone Crown Court found Bailey should be put down under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, but Mr Beard was given a two-month reprieve to apply for an exemption.
It was successful, and now Bailey has been reunited with his owner, after a 10-month separation.
Mr Beard, 53, said: “I was really nervous beforehand, so before I opened the door, I started calling his name to see if he remembered me without seeing me.
“He pricked up his ears and then when I opened the door, he nearly knocked me over.”
Bailey’s case was also helped by the charity the Dogs Trust, which donated funds towards the costs of neutering and tattooing the dog before he could be released.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 covers “types” rather than breeds as it depends what the dog looks like. If the animal had characteristics of a pit bull terrier, it could be classed as banned.