A dog that mauled to death its owners may receive a stay of execution after German authorities admitted it made mistakes following a petition to save the animal.
Chico, a Staffordshire terrier, was captured by firefighters last week following the deaths of Lazime K, 52, and her son Liridon, 27.
According to local media, the firefighters broke into the Hanover apartment after a relative saw a bloodied body through the window and called emergency services.
An autopsy revealed the pair bled to death after being attacked by Chico.
The dog was to be euthanised on Monday, but the decision was halted after more than 250,000 people signed a petition called Let Chico Live.
The petition argued Chico should have been removed from the family long ago, and had been living in poor conditions.
According to local newspaper reports, the animal was bought by Lezime K eight years ago to protect her from her ex-husband. He was due to be released from prison after he attacked her with an axe in 2005.
The injuries she suffered had left her in a wheelchair, and unable to cope with Chico’s constant aggressive behaviour.
The mother-of-four reportedly told neighbours she kept Chico in a cage out of fear for her and her children’s lives.
Udo Moller, a city spokesman, told The Guardian mistakes were made by German authorities in failing to remove Chico from its owner’s care.
RELATED READING
Melbourne girl mauled by dog 'lucky to be alive'
He said: "An expert appraisal, had it been carried out, would have led to the owner being banned from keeping this animal."
Campaigners are fighting for authorities to overturn their decision to euthanise, arguing the dog attacked because of its poor living conditions.
One person who signed the petition, Kate Emerson, wrote: “This dog does not deserve to die. It can be homed where it is safe and others are safe.”
Mr Moller said authorities were investigating the possibility of placing Chico in a facility for dogs with learning difficulties.
Campaigners are now awaiting a decision from Hanover's authorities.
