A WOMAN is campaigning to overturn the decision to put down a dog after it bit a police officer.

Kaye Burrow, from Cark, said she was ‘disgusted’ to hear an American bull dog had been sentenced to death after attacking PC Sarah Penman.

The dog’s owner, Charmaine Marsden, pleaded guilty at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court to being the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control and caused injury.

The court was told PC Penman attended the property after reports two men were fighting in the street and blood had been seen on the pavement near Marsden’s house.

PC Penman then entered the front room when a dog bit her on her right forearm, maintaining its grip for approximately five seconds, the court heard.

The dog has been ordered to be destroyed unless an appeal is made within 21 days.

However, self-employed cleaner and animal lover, Mrs Burrow, described American bulldogs as ‘gentle giants’.

“The dog was obviously scared and just reacted naturally to someone in his space,” she said.

“I think the dog has been treated harshly as it was a police officer.

“He’s just been caught in the crossfire and is suffering the consequences because of it.

“Why should this poor animal have to lose his life?”

Mrs Burrow plans on starting a petition and writing to councillors to prevent the bull dog from being put down.

“I’m willing to meet as many people as I can to stop this from happening. I want to help raise some money for the appeal - I definitely want to take this further.”

If you would like to sign the petition, visit here: https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-dog-from-death-row.html