A dog which faced destruction after being typed as a banned breed is now set to be rehomed after a victory in the courts.

Twenty-two-month-old Buddy arrived at KareBear Kennels near Boxley, Maidstone, as a stray in 2017 after being deemed a pit bull terrier, which are illegal to own in the UK.

Under law, a police or council expert will judge a type of dog and decide whether it is, or could be, a danger to the public.

The animal is then either released, or kept in kennels while an application is made to the courts.

Staff working at KareBear said the hound was "clearly" not a pit bull, but rather a Staffordshire bull terrier - a dog similar in appearance but legal to own.

Then finally, after a year-and-a-half at the Woodside Cottage kennels, an order for Buddy's destruction was refused at Medway Magistrates' Court last week, and staff are now looking to find him a permanent home.

This could even come to fruition as early as this weekend, after one family heard of the victory on social media and came to meet him on Monday.

A home inspection will now be carried out over the coming days to see if the property is suitable for Buddy's needs.

Kelly Smith, who owns the kennels, said: "For us, it was just sad that Buddy had lost all of this time, because ever since he's been here he hasn't put a foot wrong.

"That is what has been so frustrating about the whole ordeal over the last 18 months.

"We all love him here and are so pleased with the outcome."

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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