Jabba is a 4-year-old Kangal, an ancient livestock guardian dog breed from Turkey.  He had a really rough start to life, as a puppy he was neglected, and nearly starved to death. Fortunately, the RSPCA rescued him in time and brought him back to full-health, and he was adopted by his family in 2019, when 13 months old.

Jabba was seized from his home and family without notice by North Yorkshire Police, on the evening of 28th November 2021, following a skirmish earlier that day with another large dog.  The owners of both dogs intervened to break the dogs up, and regrettably, in doing so, one of the owners was bitten.  Unfortunately, it has been alleged this was Jabba, and until the police conclude their investigation into this complaint, he must remain in secure kennels, alone and away from his family.

His family miss him immensely, and worry about his welfare while he remains in kennels for this prolonged length of time. They are not allowed to see him, or to know where he is being held. Jabba enjoyed 4 hours of walking each day in the surrounding countryside, now, he is restricted to 30 minutes of exercise and spends the majority of his time in solitary confinement.

Shockingly, there is no time limit for the police when dealing with a suspected aggravated offence under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and there is no 'bail' application that can be made for a dog. His mum and dad, as responsible dog owners, have pleaded with North Yorkshire Police to allow Jabba to come home while they investigate this complaint, with any restrictions or conditions they would deem necessary to allow this, i.e. muzzle, lead, etc. in the interests of Jabba's welfare, and to minimise kennelling costs, but they have refused until they conclude their investigation.

At the end of May 2022, this investigation will have been ongoing for 6 months, with no date provided for the conclusion. This is heartbreaking for Jabba's family and horrendous for Jabba's physical and mental well-being.

North Yorkshire Police must now conclude their investigation and charge, or release Jabba.  This is not a complex investigation and 6 months (4 years in a dog's life) is far too long, for Jabba to be denied the opportunity to be free.

All animals have the ability to suffer in the same way and to the same degree that humans do. They feel pain, pleasure, fear, frustration, loneliness and motherly love. Whenever we consider doing something that would interfere with their needs, we are morally obligated to take them into account. How can it be fair that Jabba can be denied justice for so long and have no rights? Jabba is a family member and sentient being with feelings and emotions. He deserves better. He deserves his freedom.

Jabba desperately needs human support, to give him a voice in a justice system that doesn't hear him and doesn't care.