My family is going through a challenging time here in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. On a routine school run, I left my two dogs inside our home, thinking I had everything under control. As any parent of four can understand, mornings are hectic, and in the rush, I forgot to lock the front door. Unbeknownst to me, my neighbour's three-year-old son wandered onto our property and tried to enter my home, accidentally letting my beloved bulldog, Rubble, outside onto our driveway.

In an unfortunate turn of events, my neighbour, upon hearing her son, entered our property to retrieve him. During this commotion, Rubble felt threatened and attacked her. My neighbour has since admitted it was a situation brought about by her negligence and trespassing. Still, we find ourselves in a distressing predicament as the local pound is refusing to return Rubble to our family.

Rubble is not just a pet; he’s a cherished member of our family. Our entire household, including our four children, is deeply affected by his absence. He has always been gentle and loving, known in our neighbourhood for his playful demeanor and friendly nature with kids and adults alike that come to our home. This incident is an anomaly, and even the neighbour involved has acknowledged her part in what happened.

We understand the importance of community safety and the necessity of laws, but it’s crucial to contextualize situations individually. In this case, Rubbles actions were a direct response to a stranger entering what he perceived as his territory. The emotional impact on our family is profound, and the neighbour, whose presence triggered the incident, stands with us in seeking Rubbles return. I hold evidence that the neighbour stands by us and wants rubble returned home also and admits her negligence.

We are asking for your support to urge the local authorities and the pound to reconsider their decision and allow Rubble to come home. Let’s come together as a community in Hawke's Bay and show that we stand for fairness and understanding, not black-and-white regulations that overlook individual circumstances.

Please sign this petition to bring Rubble home, where he belongs, and highlight the importance of fair assessments in such situations. Your support can make all the difference in reuniting our family and ensuring justice is served appropriately.