A DISTRAUGHT dog owner has said her pet has been given a death sentence by her landlords who want him removed over tenancy concerns.

Nickalea Deacon from Hereford said her dog Bronson has helped her through depression and turned her life around.

But due to his resemblance to a banned breed, a Japanese Tosa, her social housing provider, Stonewater, has said Bronson must be removed from her home.

Due to his characteristics, he has been labelled 30 percent Japanese Tosa which means he cannot be rehomed with anybody else.

Miss Deacon, 41, said: "They don't understand that they are giving my dog a death sentence.

"The thought of losing him or putting him down just makes me feel sick. He is part of the family."

When Miss Deacon bought Bronson from a breeder two years ago she believed he was a cross between a Bullmastiff and a Rottweiler, but police seized him last year in High Town after they had suspicions he was a banned breed.

She said she felt she had lost her “security blanket” and felt the quickest way to get him back was to go to Hereford Magistrates Court last summer.

A police dog handler said Bronson was not a danger to the public and he was returned to Miss Deacon, who describes Bronson as a "gentle giant".

He was put on the Index of Exempted Dogs, and she has been given a Certificate of Exemption.

There are certain rules in place- he must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public places and Miss Deacon must have insurance against her dog from injuring other people.

She hoped this would be the end of it.

But when new neighbours complained that Bronson was barking a lot, which Miss Deacon said was not true, her landlords said he must be removed as he is classified under the Dangerous Dog Act.

Miss Deacon, who lives with her 18-year-old son, said: "The thing is- this is a big problem for people. You go to court and your dog is saved by a magistrate and you come back and find you can't live with your dog.

"I had him for medical reasons as well. I suffer really badly with depression. He gets me up in the morning and gives me a routine. He also helps with my anxiety."

Claire Marshall, who helps rehome rescue dogs, said: "He is more trustworthy than your average household pet as he has been through the system.

"He would not be with her now if there was any doubt in the court's mind he wasn't safe."

Ros White, head of housing for Stonewater said: “Our tenancy agreement clearly states we do not accept any breed of dog classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act, (DDA) 1991.

“We appreciate this is an emotive issue, made more complex in this instance by the existence of an exemption certificate.

“As a responsible landlord, we have a duty to uphold our rules for the benefit of all customers and the wider community. We will continue to work with Miss Deacon to achieve an acceptable outcome.”