THOUSANDS of supporters have rallied round a dog sentenced to death, despite the dog never having attacked anyone.

Dog-lovers from across the globe have signed a petition to save the life of two-year-old Teddy, owned by Thomas Hook, 21, from Wroughton.

The black and white dog, initially thought to be an American Bulldog, was seized on February 5 on suspicion of being a banned type. Following police examination Teddy was reclassified as a Pitbull.

Despite a glowing report from police kennels and no history of attacks or aggressive behaviour owner Thomas was handed a destruction order due to a perceived risk to his young child who lives with him and his partner.

Teddy is now on dog death row with Thomas fighting to save his life.

“Teddy has been sentenced to death, not because of anything he has done, but because of the way he looks. It’s not fair and it’s not right, I will do anything in my power to save him,” said Thomas.

The petition calling to save Teddy’s life has now topped 5,000 signatures with supporters from Europe to America. Thomas said:

“I had a miserable weekend after the destruction order was put in place, I felt so low. But the support I’ve received has really lifted my spirits, it’s made me realise I’m not alone in this.”

Now represented by dog-law specialists, Thomas has filed an appeal to get Teddy’s destruction order lifted. But with estimated legal bills of £4,000 he is appealing to the public for help.

Thomas said he was touched by the level of support shown to Teddy through social media.

“Teddy has a lot of soldiers around him and I am so grateful for all the support he has been given. I can’t afford the legal bills on my own so I hope people will help me and help end this unfair law.

“This is about saving him from being destroyed and getting him home to us and my daughter. She has been waking up crying for him, it breaks my heart.

“I will do whatever it takes. I’m focused on getting my dog home safely, I will do all that I can to make sure of that.”

Jessie Bascombe, founder of town charity SNDogs lent her support to Teddy’s cause.

“I’m very anti-breed specific legislation, I think it’s a load of rubbish. When people go to court, they are innocent until proven guilty, why are dogs considered guilty straight away and sentenced to death?

“The decision against Teddy is wrong, the whole legislation is wrong. Punishing a dog because of what it looks like shows how inadequate the law is. SNDogs are fully behind Teddy and Thomas.”

To sign the petition visit http://www.petitions24.com/save_teddy_from_being_put_down

To donate to Teddy’s appeal visit https://www.gofundme.com/xgu5798c or search “Teddy by name, Teddy by nature” on Facebook.