THE ‘ecstatic’ owner of seized Pitbull Teddy has spoken of his joy after his beloved dog was granted a last-minute reprieve from a death sentence.

In February Teddy, also known as Teddybear, was seized on suspicion of being a banned type and later sentenced to death despite never having attacked anyone.

Police examination later showed Teddy was a pitbull-type and magistrates decided that he could pose a risk to Thomas’ four-year-old daughter.

But following four months of fundraising and fighting for Teddy’s life his owner Thomas Hook, from Wroughton, celebrated as his appeal proved successful at Swindon Crown Court today.

 “I’m in shock,” the 21-year said.

“I expected the worst but came here hoping for the best. I know he isn’t dangerous and I am so happy they saw that.

“To say a weight has been lifted off my shoulders is an understatement, I cannot believe he is coming home, I get my dog back and it is the best feeling in the world.

“My daughter will be ecstatic, I can’t wait to tell her.”

Teddy will be back home with his family within a matter of weeks and placed on the register of exempt dogs.

At his appeal, PC Steve Duffy gave Teddy a glowing report from police kennels and said he believed the dog could be returned home with conditions.

Dog law solicitor Pamela Rose, acting on behalf of Thomas, said: “If a dog is exempt it would have to be on a lead, with a muzzle on and walked by somebody over the age of 16. The owner must agree to abide by the legislation and all its undertakings.”

Dog behaviourist Jeff Turner, speaking in court, also agreed that Teddy was not a danger to the public.

“He is not a lively dog, I know bull breeds are usually overly energetic but he is not," said Mr Turner.

"Teddybear lives up to his name, he is well-named.”

Judge Peter Blair QC said: “We are going to allow the appeal. If you break this contingent destruction order I hope you understand the outcome will be much much worse.

“The police will in due course give Teddybear back.

"I am happy to say that Teddy will be coming home to you. I am sure your daughter will be delighted."

The public rallied round Teddy in the wake of the destruction order with a petition calling to save Teddy’s life topped 6,000 signatures with supporters from Europe to America.

More than £3,000 was raised by charitable dog lovers in the wake of Teddy’s destruction order to pay for legal bills.

“Thank you so much to everyone that helped my boy,” said Thomas.

“You have all helped him get home where he belongs, I can’t express how grateful I am.”