A couple have spoken out in defence of their dog after it bit their toddler in the face while he was sleeping.
Nicole and Lars Ellingson faced every parent's (and dog mum and dad's) worst nightmare when their 10-year-old English Setter, Watson, bit their son's face while he was asleep.
The couple, from the US, gave up their pet to the Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), however, they've since contested details of the agreement they made when handing over the dog, in regards to Watson's future and the possibility of the dog being put down.
The Ellingson's claim the animal shelter told them there was a 'risk [Watson] could be euthanised' but said they would let him out if the couple could find the Setter a suitable home within the 10 days period of them holding him.
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With the 10 day period having just come to an end yesterday (Sunday, 23 July) the family allege they've been told Watson will be euthanised - a decision they argue is a 'death sentence' and something they didn't agree to, signing him over under 'false pretences'.
The couple told Fox 31 News: "[There's a] good home for Watson, it’s a home without children and there is no reason he should not be allowed to enjoy that.
"But I think their mind is made up. We hope that they can reconsider."
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However, despite the family's pleas, they are reported as having signed an official document giving Denver Animal Shelter 'full legal custody' of Watson, a city spokesperson alleges.
"I release full legal custody of the animal described above with the request that this animal be humanely euthanised by DAP," the document reads, as quoted by the Mirror.
In a statement to Fox31 News, Denver Animal Shelter said: "Watson was surrendered to the Denver Animal Shelter last week after he severely bit a child in the face.
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"When he was surrendered, it was made clear to the owner that this was a permanent decision. Denver Animal Protection is charged with protecting both the safety of people and animals in our community.
"Because of the severity of this bite and the history that his owner disclosed to us upon surrender – he has bitten the same child in the face before - we are closely reviewing whether it is safe to release him back into the community.
"We take this decision very seriously and will act in the best interest of our community."
In an update posted to Facebook on 22 July, the shelter acknowledged the widespread interest in Watson since the Ellingson's took their story public - with protests taking place outside the shelter in support of the dog.
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The post reads: "We appreciate everyone’s interest in Watson. This dog was surrendered to us by his owner last week after he bit their small child in the face. He is still on bite quarantine at the shelter. This is our standard protocol after a dog bites a person to ensure the dog does not have rabies.
"Unfortunately, the bite was severe and resulted in a trip to the emergency room and several stitches. Additionally, the owner disclosed this dog has an aggressive history and has bitten the same child in the face in the past.
"We take our responsibility of protecting our community of people and pets very seriously. As such, we are still closely reviewing this case - a decision has not yet been made."
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Tyla has contacted Denver Animal Shelter for comment.
Poppy Bilderbeck