Camden News - by SARA NEWMAN Published: 24 April 2008
Terence and Tara McGirr with children demanding return of Bishop
Children plead for return of Bishop, the life-saving dog
YOUNG supporters of a man fighting to win his confiscated dog back staged their own protest in Camden Town on Thursday.
Dog owner Terence McGirr, 25, saw his dog Bishop confiscated in a police clampdown on dangerous animals in December last year.
Mr McGirr and girlfriend Sarah Goss insist Bishop is a “sweet and gentle” dog. He woke Mr McGirr from his sleep when a fire erupted at his flat in Somers Town.
The couple then temporarily moved in with Mr McGirr’s sister Tara and her children, Purdy, 13, Tia, 10, Kiana, 8, and Angelina, 4, in Castlehaven Road, Camden Town. Ms McGirr, 30, said: “We have had Bishop in our house, staying with us. He’s never snapped at any of the kids. All the dogs on the estate are Bishop’s friends. They all play on the green together.”
Her son Purdy said: “If it wasn’t for Bishop my uncle wouldn’t be here today.” He was one of a group of children who gathered on the green at the Castlehaven Road estate to show their support.
Mr McGirr admitted the situation became heated when police stopped him and confiscated the dog on December 11 last year. He is due to appear in court tomorrow (Friday) on an aggressive behaviour charge. He will then have to attend another hearing to determine whether Bishop will be returned.
Police reports seen by the New Journal claim the heavy muscle tone around Bishop’s shoulders, injuries on his knees and large teeth indicate he has been trained for fighting. But Ms Goss, who believes her pet is a long-legged Irish Staffordshire bull terrier, says: “He was just a strange-looking dog. Fighting dogs are skinny and have bits hanging off their face.”