Animal lover Sue Cook today vowed to defy a court order to have her beloved pet dog Blackie put down - even if it means going to prison.

Sue, of Tilburg Road, Canvey, has lost an appeal against a magistrate's decision for the six-and-a-half year old cross-collie to be destroyed after it bit a young boy.

But today Sue, 43, insisted: "He's part of the family and there is no way I am going to have him put down. I would rather go to jail."

Sue maintained Blackie was under control and was wearing a specialist muzzle at the time of the incident.

She claimed Blackie only "nipped" the boy on the hand after the dog had been tormented by a group of youngsters.

Sue took in Blackie four years ago from the RSPCA after he had been abused by a previous owner.

"He's nervous around men. But he's family to me. The court has ordered me to take him to Canvey police station to be destroyed, and my solicitor has suggested I take him to a vet to have it done myself.

"I'm not going to deliver Blackie into the hands of the police and vets won't put down a healthy dog. It's outrageous.

"It's not like he's the Hound of the Baskervilles. He's just an ordinary dog that got provoked. I'm not having him put down."

Sue has 21 days to have Blackie put down or face further legal action.

Defiant - Sue Cook with her doomed pet Blackie

Picture: CARL EVE

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