Hank the dog returns home

The owners of a family pet broke down in court as a judge ruled the pit bull-type dog could be returned home.

Leonard Collins and Joanne Meadows also vowed to continue their high-profile campaign to change the law after securing the release of their beloved Hank which had been seized by Belfast City Council three weeks ago.

Outside Belfast Magistrates’ Court, they spoke of their relief that Hank had been placed on the council’s exemption register, sparing him from destruction.