Ferryhill Justice for Maisie campaign raised in Parliament

The town’s MP Alan Strickland raised the ‘Justice for Maisie’ case in the House of Commons last week, after the death of four-month-old cocker spaniel Maisie.

Nikita Devon, 18, was walking the puppy along Grasmere Road when she says the dogs charged at them on September 3. Durham Police said the dogs escaped from their home and attacked Nikita and Maisie.

Owner, 18-year-old Nikita and her pup Maisie (Image: PROVIDED)

The puppy later died from her injuries, with a vet confirming she suffered a broken jaw and puncture wounds to her head, face, neck and body. Nikita sustained multiple puncture wounds and required hospital treatment.

The two XL Bullies, which had valid certificates, were seized by police. A 25-year-old woman from Brandon, County Durham, was later charged with allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and is due before Peterlee Magistrates on January 9, 2026.

Four-month-old cocker spaniel Maisie (Image: PROVIDED)

The family is calling for new laws including routine home checks by councils to ensure properties where XL Bullies live are secure.

They also want harsher penalties for owners who breach the law and support for victims and families affected by dog attacks including trauma counselling.

MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor Alan Strickland (Image: The Northern Echo)

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Strickland, MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, said: “Melissa and Nikita were left devastated when a few months ago, their four-month-old puppy was mauled to death in the streets by XL Bullies who’d escaped from a nearby house and Nikita, who is just 18, needed hospital treatment for the serious wounds she sustained in this attack.

“The family are campaigning to try and reduce the risk of further attacks like this around the country involving dangerous breeds.

“Would the leader help me to meet the relevant minister to discuss how the Dangerous Dogs Act is being implemented and whether there’s more that the government, the police and other agencies can do to reduce the risk of these incidents happening again in the future?”

Leader of the House Alan Campbell, Labour MP for Tynemouth, replied: “I am sorry to hear of the case that my honourable friend raises and I wish the family and in particular Nikita well, we are committed to making sure that the XL Bully ban is fully implemented and enforced.

“Owners of any breed of dog, dangerously out of control are breaking the law and I will certainly ensure that my honourable friend gets the meeting that he asks for.”

Their petition has now passed 18,000 signatures. It can be signed at shorturl.at/MlmUY

From February 1, 2024 it became illegal to own an XL Bully unless the dog is registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs with owners required to muzzle and keep the animals on a lead in public.