By DANIELLE GALVIN
THE 15 month battle to bring Rocket the dog home and “set him free” drew to a close last week, triggering an outpouring of support for the pooch and his family.
The reunion between Rocket and his owners was watched across the globe with more than 14,300 people liking the Help Save Rocket Facebook page and joining in the fight to have him released.
Rocket was seized by Cardinia Shire Council on Sunday 25 March 2012 and he made international headlines as the poster pooch for those against restricted dog breed legislation.
In August last year, owner Arthur Kalamaras joined protestors marching to the steps of Parliament in Melbourne against Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).
At the protest Mr Kalamaris told Channel Ten of his fight to save his dog from being destroyed by the council under dangerous dog laws introduced in September 2011.
American Pit Bull Terrier Club of Australia secretary Bonnie Norton told the Gazette at the time that she had been in contact with Rocket’s owners when he was seized.
“There’s no such thing as dangerous breeds, but there are dangerous dogs,” she said.
Mr Kalamaras told the Gazette that Rocket had escaped from the family home when storms and wild winds forced the fences down.
He said that he was overwhelmed by the response from the community.
On the Facebook page, there were dozens of photos of Rocket enjoying his freedom and countless comments from people all over the world in support of the family’s fight to save him.
Pam commented that it was a win for the family while others congratulated his owners on their fight and the recent win.
“Congratulations to you and Rocket, I am so happy this beautiful boy is home where he belongs to be loved and to play and to sleep restfully knowing he is home and safe,” she wrote.
