Court Rejects Urgent Appeal from Abuser: Rescued Dog Bella Safe for Now

München - The case of Bella, a Vizsla dog, has taken a significant turn as a Bavarian administrative court has ruled in favor of her temporary protection, preventing her from being returned to her previous owner, known for mistreatment. This decision comes during an urgent legal process, but it does not provide a permanent resolution for Bella's future.

In the spring, Bella was confiscated by the veterinary office after concerned citizens reported her dire condition. When she was found, the six-month-old dog was severely malnourished, weighing a mere eight kilograms. Her previous owner claimed she wanted Bella to remain small, but the reality was that the dog was on the brink of starvation.

Now, under the care of a foster family, Bella has made remarkable progress, increasing her weight to a healthy 21 kilograms. Kristina Berchtold, a representative from the Munich animal shelter, reported that Bella has adapted well to her new environment, displaying happiness and vitality.

The former owner had filed an urgent request for Bella's return, which was initially granted by the Munich administrative court. According to the initial ruling, the owner was allowed to take Bella to the vet once a month. However, the Munich district office appealed this decision, leading to the recent ruling by the Bavarian Administrative Court.

The court dismissed the owner's urgent appeal, stating that the previous owner could not guarantee the necessary conditions for responsible pet ownership. The judges emphasized that Bella had suffered significantly under her care, and returning her could lead to severe distress and trauma.

While this ruling is a victory for Bella, the final determination regarding her permanent living situation will be made by the Munich administrative court at a later date, with no hearing scheduled yet. The Bavarian Administrative Court indicated that returning Bella would pose a high risk of re-traumatization, which is unacceptable considering her well-being.

Bella has flourished in her foster home, where she enjoys ample exercise and companionship, especially with neighboring dogs. Initially timid and distressed, she quickly regained her trust in humans and now even sleeps alongside her foster parents. The animal shelter's spokesperson, Berchtold, mentioned that should the owner's appeal be ultimately rejected, Bella would be able to remain with her foster family permanently.

Despite the current legal decision, Bella's future remains uncertain, as the ongoing proceedings will determine whether she can stay in her nurturing environment or be forced back into a harmful situation.