A WOMAN whose 'babies'  were taken by police, who believe they are illegal pit bull terriers, has launched a petition to get them back.

Rosemary Ditch said she thought she was having a heart attack when her pets, Amber and Kilo, were seized by officers.
They stunned the hounds with carbon dioxide gas and then dragged them out of Mrs Ditch's flat in Lancaster Court, Darlan Road, Fulham on Thursday, July 10.

She says around 35 neighbours have signed her petition.

Mrs Ditch said: "They are saying my babies are dangerous dogs and I'm saying they're not. I've got a petition signed by everyone who thinks they're not dangerous."

Mrs Ditch, 50, said officers told her neighbours had complained the dogs were vicious and had not been neutered.

The police have said the pets may be returned to the grandmother of 11 if they are registered, micro-chipped, neutered and muzzled when outside her flat.

Mrs Ditch's petition states she would comply with those conditions, and she added: "I've had my Kilo since he was born. They've never attacked anyone or bitten anyone. I've had dogs all my life.

"My grandchildren have grown up around them and it's heartbreaking to think that people in this block think I would put an adult or a child in danger. I can't sleep, I can't eat and the doctor has put me on Diazepam to calm me down."

Neighbour Debbie Clark signed the petition. She said: "As long as they are spayed and muzzled, I would not have a problem with them coming back. As far as I know, the dogs have never bitten anybody and they are always very friendly to me."

Even if she is reunited with her dogs, Mrs Ditch's problem may not be over. H&F Homes has said she cannot keep them in her flat and has served a notice on her, seeking  possession of her home.

A spokesman said: "We have had complaints about Mrs Ditch's dogs and this led to the raid.

"Mrs Ditch has breached her tenancy agreement because her flat does not have direct access to a private garden. Without that, nobody is allowed to keep a dog in a flat.

"We are awaiting the outcome of the investigation and until then, we cannot say what will happen."

The dogs have been taken to kennels where they were inspected to determine if they are pit bulls, which are illegal under the Dangerous Dogs Act.