Puppy held by Vaughan Animal Services for weeks because it may be part pit bull released to owner

A puppy that was held for weeks by Vaughan Animal Services (VAS) under suspicion that it was part pit bull has been released to its owners, something they say was only possible because of the mass support the family received.

In mid-October, Tommy Chang told CTV News Toronto that their then-12-week-old puppy named Dwaeji had run from their home through an open door and was picked up by VAS. When Chang received the call he was initially relieved to hear that Dwaeji was safe.

But that relief soon turned to anger when VAS refused to return the pup, insisting it has to conduct a DNA test before releasing the animal to determine if it was part pit bull.

“It’s been horrible,” Chang said at the time, adding that Dwaeji is an American Bully and is not aggressive. “My wife has been literally crying day and night. My sons are completely devastated.”

Chang retained a lawyer and provided VAS with documentation from two veterinarians, as well as the American Bully Kennel Club, stating that the dog is not a pit bull. The city pound, however, said it was not satisfied with the submissions and insisted that a DNA test was the only way to assess the dog's lineage.