A pit bull terrier which was due to be put down tomorrow has been given a stay of execution.

The Department of Agriculture, which would have been responsible for disposing of the animal, says a Petition of Doleance has been lodged in relation to it.

A short statement says the department is now awaiting due legal process and cannot comment further at this time.

Pit bull terriers are illegal in the Isle of Man and attempts to find a new home for Champ, for example in Ireland where the breed is allowed, had been unsuccessful.

Champ has been kept by the MSPCA for the past four months.

(Picture: An American pit bull terrier, from pedigreedatabase.com).