Paul O’Grady joins fight to save Sami the Staffie

Animal-loving TV star Paul O’Grady says he’s 100% behind efforts to save death row dog Sami the Staffie.

The Sunday Post revealed last week prosecutors want the seven-year-old bull terrier destroyed, because he growled at a police officer.

But entertainer Paul believes putting the much loved family pet to sleep would be “ridiculous” and called for common sense to prevail. The host of ITV’s For The Love of Dogs said: “I read the story last week in the paper and I’m totally behind the family.

“You only have to look at him to see he is a well cared for animal that’s not been neglected in any way. I’d be demented if one of my dogs was going to be put to sleep. From what the owner has said, it’s clear to me she loves Sami a great deal and looks after him.”

The 59-year-old insists Staffordshire bull terriers are loyal dogs and the Sami’s reaction is easily explained.

He said: “Sami doesn’t deserve to be put to sleep, all he has done is bark at people and dogs do that, especially when they are scared. It’s a knee-jerk reaction. There’s never any common sense when it comes to these situations.”

Owner Maria Middleton was on a trip to Inveraray in June visiting friends and relatives when Sami was seized. The mum-of-two left the family pet in the back of her 4×4, but he somehow managed to get out and began barking and growling at passers by, including a policeman.

Maria didn’t see the incident and Sami was taken into custody the same day. A psychological assessment is set to be carried out this week and once the report has been submitted a sheriff will then decide Sami’s fate.

TV dog trainer and behaviour specialist Lynne Davies believes there should still be hope for the dog.

The star of the BBC’S Dog Borstal said: “I’m aware of Sami’s situation and I would say that, in 15 years of being a trainer, there have only been a handful beyond help. If the account is accurate it seems to me he shouldn’t be put down.”

After last week’s front-page story telling of Sami’s plight, we have been inundated with calls for him to be saved.

One reader posted “Sami is a stunning dog. Very sorry to hear of this horrid story.” Another wrote: “Sami should not be put to sleep, he’s not done any harm to anyone.”

Terry Swankie, whose collie cross Woofie escaped a similar death row drama after he growled at a postman, also offered his support.

The 69-year-old from Peterhead said: “I’m aware of Sami’s situation and my thoughts are with the family.

“I do wonder how it managed to get to this stage when nobody was actually bitten.”