London Soccer manager refuses to hand over dog

Since the last post was centered on a sports figure, I figured this one to be an appropriate follow-up, only in this case we can feel some empathy for the man in the headlines.

Chelsea soccer manager Jose Mourinho's trouble with authorities began when his wife called Tuesday evening to say police were trying to seize their Yorkshire terrier over an alleged violation of Britain's strict quarantine laws, according to The Sun newspaper.

Mourinho left Chelsea's Player of the Year awards and rushed home, where his wife had refused to let police take the animal and had gotten into an argument with officers. Mourinho then argued with the officers himself, leading to his arrest for obstructing police, although no charges were filed. In the meantime, the little dog disappeared.

Now, officials are looking for the fugitive terrier, and Mourinho, whose outspoken criticism of opposing players, coaches and referees made him one of the most polarizing figures in English soccer, is once again at the center of a controversy.

Scotland Yard said the dog was to be seized under the Animal Health Act of 1981 and the Rabies Order of 1974. Britain's animal quarantine laws only allow dogs into the country after they have obtained a "pet passport," a six-month process that involves rabies vaccination, tick and tapeworm treatment, blood tests and other steps.

Even pets born and bred in Britain need a passport if they are returning from abroad.

It was unclear if the dog had recently been out of the country, and a statement issued Wednesday on Mourinho's behalf said the dog had gotten all its proper shots.

"The incident occurred due to a misunderstanding over documents required for veterinary regulations," the statement said. "Mr. Mourinho would like to make it clear that his pet dog was bought in England from a reputable breeder and has had all its necessary inoculations."

A spokesman for Westminster Council said animal control officers were still looking for the small dog. He said the council had a good record of tracking down pets: in July 2005, it found actress Liz Hurley's dog, Emily, after the Labrador went missing.

Mourinho's dog will be handed over to police if it is found, the spokesman said.

A Chelsea soccer official said Wednesday the terrier was safe, without providing any further details. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Mourinho, a Portuguese native, said nothing in the sport has affected him like the media frenzy surrounding the police's attempt to collar his canine.

"In football nothing hurts me, nothing hurts me," Mourinho said Wednesday. "What hurts me is what happened yesterday to my family — not me, my family."

Comments

[Me]

I think this is really crazy. I wouldn't know what to do if they took my dog and his breed is known to be "THE BULLY" breed and many would love to ban them. Keep up the fight for your right and stay strong.

[Marilyn Johnston]

It's sad, really is. I'm so sorry, if they took my dog they'll have to take me too. Don't give up.