He's not a dangerous dog. He was defending himself, his home and his property"

Steve Prestage, Yogie's owner

Mr Prestage, 54, says that he was in the garage of his home in Copthorne, Crawley, Sussex, when he saw the police van draw up.

He said: "The van was parked across my gateway and an officer walked in.

"I said: 'Don't come too close or he'll nip you' but he came another couple of paces and the dog went for him.

"He had him by his arm and he staggered back. I called on the dog to come away."

Mr Prestage said the driver of the police van gave his colleague some first aid and they left.

However more police officers returned clutching an order from magistrates to seize the St Bernard dog - which are normally regarded as a kindly and trustworthy breed.

Mr Prestage said: "There were four vehicles and seven officers - two of them carrying shields and wearing helmets and body armour. I thought it was a bit over the top.

"They asked: 'Where is the dog' - I told them he was dozing in the conservatory."

Mr Prestage then had to help officers load his pet into the back of the van.

He is due to meet with police and his solicitor next week to find out if he will face any charges.

National support

Mr Prestage says he has had a lot of support from people all over the country, with one person offering to contribute to his legal costs.

He said: "He's not a dangerous dog. He was defending himself, his home and his property."

Yogie is being held in police kennels and Mr Prestage and his wife Tina can only see him once a month.

Sussex Police said that for legal reasons they could not comment.