He is one of the first people in the country to be prosecuted after the breed was banned
File image of XL Bully (Image: PA)
A Bristol man has been fined and may have his pet destroyed for owning an unregistered XL Bully.
Paul Nicholson, of Fishponds Road in Eastville, is one of the first people in the country to be prosecuted after XL Bully breeds were banned, the BBC reports.
Nicholson, 60, was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court and was ordered to pay a total of £256 in fines.
Nicholson’s dog, Dior, may be destroyed unless Nicholson registers, neuters, microchips and insures her in the next two months.
Owning XL Bullies is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
XL bullies were added to a list of dog breeds that are prohibited by law on December 31, 2023.
Under the act, it is illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed XL bullies.
Since February 1, 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.
Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard how Dior has never acted aggressively in public and that Nicholson has never lost control of her.
An assessment of the dog carried out by an expert animal handler found that Dior has never acted aggressively and she does not display any aggressive behaviour.
Magistrates told Nicholson that they are “satisfied” that his dog is not a danger to public safety, adding that he is a “fit and proper person” to own her.
Nicholson will also have to ensure that Dior is kept securely at his address and kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.
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