Owner fined and warned XL bully could be destroyed

A man has been fined for owning an unregistered XL bully after a police officer spotted the dog.

Paul Nicholson, 60, of Fishponds Road in Eastville, Bristol, is one of the first people in the country to be prosecuted under laws that were introduced last year, prohibiting the ownership of the banned breed.

During sentencing at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Monday, he was ordered to pay a total of £256 in fines.

The dog, called Dior, could be destroyed unless Nicholson registers, neuters, microchips and insures her in the next two months.

Ownership of XL bullies is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Since 31 December 2023, it has been illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed XL bullies.

Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.

The court heard that Dior has never acted aggressively in public and 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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