Police seize XL Bully after owner 'didn't follow new laws for dog'

11 February 2024 , 11:37

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The XL Bully was removed from its owner (Image: PA)

A dog was taken away from its owner when they were found to have not followed the new rules.

Police in Calne, Wiltshire, removed the XL Bully saying they had not wanted to - but had no choice. From February 1, owners cannot have the breed without a special licence. Other rules include not selling them, giving them away, leaving them alone or taking them out without a lead and muzzle.

Officers worked with the local dog wardens to check the dog was being looked after right. They said: "Unfortunately, even after our extensive partnership working and a recent court case, officers were required to attend an address in Calne last night where the dog in question was seized by officers. The dog has been transported into kennels, and our investigation remains ongoing."

After hearing about the dog, someone on Facebook said: "That poor poor dog. Let's hope that it doesn't end up paying the price because of a truly irresponsible owner," BristolPost reported.

It is now a criminal offence to own an XL bully in England and Wales without an exemption certificate, meaning unregistered pets will be taken and owners could face a criminal record and unlimited fine. More than 35,000 dogs are now registered.

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The exemption certificate proves that the dog had been neutered before a specific date, is microchipped and proves the owner has paid an application fee, and holds liability insurance for their dog. The ban was introduced by Prime Minister following a harrowing rise in dog attacks.

Seen as a status dog, the breed is hard-wired for strength and violence, which saw pressure mount for an immediate ban before more lives were lost. Historically created to be a killing machine to fight other dogs in the ring, the animal emerged as one of Britain's increasingly popular and beloved pets. Experts say the controversial breed is uncontrollable, as proven by a string of savage attacks on both dogs and humans in the past few years.

Last year, a group of concerned UK residents joined forces in a bid to put a stop to the bloodshed after encountering the breed while walking their own dogs. They claimed XL bullies were responsible for 14 deaths in the past two years - 11 confirmed human deaths and three suspected deaths

Alex Driscoll