XL bully dog to be destroyed over ownership breach
BBCAn American XL bully dog seized by police is to be destroyed after its owner failed to have an exemption certificate.
The pet, called Kyah, was one of two dogs taken from 22-year-old Harley Silva in Lincoln.
Magistrates had previously ordered Kyah to be destroyed but Silva appealed the decision in a bid to save the animal. However, his challenge was dismissed after he failed to attend the hearing at Lincoln Crown Court.
The ownership of American XL bully dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own them without an exemption certificate.
The strict rules on ownership were introduced across the UK following a number of fatal attacks.
PC Gemma Oxby, Lincolnshire Police's dog legislation officer, told the court Kyah is a "very friendly" dog but confirmed she was classified as an XL bully.
"My personal experience with her, and the kennel staff who look after her daily, is that she is strong, boisterous and energetic, but she is very friendly," she said.
The court heard Silva, formerly of High Street, Lincoln, had been evicted from his previous flat and was now either living with his mother or "sofa surfing."
Recorder Simon King, sitting with two magistrates, said they had no option but to dismiss the appeal and order the destruction of the pet after a defence report confirmed Kyah as an XL bully.
"The dog is lovely, she is not aggressive, but she is a breed specified as a dangerous dog," he said.
Silva was also ordered to pay £9,860 kennelling costs for Kyah and a further £150 for his appeal.
An Alsatian-type dog, called Elvis, which was also seized from Silva is expected to be rehoused as it is not classified as a dangerous breed, the court was told.
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