First UK XL Bully Owner Prosecuted for Violating Breed Ban

A Sussex dog owner, Patrick McKeown, has become the first person known to have been prosecuted for breaking the XL Bully ban. McKeown confessed to keeping the dog at his Worthing address after police contacted him on a separate matter. The court heard that he had not applied for an exemption for the animal, had not had the dog neutered, and had not obtained third party insurance, all in violation of the strict new rules around XL Bully dogs introduced on February 1. Witnesses also reported that the dog was seen loose in the backyard of the property and McKeown had told police that the dog would attack anyone who approached it. Sussex Police raided the address and seized the dog.

On March 12, McKeown admitted one count of possessing or having a fighting dog, contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act. He was then given a one-year community order, requiring him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, as well as ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £114 surcharge. The court also imposed an order for the destruction of the dog, pending an appeal. Sussex Chief Inspector Simon Starns, force lead for responding to dangerous dogs, emphasized the importance of complying with the new laws and responsible ownership to ensure the safety of the public. He urged all dog owners to follow the Government guidance on owning the XL Bully breed, which includes muzzling and leashing the dogs in public places.

In a separate incident last month, an XL Bully dog was shot dead by police after attacking four people in Battersea, south London. Armed police responded to the attack on Home Road on March 18 and destroyed the dog, while four men were taken to the hospital for their injuries. The ban on owning, breeding, or selling American XL Bully dogs without an exemption certificate was put in place in February due to a series of high-profile attacks involving the breed, some of which were fatal. Owners seeking exemptions must prove that their XL Bully dogs have been neutered, with puppies required to be neutered by the end of 2024.

The XL Bully ban is a response to the increasing number of incidents involving this breed and the potential dangers they pose to the public. The case of Patrick McKeown serves as a reminder to dog owners about the importance of complying with the new laws and regulations to ensure the safety of both the dogs and the community. Sussex Police are working closely with partners to enforce the laws and reduce the risks associated with dangerous dogs. Owners of XL Bully dogs are required to follow specific guidelines, including muzzling and leashing their dogs in public places. The destruction of the XL Bully dog in Battersea highlights the serious consequences of non-compliance with the ban.

In conclusion, the prosecution of Patrick McKeown for breaking the XL Bully ban highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership and compliance with the law. The ban, introduced in response to a series of high-profile attacks involving XL Bully dogs, aims to protect the public from potential harm. Sussex Police and other authorities are working to ensure that all dog owners follow the guidelines and regulations put in place to prevent dangerous incidents. Dog owners must take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their pets and the community by adhering to the restrictions on owning XL Bully dogs. Failure to comply can result in serious consequences, as seen in the case of Patrick McKeown and the XL Bully dog shot dead by police in Battersea.