XL bully put down after 'brutal' attack

Strict rules restricting XL bully ownership were introduced earlier this year (stock image)

An XL bully which was saved from being put down earlier this year has now been destroyed after it "brutally" attacked another dog, police have said.

A court order was made to destroy the dog after its owner in Sheffield failed to register it as a dangerous breed when a strict new law came into effect in February.

It was allowed to return home after its owner successfully appealed, but she called police on 10 October to report it had savaged another dog at her home and she was afraid for her children.

South Yorkshire Police said the dog had cost the force and tax payers thousands of pounds, adding that even if a dangerous breed was returned to its owner, it did not make it "safe".

'Ongoing efforts'

South Yorkshire Police said the dog had been held in the force's kennels earlier this year after its owner failed to register it when the American XL bully ban came into force in England and Wales on 1 February.

The case was taken to court and in May a judge granted a destruction order on the dog before the owner's appeal was successful and it was returned to the family home.

However, following the incident on 10 October, the dog had been put down with the owner's consent, according to South Yorkshire Police.

Ch Insp Emma Cheney said: “The kennelling cost for the dog was more than £2,500, in addition to court costs, and further expense of police officers’ time, response and now the veterinary fees to destroy the dog."

'Take precaution'

Ch Insp Cheney said the South Yorkshire force was "working hard to prevent injury from dangerous dogs to our communities", but still needed people's help.

“Our ongoing efforts are having a positive impact, and this year we have seen a reduction in serious injury caused by dogs."

Dog owners needed to be "vigilant" and aware of their pets' characteristics, she added.

"As with any dog, you need to take precaution and be realistic about your dog’s ability to cause harm.”

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