Police attended Patrick McKeown’s property in Worthing, West Sussex, saw a dog running around in the back garden and identified it as an XL Bully, which are now banned
The first XL Bully owner prosecuted under the new law insists his dog was “great with kids” but “just looked a bit scary”.
Patrick McKeown failed to apply for an exemption for his dog or have the animal neutered or obtain third-party insurance in line with the legislation, which came into force on February 1.
His three-year-old pooch, Sully, had been kept in the backyard of his home in Worthing, West Sussex. Police found the dog when they attended the man’s home on a different matter last month.
And Mr McKeown, 40, appeared at Worthing Magistrates Court to admit one count of possessing or having a fighting dog, contrary to the Dangerous Dog Act. Speaking after this, Mr McKeown told the MailOnline: “Sully was an amazing dog, he never did anything wrong, never bit another dog. He was great with kids, he just looked a bit scary. The law is the…
