Penrith woman given time to plead life of banned XL Bully

Keyleigh Ellen Abigail, aged 22, has been prosecuted for the unlawful ownership of a three-and-a-half year-old pet.

It is now a criminal offence in England and Wales to own or have custody of an XL bully dog without a valid certificate of exemption.

Applications for the issuing of such permits closed at the start of this year. Before then, restrictions were in force which meant such dogs had to be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

Breeding, selling or abandoning the dogs had also become illegal on 31st December, 2023.

At Carlisle Magistrates’ Court last month, Abigail pleaded guilty to one offence of unlawfully having possession or custody of an XL bulldog on 26th February at Penrith. At the same hearing, she further admitted resisting a police constable on the same date in the town.

The case was adjourned at the request of a defence solicitor who asked for more time to seek a report from an expert exploring whether the dog’s life could be saved.

Magistrates and judges have no discretion and must order destruction of an animal at the centre of criminal proceedings unless they are satisfied it does not constitute a danger to public safety.

Abigail, of Chase Park, Penrith, attended court this afternoon (wed) when she was due to be sentenced by magistrates who were also set to rule on the dog’s future.

But during a short hearing, Abigail requested another adjournment to seek further legal advice and also a dog behaviour expert’s report, which has not yet been prepared.

Abigail told the court she had owned the dog in question since it was a puppy. Asked by a legal advisor whether she wished to keep it, she replied: “Yes.”

Her dog was presently in the custody of police, the court heard.

After hearing submissions, magistrates agreed to the adjournment.

Abigail remains on bail and is next due to appear in court for sentencing and to receive a definitive decision on the dog’s future on 22nd August.