A POWYS pet owner must to find out whether he will get to be reunited with his dog – due to it being a banned breed. Danny Graham Hanson has not seen his beloved and well-mannered dog Jeff for six months because police took it off him, as it is an American XL bully, a prohibited breed. Hanson, 33, took custody of the dog from a woman who wanted it to go to a good home, because she lacked the strength to look after him.
Jeff was taken from Hanson in February after he took him to a dog training class and the instructor identified it as an XL bully – it has been a criminal offence to own one without an exemption certificate since February 1. Hanson, of Brynteg, Llanfair Caereinion, admitted being in possession of a fighting dog at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 13. Prosecutor Helen Tench said the issue with Jeff came to light after Hanson took him to a dog training class run by Sam Richards.
“The defendant attended the class with his dog and Sam Richards identified it as an XL bully and advised him to report it to police,” said Mrs Tench. “He said it was too late to register the dog and told him he was committing an offence. “The defendant attended the station and spoke to PC Aled Davies, who conveyed the dog to a secure kennels.
PC Davies is an expert in dangerous dog legislation. “The dog displayed no aggression during an examination, he was friendly and happy to be handled, but the officer said it falls into the XL bully type.” The court hea.