Police return un-registered 'cartoon-loving' XL bully to mum-of-two

Anyone with an unregistered XL bully is committing a crime, following the certification deadline on February 1, 2024
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


A mum-of-two who missed the deadline for registering her XL bully dog has received a criminal conviction, but been allowed to have the pet back. Leicestershire Police received information that a banned dog was living at Keira Goode's address in Blaby, near Leicester.

They visited her home in July, and she told them she had tried to get a certificate for the dog but did not realise the deadline of February 1 this year was strict, and that she would not be able to apply for an XL bully certificate after the deadline without a court order.

After going to get confirmation that the animal was classed as a banned fighting breed, the police returned the following day to seize the dog. A canine expert on the force confirmed it was a banned XL bully, but noted it had a "good temperament", Leicester Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday.

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Goode, 33, pleaded guilty to possessing a fighting dog at the hearing. Velma Ferdinand, representing Goode, handed the magistrates a letter from a friend of the family who described the dog as a family pet who "loved cuddles and watching cartoons". She said the dog was gentle and loving.

Since February 1, it has been a crime to have an uncertified XL bully, which is a large breed of American bulldog bred for fighting. Ms Ferdinand said: "[Goode] didn't realise it was a hard deadline. She contacted the police and called a number she was given.

"The dog is a very calm, mild-mannered dog. The police clearly regard Miss Goode as a fit and proper person as they have returned the dog."

Ms Ferdinand added that the dog had been microchipped and insured, and was always muzzled and on a lead in public. She said Goode, who is on universal credit and has no previous convictions, had children aged 10 and 13.

The magistrates gave Goode a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £26 victim surcharge. They gave authority for Goode to apply to the government for a late certificate, and made a contingent destruction order, meaning the dog will be seized and put down if Goode does not pay for the certificate within the next two months.