XL Bully dogs sentenced to death because owner did nothing about law change

A judge has sentenced two XL Bully dogs to death after their owner did nothing to register them after a controversial change in the law.

Kylie Daley, 25, of Chapletown, Sheffield, has been ordered to put her pets to sleep by a judge in South Yorkshire's first XL Bully case to reach court. It comes after legislation around owning and keeping an XL Bully dog changed in February 2024.

Owners of the controversial super breed must now register, insure and neuter their XL Bullies - something Daley failed to do. The law - which has been met with outrage from animal rights and dog charities - follows a spike in attacks across the country involving the breed.

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Daley pleaded guilty to owning two XL Bully Dogs and had failed to register them with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Today, a judge at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court ordered that the dogs be destroyed.

Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, who has been leading the work around dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire, said: “Ahead of the legislation changing, owners were given enough time and reminders to register their dogs with DEFRA. We issued numerous reminders to owners to act.

"We are here to ensure the law is followed and unfortunately the destruction of these two dogs is the reality of owners failing to act responsibility. The legislation around XL Bullys was brought in following a significant rise in attacks by the breed across the country.

"It is important to remember that all dogs can cause harm and fear, but dogs of bigger breeds, including the XL Bully have a greater power and drive. If you are a dog owner, please remember to act responsibly, know your dog and reduce risks where possible; everyone has a responsibility for our community’s safety."

If you have concerns about a dog report your concerns online or by calling 101.

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