Court decides fate of Norfolk XL Bully pets being destroyed

The dogs were at risk of being destroyed because the owners had failed to register their pets with the police following the change of law in October which made it illegal to own the breed.

On Thursday, seven XL Bully dog owners saw their dogs' lives spared as the court accepted their testaments as to why they had not registered their illegal dogs before the permitted deadline.

Pictured is XL Bully Lula. Lula's owner appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court on Friday (Image: Submitted)

For all seven of these dogs, the court issued contingent orders that meant they did not have to be destroyed and could be kept by their owners despite the law.

The orders stipulate that the XL Bully must be kept under proper control or it will be humanely put to sleep.

Magistrates can specify measures such as muzzling, neutering, or a requirement for it to be kept on a lead in public places.

READ MORE: Norfolk postcodes where XL bully dogs currently live

Then on Friday, nine dog owners, some from Downham Market, Norwich, Dereham and Great Yarmouth, appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court to find out their pet's fate.

Pictured is XL Bully Havana. Havana's owner appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court on Friday (Image: Submitted)

One woman from Great Yarmouth told the court that she found her male XL Bully, which she has named Hugo, abandoned in Bure Park while walking in February.

READ MORE: Woman in hospital after XL Bully attack in Norfolk town

She said that she didn't report it to the police because she didn't want her new beloved pet to be killed by the authorities.

In total, there were 10 dogs issued contingent orders, an additional case was dismissed because the documents presented to magistrates by the police were not correctly in order and another case has been adjourned until a later date.

In England and Wales, it is a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully without a valid certificate of exemption.