Ryan Owen reclaims his dog Waffle after a court ruled Waffle isn’t a danger, following XL bully breed concerns.
Ryan Owen reclaims his dog Waffle after a court ruled Waffle isn’t a danger, following XL bully breed concerns.
XL Bully Waffle Returns Home After Oxford Court Ruling
New laws about XL bullies started December 31, 2023. These laws came after some serious dog attacks, some even resulting in deaths.
Owning an unregistered XL bully became illegal in February 2024. Owen did not register Waffle, and he faced a charge about owning a fighting dog.
The court met on Wednesday, February 26. They decided that Owen could get Waffle back, and an expert said Waffle was not a danger.
A neighbor saw Waffle in Owen’s garden last April. The neighbor reported this to the police, and officers took Waffle to a kennel, where Waffle has been ever since.
The court delayed Owen’s case several times. They wanted the dog checked before deciding about destruction.
Stephen Langton, a lawyer, spoke in court. He said the expert found Waffle was well-behaved and not aggressive, even in kennels.
The expert checked Owen’s home, too. Owen has a fenced garden, which keeps Waffle from escaping the property.
Langton said Waffle is a loved pet. Owen has had Waffle since the dog was eight weeks old and owned dogs before, without problems.
The court said Owen could reclaim Waffle. He must register and neuter Waffle, though, and he also needs insurance coverage. Waffle must wear a muzzle during walks.
The court issued a special order. It says Waffle can be put down if Owen does not follow the rules.
Owen was fined £40. He must pay £535 for the kennels’ costs, with court costs being £135 and a victim surcharge costing £16.
New laws about XL bullies started December 31, 2023. These laws came after some serious dog attacks, some even resulting in deaths.
Owning an unregistered XL bully became illegal in February 2024. Owen did not register Waffle, and he faced a charge about owning a fighting dog.
The court met on Wednesday, February 26. They decided that Owen could get Waffle back, and an expert said Waffle was not a danger.
A neighbor saw Waffle in Owen’s garden last April. The neighbor reported this to the police, and officers took Waffle to a kennel, where Waffle has been ever since.
The court delayed Owen’s case several times. They wanted the dog checked before deciding about destruction.
Stephen Langton, a lawyer, spoke in court. He said the expert found Waffle was well-behaved and not aggressive, even in kennels.
The expert checked Owen’s home, too. Owen has a fenced garden, which keeps Waffle from escaping the property.
Langton said Waffle is a loved pet. Owen has had Waffle since the dog was eight weeks old and owned dogs before, without problems.
The court said Owen could reclaim Waffle. He must register and neuter Waffle, though, and he also needs insurance coverage. Waffle must wear a muzzle during walks.
The court issued a special order. It says Waffle can be put down if Owen does not follow the rules.
Owen was fined £40. He must pay £535 for the kennels’ costs, with court costs being £135 and a victim surcharge costing £16.