Out of control XL Bully bites small dog after harness breaks

Despite the attack in a Droitwich street, no order was made to destroy the dog by Worcester magistrates.

Craig Ivers, of Charles Henry Road, Droitwich, admitted being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said at 3.30pm on July 8 the victim was walking her small dog in Queen Street, near St George's Crescent. 

The prosecutor said another dog - an XL Bully - came running over and bit the victim's dog and sent her flying to the ground. 

DOG: Stock image of XL Bully dog (Image: Getty)"She sustained nasty injuries," the prosecutor said. 

After the dogs were separated the defendant, who was in charge of the dog, left the scene taking the XL Bully with him. 

Mr Hambling said the XL Bully had not bitten the victim or anyone else during the attack.

But the prosecutor said the victim's dog did suffer two puncture marks which required stitching. 

He added the crown did not request a destruction order. 

Ivers, who appeared on videolink to the court and who has several previous convictions, was defended by Ian Patterson. 

CASE: Craig Ivers was sentenced at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: West Mercia Police)

He told the court the XL Bully was a family pet which Ivers took for a walk that afternoon when he was going to a cashpoint. 

Mr Patterson explained part of the harness around the dog broke, and the XL Bully ran off at a speed Ivers could not keep up with. 

"Thankfully the dog didn't bite any people," he said. 

"Unfortunately it bit that other dog, causing superficial injuries - thankfully the other dog is alright."

He explained Ivers's intention for leaving was to get the dog away from the scene as quickly as possible and explained what happened after being identified and questioned by police. 

CASE: The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court

The solicitor said up to the incident there had been "no issues at all" with the dog which had been rescued before becoming the family pet, adding the XL Bully was now with the defendant's mother.

Ian Latimer, chairman of the magistrates bench, said they had considered the distress caused to the victim in their sentencing.

Ivers, formerly of Worcester and Bromsgrove, was ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim to help pay for vets bills, and £185 costs. 

"If you fail to pay you will be brought back to court," the chairman warned Ivers. 

American Bully XL dogs have made national headlines in recent months following various incidents.

After February 1, 2024, it will be illegal to own one unless the owner successfully applies for it to be exempt.