Patrick McKeown, 40, failed to apply for an exemption for his XL bully dogAn XL bully owner has become the first known person in the UK to be prosecuted for breaching new the dangerous dog ban after police discovered the animal 'who would attack anyone who approached it'.
McKeown, a former builder who lived on Church Road, Tarring, admitted one count of possessing or having a fighting dog, contrary to the Dangerous Dog Act. However, owners of banned breeds can get an exemption from the ban if they prove they are sufficiently well behaved.Chief Inspector Simon Starns, who is the force lead for responding to dangerous dogs, said: 'This was one of the first cases of its type to be prosecuted in Sussex.
'This includes ensuring that all XL Bully breed dogs are muzzled and kept on a lead held by someone aged over 16 when in public places.' The court imposed a one-year community order, requiring McKeown to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge Owners of dogs under a year old have a longer deadline until December 31 to prove their pet has been neutered.
The 68-year-old was attacked while visiting her 11-year-old grandson at his home in Woodford Green on Saturday.The dogs, who belonged to her wannabe rapper son-in-law Ashley Warren, also had six puppies.