The sentencing of a man caught with a fighting dog has been delayed in attempts to save the animal from being down.

William Timmis, of no fixed abode, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (January 8) charged with one count of possession/having custody of a fighting dog.

The 23-year-old admitted that on June 13 last year in Long Hanborough, he had in his possession an XL Bully in breach of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

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New laws restricting the breeding and sale of XL bullies first came into force on December 31, 2023 after a series of attacks, with some of them resulting in serious fatalities.

In February 2024, it became illegal to own a dog of this type, unless it was registered before the deadline. 

Timmis was due to be sentenced. However, his barrister stated that if the sentencing went ahead the court would have to order that the dog be destroyed.

He asked that the case be adjourned so an expert could assess the dangerous of the dog which is currently being held in police kennels.

READ MORE: Dog owner in court after XL Bully reportedly injures two people

The barrister said when the dog was seized it was ‘wagging it’s tail’ and the officers did not appear alarmed.

Judges sitting on the magistrates bench agreed to postpone to case for four weeks.

Timmis is now due back in the same court on February 7 at 10am.

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