Mum ends up keeping XL a bully after neighbor reports her to Leicestershire Police

An XL bully owner has ended up in court after her neighbor reported her to the police for having an unlicensed fighting dog. Lucy Ross, 29, was visited by Leicestershire Police in February this year and told she was suspected of illegally possessing a banned breed at her home in Pritchard Drive, Kegworth, north Leicestershire .

Ross said he bought the dog, Blaze, from the Gumtree website and it was described to him as a “Staffie cross”. Prosecutor Sukhy Basi told Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday: “She said she had no reason to believe it was banned.”

He said Ross also had her two young children, aged four and eight, at the address and that police officers on the case did not consider her a suitable landlord because of her previous offences, including being drunk and disorderly conduct in August last year and a common assault which led to a caution in 2014.

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But Mr Basi said he did not ask for the dog to be put down. He said: “We were told the dog was friendly. There were concerns that the defendant was not a fit and proper person, but she took precautions.”

He said Blaze, who has been in the police kennel since February, was muzzled and kept on a lead whenever Ross walked him and was microchipped by Ross.

Zara Cowan, who represents Ross, said: “Blaze was sold as a Staffie cross. What was the cross, she did not ask. She accepts that ignorance is no defense.

“Blaze is described as affectionate, playful and loves a hug. He is described by the police officer as having no problems.

“It was a malicious call from a neighbor she doesn’t get along with. She just wants her dog back.”

She said her client, who is on benefits, was “comfortable” having Blaze around the children, as well as her pet cat, and wanted him back.

By law, XL bully dogs must be specially licensed and while police officers were concerned about Ross’s suitability, magistrates – who had the power to order Blaze’s destruction – ruled that he should be allowed to take the animal back as long as certain requirements have been met.

Ross was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge. An emergency destruction order has been placed, meaning Blaze will be returned to Ross once requirements are met, including neutering and proper licensing.