A dog owner in Birmingham has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 after his unregistered XL Bully was seized by police. Bashart Ali, 54, was reported to Birmingham City Council over his pet Hagler, described as a 'family-friendly' dog.
The dog was seized by police on April 15 and has been kept in kennels since, the court was told. Ali, a father of two who is unemployed and financially supported by his wife, must pay a total of £2,178. This includes £1,925 to police for kennel costs, a £120 fine, a £48 victim surcharge, and £85 prosecution costs.
Court Hearing and Sentencing
As he was sentenced on Tuesday (June 23), Ali asked the court: "When am I going to get the dog back?" His fine was reduced because he pleaded guilty to possessing a fighting dog. The chair of the magistrates told him: "We are satisfied he [Hagler] doesn't pose a risk. But he is a banned type of dog, so you must obtain a certificate."
The chair added: "You must do this within two months. It will include that the dog is neutered, microchipped and insured. When in a public place, you must keep him on a lead and muzzled. If you don't comply with this order or fail to do this in time, you commit an offence and this may result in prison, or the dog may be seized and destroyed. And you may have to pay for the costs of destruction."
Details of the Case
Ali was reported to the council by his neighbour, although his dog has not been involved in any fights, the court was told. The prosecutor said: "Police have attended his address because local authorities have reported he had an unregistered XL Bully. They have attended and found the dog with no exemption in place. They have seized the dog and taken him into West Midlands Police kennels. The dog is indeed an XL Bully."
The prosecutor requested a Contingent Destruction Order (CDO), which allows the dog to be spared from euthanasia, and noted that the dog has not been involved in any dog fighting. They also highlighted that £24 million has been spent on kennel fees by police across the UK. The prosecution asked for compensation as the cost to look after Hagler was estimated at £25 per day.
Defence and Mitigation
Ali's defence lawyer, Ms Begum, said he is currently unemployed, not on any benefits, and supported by his wife who works for the city council. Mitigating, she added: "The dog is a family-friendly dog, there have been no issues with the dog. It is West Midlands Police's view that he is not to be destroyed, the dog should be returned but with the right measures in place. The defendant wants to do what's right and have his dog returned."
A collection order was made, and it was agreed Ali could pay £100 per month, with the first payment due within 28 days.
