A woman’s XL Bully is to be ‘destroyed’ after attacking a man in a Wiltshire village.
Rosa Tennant received a warning in July 2024 after her dog, which had an exemption certificate, escaped from her property in Little Somerford.
But just a few months later, in November 2024, the XL Bully – named Rex – escaped again.
This time he was without a lead, collar or muzzle – and attacked a spaniel and its owner.
Both the owner, a man, and the dog sustained physical and psychological injuries, which are still present almost one year on.
Rex was seized by police and taken to secure kennels while the prosecution progressed.
It was found that Tennant had breached the conditions of the DEFRA certificate of exemption, having previously been warned by officers that her gate was not sufficient to secure the dog.
32-year-old, of The Hill, Little Somerford, was charged and pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
She also admitted being in possession of a fighting dog due to the breach of exemption conditions.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 2 October, the defendant was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work. She must also pay £477 in compensation and £1,500 in kennel fees.
The court also ordered that the dog be destroyed. Rex will be put to sleep humanely, subject to any appeal.
PC Paul Croft, from the Dangerous Dogs team at Wiltshire Police, said: “We are aware that this dog caused a lot of concern and tensions from the local community and following the attack we took swift action to ensure the dog was seized.
“During the process, Tennant showed a complete lack of remorse and took no accountability for allowing her dog to escape and attack a member of the public and their dog.
“The law around banned breeds and the exemptions for them are in place to protect the public, and we will continue to act robustly to protect the community and ensure the laws are enforced.”
