AN XL bully dog has been made the subject of a contingent destruction order by the courts.

The case of Joshua Abraham was heard recently before Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

The 19-year-old, of Whitecross, was charged with possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.

This is in relation to an XL bully named Martha on March 19 this year in Warrington, as per section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

As of December 31 last year, it became illegal to breed, sell, abandon or allow an XL bully to be in a public place without it being muzzled or on a lead.

READ MORE > Order made to destroy XL Bully

Then on February 1 this year, it became illegal to possess or have custody of an XL bully unless there is a valid certificate of exemption in place, combined with compliance of conditions.

Abraham, of Whitecross Road, pleaded guilty to the charge and was handed a 12-month conditional discharge.

This means no punishment is imposed, but if they do commit another offence within the next 12 months, they will be brought back to court to be sentenced for both the old and new offences.

Magistrates also ordered the defendant to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £85 and a statutory surcharge of £26.

In addition, a contingent destruction order was made in respect of Martha.

Such orders prevent the dog’s destruction, provided that the conditions imposed are met, and these can include muzzling while in public.