A Birmingham man has been ordered to pay over £2,000 after a court warned that his unregistered XL Bully, Hagler, could be destroyed if he fails to comply with legal requirements.
Bashart Ali, 54, a father of two from Middlemore Road, had his ‘family-friendly’ dog seized by police on April 15. Since then, Hagler has been kept in kennels under police custody.
Ali, currently unemployed and financially dependent on his wife, was told he faces either imprisonment or having his dog euthanized if he does not obtain an exemption certificate within two months. The certificate requires his dog to be neutered, microchipped, and insured.
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The court ordered Ali to pay a total of £2,178. This includes £1,925 in kennel fees owed to the police, a £120 fine, a £48 victim surcharge, and £85 in prosecution costs. During his sentencing on June 23, Ali asked the magistrates, “When am I going to get the dog back?”
The magistrates acknowledged that Hagler does not pose a risk but emphasized that as a banned breed, the dog must have an exemption certificate. Conditions for public outings include wearing a muzzle and being leashed.
Failure to meet these conditions or not securing the exemption on time could lead to legal penalties or the dog’s destruction, with associated costs charged to Ali.
The case followed a complaint from a neighbor, though the court heard there was no evidence of Hagler’s involvement in any fighting incidents.
The prosecutor detailed that West Midlands Police seized Hagler due to the lack of registration and exemption, requesting a Contingent Destruction Order that could be lifted if the owner meets all requirements within two months. The dog has not been involved in any fights.
It was highlighted that police across the UK have spent £24 million on kennel fees for seized dogs, with Hagler’s kennel costs estimated at £25 a day.
Defence counsel Ms Begum stated that Ali is not on benefits and is supported by his wife, a city council employee. She stressed that Hagler is family-friendly and has not caused any issues. The police support returning the dog under proper regulations, reflecting the owner’s intent to comply and care for his pet.
The court set up a payment plan allowing Ali to pay £100 per month towards the fees, with the first payment due within 28 days.