A Bushey resident has been left outraged after her dog was reported to Hertsmere Borough Council (HBC).
As of December 31, the law states that XL bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. Selling and breeding are also strictly prohibited.
From February 1, it will be an offence to own a dog of this breed without a certificate of exemption.
Bushey resident Eleisha Serbest was devastated after she received a letter from the council stating that her dog Blue, which she asserts is a pocket bully, had been reported by persons unknown.
She said: “For someone to report my pocket bully as a ‘dangerous’ XL is outrageous. She’s amazing with my autistic son and my daughter since before she could walk.
“She is incredibly friendly and has even got many people over their dog fears.”
Eleisha states that she always walks Blue on a lead, and now puts her in a muzzle.
She added: “I’m not too sure where I stand to be honest. I am still looking to get advice as it’s so unclear for owners of other bully breeds. I will follow the rules of muzzle and lead only to satisfy other people and keep complaints to a minimum, unfortunately for her. It’s all such a shame.
“For somebody to report her and make her at risk of being euthanized is so disgusting. Everyone she has met on her walks she is loved by as she is incredibly friendly and has even got many people over their dog fears.
“I am new to this area and absolutely adore the community and the people in it, but now I am not so sure!”
A spokesperson for HBC said: “When a report of an XL bully is received, we send a letter informing the owner of the new laws which came into effect on December 31. This is to encourage owners to take the legal steps required to keep the dog in accordance with the new restrictions. Enforcement of these restrictions sits with the police.”
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