Lancashire Police recently issued an apology for mistakenly euthanising a family’s pet XL bully named Bruno due to an “administration error.” The police had seized Bruno from an address in Morecambe in August under the Dangerous Dogs Act, as XL bully dogs are considered a banned breed. The family was in the process of applying for an exemption to keep Bruno when the incident occurred.
The police force admitted to the error and expressed regret over the situation. They mentioned that they were preparing a file for potential prosecution of the owner, but the administrative mistake led to Bruno being euthanised before the court hearing. Following this incident, the police force claimed to have implemented new processes to prevent such errors from happening in the future.
Local MP Lizzi Collinge raised concerns about the incident and called it a ‘never event.’ She emphasized the need for proper procedures to be in place to prevent the wrongful euthanasia of pets in police care. Collinge has engaged directly with the police regarding this issue and urged them to disclose the changes they are making to avoid similar incidents.
The XL bully breed was banned earlier this year due to safety concerns after several incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. The RSPCA reported a significant increase in cases of intentional harm, neglect, and abandonment involving XL bullies in 2024. There was a 164% rise in intentional harm reports, a 692% increase in abandonment cases, and a substantial increase in neglect cases compared to the previous year.
This unfortunate incident involving Bruno serves as a reminder of the importance of proper protocols and procedures when handling seized animals. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and education around banned dog breeds to prevent similar incidents in the future. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about laws and regulations concerning their pets to avoid any misunderstandings or mishaps. Ultimately, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals should be a top priority for both authorities and pet owners alike.
