A POWYS pet owner must wait to find out whether he will get to be reunited with his dog – due to it being a banned breed.

Danny Graham Hanson has not seen his beloved and well-mannered dog Jeff for six months because police took it off him, as it is an American XL bully, a prohibited breed.

Hanson, 33, took custody of the dog from a woman who wanted it to go to a good home, because she lacked the strength to look after him.

Jeff was taken from Hanson in February after he took him to a dog training class and the instructor identified it as an XL bully – it has been a criminal offence to own one without an exemption certificate since February 1.

Hanson, of Brynteg, Llanfair Caereinion, admitted being in possession of a fighting dog at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 13.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the issue with Jeff came to light after Hanson took him to a dog training class run by Sam Richards.

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“The defendant attended the class with his dog and Sam Richards identified it as an XL bully and advised him to report it to police,” said Mrs Tench.

“He said it was too late to register the dog and told him he was committing an offence.

“The defendant attended the station and spoke to PC Aled Davies, who conveyed the dog to a secure kennels. PC Davies is an expert in dangerous dog legislation.

“The dog displayed no aggression during an examination, he was friendly and happy to be handled, but the officer said it falls into the XL bully type.”

The court heard that the only issue police had with Jeff during the examination was measuring his tail – he was wagging his tail so much it was difficult to measure it.

“The defendant said he had nothing to hide,” added Mrs Tench.

“He said a middle-aged lady owned it but lacked strength so she wanted it to go to a good home.

“He said he was not aware of the breed until he went to a class. He had seen lots in the media about it but said it’s just a beautiful dog.

“He said he was trying to do the right thing by giving the dog a good home. He refused to hand over a signed form to police as he wants his dog back.”

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Gurleen Kaur, representing Hanson, said: “He was doing what he thought was a good act, rescuing it from a lady who could no longer handle it.

“It is a family pet and a lovely dog. He didn’t know about the breed, he had no suspicion. It has showed no aggression at all, there have been no issues with obedience.

“Even when the police took it away, he told him to jump in the police van and he did. The only reason he was taking it to obedient classes was because it does pull on the lead due to its strength."

She added that the dog is muzzled in public, and is neutered and microchipper.

The court was told Hanson must prove himself to be a responsible owner and that an expert report is required.

Magistrates adjourned the case until August 20 when a contingent destruction order could be made allowing Hanson to keep his pet.