Jeff the dog and Powys owner set to be reunited by court

Last week, Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard that Danny Graham Hanson had Jeff taken off him in February due to him being an American XL bully, which is a prohibited breed.

Hanson, 33, took custody of the dog from a woman who previously owned it and wanted him to go to a good home.

He handed Jeff over to police after he took it to a dog training class and was informed Jeff was an XL bully – it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate since February 1 of this year.

Hanson, of Brynteg, Llanfair Caereinion, entered a guilty plea last week to being in possession of a fighting dog.

Jeff pictured with dog behavioural expert Caroline Lewis, who assessed him last week. (Image: Caroline Lewis)

The court last week adjourned the case for seven days, telling Hanson he must prove himself to be a responsible owner and that an expert report was required.

This week, there was good news for both pet and owner when magistrates made a contingent destruction order – this now gives Hanson two months in which to obtain the certificate required in order to legally keep Jeff.

Prosecutor James Ashton told the court on Tuesday, August 20, that a report had been requested last week and there was no issue with it.

He said the issue with Jeff emerged after Hanson took him to a dog training class run by Sam Richards. Mr Richards identified the dog as an XL bully and advised Hanson to report it to police.

He did so and Jeff was conveyed to a secure kennels. It was said he displayed no aggression during an examination, was friendly and happy to be handled, and the only issue police had with the dog during the examination was being able to measure his tail – Jeff was wagging his tail so much it was difficult to measure it.

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Gurleen Kaur, representing Hanson, said the report conducted by dog behavioural expert Caroline Lewis had been “overwhelmingly positive” towards the dog.

“The expert is in court. She’s carried out exercises with the dog she wouldn’t normally do,” said Ms Kaur.

“She commented on its gentle nature. She has attended the defendant’s property, which is detached, and where the landlord has said he is happy for the dog to be kept.

“Changes do need to be made to better accommodate the dog and the defendant has purchased locks and changed where the post box sits.

Jeff pictured previously at home. (Image: Esther Barton)

Danny Hanson had Jeff taken off him in February due to him being an American XL bully, which is a prohibited breed. (Image: Caroline Lewis)

“He is doing everything he can to make sure the dog is safe and no danger to the public.

“He has been compliant from the start with police. He went to police within the hour of discovering the breed.

“It was a humanitarian act he provided. He has a 5-year-old son who adores the dog. The dog is well socialised and has been referred to as a gentle giant.”

Rebecca Klug, chair of the bench, said: “We are satisfied that Jeff does not constitute a danger to the public.

“He was put through rigorous tests, that the dog behavioural expert said she would not have attempted with other dogs.

“Her conclusion was he is extremely friendly, well-adjusted and a balanced dog. The defendant has also been deemed a suitable dog owner for Jeff.”

Magistrates made a contingent destruction order, which will last for two months. In that period Hanson will have to apply to Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair) in order to obtain the necessary exemption certificate required to be able to keep Jeff.

They also fined Hanson £200 and told him to pay a £80 surcharge and £85 costs.