Court Orders Payment or Euthanasia for Unregistered XL Bully
Bashart Ali, a 54-year-old father of two from Birmingham, has been ordered to pay over £2,000 or face the destruction of his dog Hagler, an unregistered XL Bully. The warning came from Birmingham Magistrates' Court on June 28, 2026, after Ali was reported by a neighbour to Birmingham City Council.
Dog Seized and Kennelled Since April
Hagler, described by Ali as a 'family-friendly' pet, was seized by police on April 15 and has been kept in kennels ever since. The court heard that the dog has no history of involvement in dog fighting.
Legal Requirements for XL Bully Ownership
In the UK, owning, breeding, selling, or rehoming an XL Bully without an active Certificate of Exemption is a criminal offence. New applications for exemptions are no longer accepted. Exempted dogs must be microchipped, neutered, and kept on a lead and muzzled in public at all times.
Financial Penalties and Potential Prison Time
Ali, who lives on Middlemore Road and is financially supported by his wife—a Birmingham City Council employee—must pay a total of £2,178 to the court. This includes £1,925 in kennel costs to the police (at £25 per day), a £120 fine, a £48 victim surcharge, and £85 in prosecution costs. The court warned that if Ali fails to obtain an exemption within two months, he could face prison or be required to pay for his dog's euthanasia.
Police and Defendant Seek Return of Dog
According to the court, West Midlands Police believe the dog should not be destroyed and should be returned to Ali with proper measures in place. The court noted that 'the defendant wants to do what's right and have his dog returned.' Ali now has two months to secure the necessary exemption or face severe consequences.
