'Dangerous' Powys XL Bully dog Bruce will be destroyed
Bruce, a four-year-old XL Bully type dog, was ordered to be put down by magistrates sitting in Llandrindod Wells this week, due to being 'very dangerous'.
In cases of this type, Dyfed Powys Police usually applies for a contingent destruction order – meaning the threat of destruction hangs over the owner if they cannot keep their dog under proper control.
However, Nia Jones, prosecuting the case on behalf of the force, said there were 'real concerns' about Bruce, who she said had been 'weaponised' by owner Chelsea Young.
Young, 28, argued that Bruce 'doesn't deserve to die' and that the only reason she is alive today is because he came to her rescue in January this year when she got into an argument with an ex-boyfriend.
'We are applying for a destruction order for the dog, which we don't usually do,' Ms Jones told magistrates in the spa town on Tuesday, July 15.
'We would normally ask for a contingent destruction order. But this dog is very dangerous, is out of control and the respondent is not a responsible dog owner.'
Ms Jones said Bruce was seized by authorities in January following an attack on a male at Young's Pen-y-Bryn home in Ystradgynlais, with two previous incidents reported in December last year.
'Police don't feel there's any other option,' added Ms Jones.
'There have been three recent incidents. On January 27 a victim, an ex-partner, alleged she (Young) set the dog on him.
'An argument began and she called Bruce, he ran towards the victim, summonsed by her; he panicked and tried to leave.
'The dog bit viciously at his legs and was trying to jump and bite his neck area. The victim went to hospital with leg injuries and was referred to a specialist plastic surgeon.
'The victim said Chelsea Young is a crack cocaine user, who leads a chaotic lifestyle, fuelled by drugs and criminality.
'He told police that something needs to be done (about Bruce) before someone is killed. She weaponises the dog.'
Ms Jones said that Young had another dog, called Ruby, with the victim claiming she uses the dogs to intimidate people.
Ms Jones said two separate incidents occurred over the Christmas period, one involving the same former partner and another involving another ex of Young's.
'It's bitten so many people, but people are scared to report it,' said one victim. One victim visited hospital due to a dog bite to his right thigh, which 'pierced the skin several times'.
'Her unwillingness to control Bruce is evident,' added Ms Jones.
'A contingent order is not suitable as he's not suitable to be rehomed. His true nature is that he is likely to attack again in the future.
'The dog has been examined and there are real concerns, especially including his height; he's very large and powerful."
Representing herself at the hearing, Young said: 'The dog was protecting me. If he wasn't there I wouldn't be here today.
'He's never bit anyone else. He would pass any assessment. He's very well cared for. I can look after my dog properly.
'My dog doesn't deserve to die, because he was saving my life. He doesn't like males because of what he's seen me going through.'
She pleaded with magistrates: 'If you're going to put him down, can I say goodbye, because he's like my child.'
Magistrates made the destruction order, with chair of the bench Geraint Evans telling Young: 'We do not believe your lifestyle is conducive to keeping dogs.
'We deem him a dangerous dog and grant the application. We also ban you from ownership of any dogs until further notice.'
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