
'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.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Daily Mail
XL Bully owner, 51, is rushed to hospital after attackers killed his dog in park - as police probe 'attempted murder'
Police have launched an urgent investigation after attackers killed an XL Bully and left its owner for dead. Officers were called to Eric Hendrie Park, Aberdeen, around 8.30pm on Sunday following reports of a 'disturbance'. As they arrived at the scene, they saw a vehicle parked in the park and what officers are calling an 'incident' which resulted in the death of the victim's dog. Paramedics rushed the owner of the dog, a 51-year-old man, to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where medical staff said his condition was serious but stable. On Monday, a police cordon had been set up around the park as officers continued their investigation. According to Detective Sergeant Emma Low, the investigation is still at an early stage and she appealed for anyone with information, as well as any witnesses, to come forward. 'Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact officers through 101 quoting incident number 3236 of July 27. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.' The full police statement said: 'Detectives are appealing for information following the attempted murder of a 51-year-old man in Eric Hendrie Park, Deveron Road, Aberdeen on Sunday, 27 July, 2025. 'Around 8.30pm, officers were called to a report of a vehicle within the park and a disturbance taking place. 'Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing in the area to trace everyone involved. 'A 51-year-old man attended Aberdeen Royal Infirmary following this incident. Hospital staff describe his condition as serious but stable. 'His XL Bully dog died as a result of the disturbance.' In February last year, it became illegal to breed, sell, give away or allow an American Bully XL to stray. Anyone owning one should have a certificate of exemption, which means they must have the dog microchipped and neutered, as well as have third-party public liability insurance Owners are also not allowed to walk the dog in public without a lead or a muzzle. The animals must also be housed securely so as to stop them from escaping. The ban was brought in last year after a spate of horror dog attacks, with police forces across the country seeing a surge in the number of attacks.


Daily Record
18 hours ago
- Daily Record
Cocaine driver killed grandfather in car with baby in head on collision
Paul Kingcombe crashed head-on with a car carrying an 18-month-old child, killing grandfather Paul May. A driver lost control of his car and veered into oncoming traffic while high on cocaine before smashing headfirst into a car carrying a baby and killing her grandfather. Paul Kingcombe, 51, from Collin Close in Plymouth, lost control of his car whilst under the influence of cocaine and oversteered after jerking to the left and hitting the grass verge, reports Cornwall Live. As he tried to regain control, he oversteered into the opposite lane and crashed into a car driven by Paul May, who was driving his family - including his 18-month-old granddaughter - home from a Christmas party. It was later described as a "miracle" that the baby wasn't injured in the crash, but unfortunately Paul suffered injuries that he couldn't survive. A sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court on Friday, July 25, was told that Kingcombe had been known to take drugs at work during his lunchbreaks and would "be bouncing off the walls in the afternoon" but was still allowed to drive home. The court heard from Mr May's family of the devastation his death had caused and how the "void he left in their lives can never be filled". In powerful victim impact statements, the May family expressed their immense sense of loss at losing a beloved father and grandfather who will not get the chance to play with his grandchildren as they grow. Whitney May, Paul's daughter, was seriously injured in the crash and saw her baby daughter being taken away from the crash scene to hospital as she laid helpless and hurt in the car. She said while Kingcombe has received some injuries in the collision on December 27 2022, on the A388 at St Dominick, near Callington, "the mindless decision you made that day changed our lives forever". She said: "My dad was my hero, my best friend, my everything. It didn't change your life like it changed ours. You carried on living while my dad died." Her sister said their dad was the funniest man around and had been a great father. She said he was someone who would always help and he always reminded her to be careful on the road. She added: "You have killed my dad and you have the same name. Paul May was someone you could rely on. You don't deserve the name 'Paul'. You have mentioned your mental health but you have had no thought for our own mental health and what you did to us all. I will never forgive you. You will not be part of our lives. You mean nothing to me. You are nothing. "Your actions deprived us of the most wonderful man. My dad was the glue that held our family together. The hole you left in our hearts will never be filled." His Honour Judge Carr said it had been a miracle that Whitney May's 18-month-old baby had survived unscathed from the crash. Helen May, who received long-lasting serious injuries in the collision, which have reduced the mobility in her right arm, said Kingcombe had killed her husband and her children's father. She said Kingcombe had ruined all their lives. She told the court that for a long time after the crash she did not want to go into Plymouth for fear she might bump into the man responsible for the death. She said: "I will never be able to be with Paul again. He went through cancer twice and survived. Paul was cancer-free, but his life was taken away from him just when he was supposed to be enjoying it." The court heard how Mr May had been 65 at the time of his untimely death and had been working since he was 14 to provide for his family. He had been looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his family. Kingcombe, who has a previous conviction for intent to supply cocaine for which he received a suspended sentence in 2018, was arrested after recovering from his own injuries and charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and three of causing serious injuries by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to all four charges at the earliest opportunity. The court was told that in police interviews that Kingcombe couldn't explain the crash nor why he had taken cocaine for "I didn't knowingly take cocaine in the days before the collision". He added: "I don't know how it occurred or why. My apologies and sympathies to all the people involved. I'm sorry I can't provide any explanation as I don't know myself." The court was told that Kingcombe had made comments to colleagues about taking drugs and telling them he "doesn't care if he lives or gets hurt or killed in a car crash". It was also heard that Kingcombe had tried to take his life on several occasions over the last three years because he couldn't cope with the guilt. Jason Beal, defending Kingcombe, said no words could ever express any meaningful mitigation in response to the "carnage Kingcombe's actions had caused to so many people" or could compensate for the "incalculable loss" they have suffered. He said Kingcombe cannot recall the events of that fateful day but accepted he had caused the death of Mr May and injured his family members by trying "to boost his energy levels by taking drugs" which was a "catastrophic decision" for so many other people. Mr Beal said Kingcombe's mental health had deteriorated before the collision and his sleeping pattern was non-existent. He said he was bipolar and suffered from anxiety and depression and he started drinking more and taking drugs as a result. He added: "The real victims are Mr May and his family." Judge Carr said it had taken far too long for this case to come to court. He said Mr May had been enjoying the festive season and had been happy when Kingcombe, for no apparent reason, lost control of his car and hit the Mays. While noting that Kingcombe had expressed genuine remorse for his actions, he told him: "It's a miracle an 18-month-old baby escaped unhurt from this crash. The void left by Mr May's death will never be filled." He told Kingcombe that receiving a suspended sentence for intent to supply cocaine in 2018 should have been a wake-up call, but it sadly was not. He added: "You have shown true remorse but your drug use was out of control at the time." Judge Carr sentenced Kingcombe to 12 years in prison. He is also banned from driving for five years after his release from prison and will need to take an extended driving test before being allowed back behind the wheel. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.


BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Man seriously hurt and XL Bully dies in Aberdeen attempted murder
A man has been seriously injured in an attempted murder bid in Aberdeen which left an XL Bully dog 51-year-old was hurt in the incident at Eric Hendrie Park in the Deveron Road area of the city at about 20:30 on were called to the scene following reports of a "disturbance" and a vehicle in the man was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where his condition is described as "serious but stable", however his dog died. Det Sgt Emma Low said inquiries into the incident were at an early asked anyone with information to contact officers.