XL Bully and two other dogs killed spaniel during attack at Nottingham nature reserve

Leon Wilks, 42, pleaded guilty to three counts of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog.

The three dogs were off their leads in Snape Wood Nature Reserve, near Bulwell, when they saw another dog on a walk with its owner on March 3.

The two Staffordshire crossbreeds and an XL Bully set upon the smaller cocker spaniel, which had to be put to sleep after suffering “catastrophic injuries”.

Following an investigation, the owner of the dogs was identified and all three animals were seized.

Wilks, of Dyce Close in Snape Wood, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on September 15 where a contingent destruction order was imposed on each dog.

All three must now wear a muzzle when outside and must be kept on a lead held by someone aged over 16 when they are taken on walks.

Any of the dogs seen to be breaching the court order will be seized and put down. Wilks was also ordered to pay £900 in compensation and fines.

‘Deeply distressing’

In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the Government would ban XL Bully dogs, following a series of attacks and deaths linked to the breed.

Counter-protests in support of the dogs and calls for the breed to be banned have made headlines across the country.

PC Conor Bullivant said: “This was a deeply distressing incident that left a dog with horrible injuries and resulted in its owners having to make the difficult decision to put their beloved pet to sleep to end its suffering.

“We hope that the order issued by the court helps provide the community with some reassurance going forward and sends out a strong reminder to all dog owners of their responsibilities to ensure the safety of other people and their animals.”