Paul North, of Elin Place in Hoole Way, Chester, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.
The 50-year-old had previously admitted one offence of ‘possessing or having custody of a fighting dog’ (namely an XL Bully) in Connah’s Quay earlier this year.
North’s sentencing had been adjourned a number of times over the preceding months in order for investigations into whether he could secure suitable accommodation for the dog, in the event he was allowed to take him back.
Prosecutor James Ashton told the court police were informed in December 2024 that the defendant had the XL Bully, named Simba, and that the dog was “not properly registered.”
Police attended his property on March 18 this year and seized Simba.
The dog was examined for characteristics of an XL Bully – but these examinations had to be done from a distance as Simba was described as “showing a lot of aggression.”
Mr Ashton told the court the defendant was “heavily convicted,” with 37 previous convictions for 60 offences.
He added that for the time Simba had been held, various costs had been accrued by North Wales Police.
These included £4,334 for kennelling, a £93 callout fee and £68 for transport.
Mike Pugh, defending, told the court: “The history of this case is that Mr North had a dog named Simba.
“That dog was ensured, registered, had been neutered and was muzzled for walks – all of the things that could be expected of Mr North in order to have Simba.
“As you know, there was an exemption required for these dogs and in fairness to Mr North, he’d paid the fee for the exemption and registered it.
“The thing he didn’t do was separately click the button to get the certificate.
“For that reason, Simba doesn’t have the relevant certification. In essence, that’s why Mr North finds himself in court.
“There are no reports of the dog having bitten anyone or being a risk.
“I accept there was difficulty in undertaking the assessment. Mr North never experienced any issues with Simba.”
Mr Pugh emphasised his client had “done everything he ought to have” except “press the button for the certificate.”
Paul North outside court(Image: Staff)
He invited the court to consider making a contingent destruction order, rather than an immediate one, in order to give North a chance to have Simba back and raised the option of applying for a retrospective exemption through the courts.
District Judge Gwyn Jones said: “Simba was taken to kennels where attempts were made to ascertain his temperament.
“It’s clear trained officers were not able to safely make the assessment – they could see Simba crashing into the fence. That happened on a number of occasions.
“It is clear there was a degree of aggression shown by Simba towards the police.”
North interrupted the Judge – the first of several outbursts throughout his sentencing remarks – to say: “He thought he was going for a walk! He’s a big dog!
“He loves a walk. He loves cuddles. Oh my god.”
The Judge handed down a £500 fine for the offence and ordered North to pay £2,000 towards kennelling fees, as well as £85 prosecution costs and a £200 victim surcharge.
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Turning to his considerations about a destruction order, he said: “I’m satisfied from the information given to me by North Wales Police that the temperament of Simba is such that it’s not a case where that risk can be managed.
“Accordingly I make an immediate destruction order regarding Simba.”
Before leaving court, an emotional North told the Judge from the dock: “You’re a very nasty man.”
