Banbury woman sentenced after XL Bully attack kills pet dog
Eliza Roberts has been given a suspended sentence and banned from keeping dogs for seven years.
A Banbury woman has received a suspended prison sentence after her two XL Bully dogs fatally attacked another dog near Banbury.
Eliza Roberts, 36, of De La Warr Drive, Banbury, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15th October, where she pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
The attack occurred around 11am on 26th March this year, as a woman was walking her schnauzer-poodle cross, Winnie, in fields near St Peter’s Church, Church Lane.
Roberts was walking her two registered XL Bully dogs, neither of which were muzzled or on a lead, as required by law for the breed.
One of the XL Bully dogs chased and attacked Winnie, causing fatal injuries. Winnie died at the scene.
Roberts was arrested two days later on 28th March and charged by postal requisition on 15th May.
Roberts was sentenced to a three-month suspended prison term, must engage with mental health treatment for six months, and complete rehabilitation activity. She is disqualified from owning or keeping a dog for seven years.
The court also ordered the destruction of the XL Bully dogs involved. Both have been humanely euthanized.
Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Taskforce investigating officer PC Ryan Dollery said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the victim and her family, and I am pleased the court recognised the seriousness of the offence and took decisive action by disqualifying Roberts from owning dogs for seven years. This outcome sends a clear message about the importance of responsible dog ownership and the consequences when that responsibility is neglected.”