Police have seized an XL Bully after its owner appeared in court for letting it get out of control.

Officers in Calne have been working extensively in partnership with Wiltshire Council dog wardens to ensure that guidelines were being followed and appropriate steps were being taken to care for an XL bully in Calne.

Magistrates issued the dog's owner, 32-year-old Daniel Thomas of North End, with a Dog Control Order on February 2 after the pet ran wild in a 'dangerous and out of control' way during an incident on October 24, 2023. 

The court ruled that this decision was "necessary and proportionate to keep the dog under control."

But on Friday night, police were called to Thomas' address and seized the animal.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: "The dog has been transported into kennels, and our investigation remains ongoing.

"This action has not been taken lightly and was only taken after all other avenues had been exhausted to ensure the dog was being appropriately cared for by the owner."

Breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an XL Bully to stray in England and Wales became illegal from December 31, 2023.

It also became illegal to own an XL Bully from February 1, 2024, unless it is included on a list of exempted dogs.