Woman pleads guilty to banned XL bully charges

A woman has pleaded guilty to possessing two XL bullies and causing unnecessary suffering to three other dogs.

Appearing at Sheffield Magistrates' Court earlier, Amini Ato pleaded guilty to possessing the banned dog and causing unnecessary suffering to a bull-type dog.

She had already pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a female American bulldog and an elderly German Shepherd dog.

Ato, 50, of Middle Hay Place, Sheffield, was told she would be sentenced on 19 October and that "all sentencing options would remain open", including a custodial sentence or sending the case to crown court.

The court heard the offences dated back to May 2024 in Sheffield, with three charges connected to animal welfare and breeding dogs without a licence dismissed.

Ato was released on unconditional bail.

Ownership of American XL bully dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

• How does the American XL bully ban work in England and Wales?

Since 31 December 2023, it has been illegal to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully.

Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.

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