A dog has been returned to its owner before Christmas after she obtained a banned breed exemption certificate as part of a court order.

At a recent case heard in court where a woman was found to be the owner of a banned breed, the court ordered that the dog was to be destroyed within two months, unless an exemption certificate was obtained from the Index of Exempted Dogs.

Police Constable Jonathan Mann said: “This case highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership and showed the options available to the court when dealing with banned dogs, providing the dog is not a danger to the public and the owner is fit and proper.

“By obtaining the mandatory exemption certificate, as imposed by the court, the dog was able to return home before Christmas.

“When a dog is found to be a banned type, it doesn’t automatically mean the end of the road.

“Anyone who thinks their dog may be a banned type should contact Cumbria Police’s dog section for advice.”

This was completed by the owner along with other requirements.

Officers from Cumbria Police’s Dog Section are urging owners who think they may own a banned breed, to get in touch and speak with officers for advice.