Man jailed over XL bullies attack on Redcar beach

A man whose two XL bullies attacked a family's pet dog on a beach has been jailed for two years.

John Pickering, 51, from Middlesbrough, was also banned for life from keeping any animal during a hearing at Teesside Crown Court.

The attack on Majuba Beach in Redcar, Teesside, resulted in a husky named Naevia being seriously injured, while four witnesses who intervened needed hospital treatment.

Judge Anthony Hawks ordered the immediate destruction of the two XL bullies who have been housed in special kennels since the attack in February last year.

Pickering, of Eastwood Road, had earlier admitted being in charge of two dogs dangerously out of control causing injury.

Passing sentence, the judge told Pickering he was satisfied he "likely" owned the dogs to "frighten people".

Judge Hawks said the size and power of the animals was such that you were never going to be able to control them, adding: "Members of the public are sick and tired about people deliberately acquiring dangerous dogs who then cause mayhem."