Norfolk police go to court to save banned Pit Bull dog

The two-year-old Pit Bull was seized by police from a house in Norwich on March 3 after being suspected of being an illegal breed. 

It has now been returned permanently to its owner Laura Baluch, 20, after Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told it did not pose a risk to the public. 

Magistrates approved a police application for the family pet to be placed on the index of exempt dogs.

Owning a Pit Bull without an exemption has been banned since 1991 (Image: Newsquest)

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The court was told although the dog would be allowed to stay with its owners it would have to be on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public and must be kept in a secure place so it cannot escape.

Magistrates who raised concerns over recent cases involving XL Bully dogs said a gate should also be fitted at the family home at Tailors Row in Mile Cross to prevent Blaze escaping.

Miss Baluch, who attended the hearing, was told she must also take out insurance against the dog injuring other people.

PC Annelly Miles, Norfolk and Suffolk police dog legislation officer said after being seized Blaze had been identified to be a Pit Bull type.

Owning a Pit Bull Terrier has been illegal since 1991 under the dangerous dogs legislation.

PC Annelly Miles and Blaze’s owner Laura Baluch leave Norwich Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

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“Blaze was purchased by Laura about a year old having been advertised as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier but obviously this wasn’t the case,” said PC Miles.

“He lives with Laura, her parents and her 12-year-old sister. He is very much a loved family pet.

“He has not shown any aggression to other dogs or people and I don’t believe he poses any danger to the public.”

She said the dog was “quite boisterous and full-on” but was still young enough to continue good behaviour training.     

Miss Baluch said: “He is loved by all of us. He is an angel. He is not dangerous.”