Overview

• Nottingham Magistrates' Court allowed the dog, Harlo, to remain subject to conditions including neutering, microchipping, muzzling in public, third-party insurance and no transfer of ownership.
• District Judge Grace Leong warned that failure to complete registration by mid-December would lead to a destruction order under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
• The civil action followed Gibbs-White’s failure to register with DEFRA by the February 2024 exemption deadline required for XL Bully owners.
• Gibbs-White was ordered to pay £284 and did not attend the hearing because he was with the England squad preparing for a match in Latvia.
• His solicitor said the lapse was an omission and that other requirements had been met, with registration to be completed within the timeframe.