Case Study for Lola: Assessment of XL Bully for Thames Valley Police

A part of my job as a canine behaviourist that might not be so widely known is the assessment of dogs with legal implications. Whether privately or in conjunction with the police.

Recently I was asked to assess an XL Bully that was picked up by the police in July 2024 in Oxford as the owner had not applied for an exemption certificate and the dog had escaped its home. After the case had already been adjourned on multiple occasions in court, I was asked to assess Lola at a designated police compound and then appear in court to present my report.

An important aspect of the assessment is to perform a full physical examination of a dog to determine its temperament. Elements of this involve looking in the dogs ears, eyes, mouth, examining the toes individually, and lifting the tail to examine the rear. Lola had originally been picked up on an immediate destruction order which can be contested by the owner. After a successful court appearance, Lola was granted a contingent destruction order, meaning she could start the process of going home. On the 19th of July she was back home and enjoying the spoils of being back in a loving home.

Not all dogs that are seized by the police are XL types, many are soft breeds that have for whatever reason been responsible for delivering a bite to a member of the public. Lola had at no point displayed any aggression, but she was an unregistered banned breed.

Back to Balance Canine Behaviourist has been assessing dogs since 2009. If you need help in this area please get in touch.