A man has been handed a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered to pay compensation and have his dog put down after it was dangerously out of control and killed another dog in Cheshunt in December.

At just before 5.50pm on Saturday 2 December 2023, it was reported that a woman was walking her dog on Cheshunt High Street when it was attacked by another dog, which was off the lead, and sadly died from its injuries.

The owner and the dog left the scene prior to police arrival.

Teric Aroriode-Francis, aged 27, of Chestnut Walk, Witham, Essex, was later arrested and charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control. The dog was seized.

In addition, he was also charged with making off without making payment for fuel and driving without insurance.

Aroriode-Francis appeared at Stevenage Magistrates Court on Wednesday (10 January) where he pleaded guilty to all charges and was given a six-month custodial sentence which was suspended for 18 months.

He also has to pay compensation to the victim and cover kennelling costs. The dog, confirmed to be an XL Bully, has been ordered by the courts to be put down to protect the public.

New legal restrictions on XL Bully dogs are now in force. Full details are available on the government’s website (opens in a new window).