A dog described as a ‘violent’ pocket bully has been put down after attacking a man who was interested in buying it. Agnieska Malarczyk, the owner of the dog named Tyson, was fined £350 and told that the one-year-old dog had to be destroyed for being dangerously out of control in Motherwell, Lanarkshire. The incident occurred when James McGuire, who had connected with Malarczyk through social media regarding buying the pocket bully, visited her home.
The sheriff presiding over the case expressed disbelief at why someone would want to keep such an aggressive animal. The court heard that when McGuire approached Tyson, the dog tried to bite his arm and then latched onto his thigh, causing significant bruising. Despite McGuire’s attempts to free himself, Malarczyk failed to control the dog and showed a lack of concern for the situation.
After the attack on August 13 the previous year, it was confirmed that Tyson was put down. Malarczyk’s defence lawyer suggested that the dog may have been mistreated by a previous owner, leading to its hostile behaviour towards men. The court was informed that Malarczyk had other dogs in the household with which Tyson didn’t get along, prompting her decision to sell him.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government introduced stricter regulations for XL bully dogs due to several serious attacks, requiring owners to have certificates for their animals and prohibiting breeding and selling them. These dogs must also be muzzled and leashed in public, although these rules do not extend to pocket bully dogs.
The case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the potential consequences of not adequately training and socialising dogs, especially those with a history of aggression. It serves as a reminder of the need for proper care and attention to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.