XL Bully owner offered 'chance to make up' instead of arrest after dog escape

A woman whose XL bully escaped through a gap in her garden fence and terrified another dog and its owner was given a second chance instead of being arrested. The woman, known as Katie, was offered the opportunity to take part in an "Immediate Justice" scheme, spearheaded by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner.

In effect, it meant she accepted a day of community service on the spot instead of facing a potential charge. To have an XL bully without a lead and a muzzle in a public place is a criminal offence in England and Wales.

The Immediate Justice scheme "ensures that individuals who commit low-level offences or engage in antisocial behaviour can swiftly take responsibility for their actions by contributing to the upkeep of local communities," the PCC's office says. Katie's "punishment" was spending a day with others on the scheme picking up litter, cleaning graffiti and tidying in Nottingham city centre.

The scheme has been funded by money made available to councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire earlier in 2024 based on need, to ensure "extra resource" for council partners to tackle anti-social behaviour, the PCC's office says. Katie's referral to the scheme was the first of its kind made through a local authority.

Police can refer offenders into the scheme as an "out-of-court disposal", and offenders carry out their punishment often within days of their offence taking place. The programme is supervised by Red Snapper Managed Services Ltd, a criminal justice service provide, which provides the staff supervision and transport for the offenders to the areas they are travelling to for their justice.

Members of the public can report that they'd like their street cleaning up via the PCC's "Fix My Street" platform on the PCC website. The Immediate Justice team can see the reports and assess locations to decide on an appropriate course of action after the report is made.

Katie said: "I’m happy I was able to make up for what had happened, and in a way which is also improving the local area. I would definitely recommend the process of Immediate Justice instead of going through the court system. It was very quick for me, after the first call with the police to carrying out the work it was all very swift.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “Katie’s story is a great example of the swift and productive way in which the Immediate Justice scheme works.

"She recognised what had happened and was keen to make amends through the work she has now completed. At the same time, this is another chance to show our communities that action is being taken and a difference is being made.”