Banbury woman sentenced after her XL Bully killed loved family pet
21/10/2025
Both her XL Bully dogs have since been humanely euthanized
A Banbury woman has received a three-month suspended prison sentence, and been banned from keeping a dog for seven years, after one of her XL Bully dogs killed a much-loved family pet which was being walked in a field on the edge of Hanwell.
Appearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (October 15), 36-year-old Eliza Roberts, of De La Warr Drive, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
It was at around 11am on March 26 this year when Winnie – a schnauzer crossed with a poodle – was being walked in the fields near St Peter’s Church.
Roberts was walking her two registered XL Bully dogs in the same field but neither dog was muzzled or on a lead, as required by law for the breed.
One of the dogs chased and attacked Winnie causing fatal injuries. Winnie died at the scene.
Both XL Bully dogs have since been humanely euthanized.
Roberts was also told by the court to engage with mental health treatment for six months and complete rehabilitation activity.
Investigating officer PC Ryan Dollery from the Rural Crime Taskforce said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the victim and her family, and I am pleased the court recognised the seriousness of the offence and took decisive action by disqualifying Roberts from owning dogs for seven years.
“This outcome sends a clear message about the importance of responsible dog ownership and the consequences when that responsibility is neglected.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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