A man has pleaded guilty to being in possession of two dangerous dogs and possession of class B drugs in Hitchin.

Earlier this year police launched an investigation following calls from concerned members of the community that the dogs, XL Bullies, were dangerously out of control and the owner not holding a valid Certificate of Exemption.

A warrant was conducted at an address in Moss Way in April by the North Herts Neighbourhood Policing Team with assistance from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire dangerous dog advisors and dog handlers.

Matthew Medland, aged 35, of Moss Way was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of dangerous dogs and possession of cannabis.

It was found the dogs, which were seized, were not registered and were being walked without a lead and muzzle.

Mr Medland appeared at Stevenage Magistrates' Court on Thursday 31 October where a destruction order for the dogs was put in place by the court and he was ordered to pay £4,120 in costs. 

Full details of the legal restrictions on XL Bully dogs are available on the government's website www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs