MAGISTRATES have ordered for two XL bully dogs to be destroyed after a man appeared in court.

The breed has been illegal to own without an exemption certificate since a ban came into force in February.

Daniel Saunders, of Warrington Road, Bold Heath, appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court on Monday, July 22.

Saunders, 28, had pleaded guilty to two counts of possession or custody of a fighting dog, contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 on June 28.

The case had been adjourned on that date for a contested hearing in relation to the dogs' destruction.

According to a court sheet, Saunders had two XL bully-type dogs, one called Marlo and one called Velma, in his custody on May 17 this year.

The court ordered that the animals be destroyed.

Saunders was also made to do up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity and 40 hours of unpaid work. 

He must also pay costs of £1,081 to Merseyside Police, of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service, and a £114 surcharge.