A BANNED Pit bull-type dog called Rex has been spared destruction after his owners agreed to have him neutered, micro-chipped and muzzled in public.

Jordan Blackburn, 28, and Simone Pearson, 29, claimed they had no idea their pet pooch was classed as an illegal fighting dog.

Police executed a warrant at their home on Overton Close in Frodsham on September 18 and seized Rex, who is one of two dogs owned by the couple.

Chester Magistrates Court heard on Thursday (December 19) that a police expert had examined him and concluded he was essentially a banned Pit bull-type breed.

The bench agreed to impose a contingent destruction order on Rex, meaning he will not need to be put down as long as his owners stick to six conditions.

They must ensure Rex is always on a lead and muzzled in public, microchipped, neutered, insured and never left alone in public or private.

The court also heard that police officers found puppies at the address which were thought to have been fathered by Rex.

Some had been sold but fortunately the owners were tracked down, given advice and told to have the dogs microchipped.

Defending themselves, Blackburn and Pearson stressed they did not know Rex was a banned breed but accepted he was and pleaded guilty to possessing a fighting dog.

They said most of the conditions were already in place, and Pearson added: “Both my dogs are always with me. I got them when I was diagnosed poorly.”

Rob Youds, prosecuting, said it had cost the police £1,373 to kennel Rex. Magistrates chose not to award full compensation, instead ordering each defendant to pay £150.

They were each handed a conditional discharge for six months and must also pay a £21 victim surcharge, which goes into a national pot to support victims of crime.