A Pit Bull Terrier, which are banned in the UK, found in the possession of an Arborfield man will be put down.

Kimba, owned by Terrence Smith, 54, was deemed a danger to the public by a judge at Reading Magistrates Court on March 11.

Smith, of Mabett Close, was ordered to pay £157 in compensation after being found in custody of Kimba on November 15, 2020.

The judge ordered Kimba to be killed by a veterinary surgeon appointed by Thames Valley Police unless an appeal is made before April 8.

Read more: Arrest after man ‘had hands down trousers and exposed himself’ on towpath

It is against the law to own a Pit Bull Terrier as well as several other breeds like a Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino or Fila Brasileiro.

If someone has a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away, even if it is not acting dangerously or there has not been a complaint.

A police or council dog expert will judge what type of dog it is whether it is a danger to the public, at which point it will be released or kept in kennels while the police (or council) apply to a court.

If a dog is banned but the court thinks it’s not a danger to the public, it may put it on the Index of Exempted Dogs and the owner may keep it.