Lancashire police has apologised after putting down an XL bully dog while the owners were in the process of applying for an exemption to keep him. The seized dog, named Bruno, was euthanised due to an “administration error”. Lancashire police said in a statement that it had given the family an “unreserved apology” for the mistake. “In August we seized an XL bully dog from an address in Morecambe as part of our powers under the Dangerous Dogs Act as XL bully dogs are a banned breed,” the statement said. “A file was being prepared for consideration of the owner being prosecuted for the relevant offences. “However, unfortunately, due to an administration error the dog was subsequently euthanised before the court hearing.” A process had been implemented “to ensure the same mistake cannot be made again”, the force added. The Morecambe and Lunesdale MP, Lizzi Collinge, told the BBC that she was demanding answers over the incident. “This should be a ‘never event’ and I have taken this issue up directly with the police,” she said. XL bully dogs were added to the list of banned breeds from 31 December last year and since 1 February it has been illegal to own the breed unless it is registered on the index of exempted dogs. XL bully dogs must also have a muzzle and be on a lead while in public. The ban was announced after a spate of fatal attacks involving the XL bully breed type, which is known for its muscular frame and powerful jaw. According to a government information document published earlier this year, there were about three fatal dog attacks a year until 2021. There had been 23 since the start of 2021, many of which involved the XL bully, it said.