In response to a series of alarming attacks, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has declared that the American XL bully dog breed will be prohibited by the end of this year. This momentous decision marks the first instance of a breed ban since the inception of the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991.
Prime Minister Sunak conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating that he has mobilized ministers to collaborate closely with law enforcement and experts in defining the parameters of this breed “with the intention of rendering it unlawful.” His resolute stance is rooted in the pressing need to address the growing menace posed by the American XL bully dog, which has, regrettably, led to recent fatalities and left communities in distress.
“The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children,” Prime Minister Sunak asserted. “I share the nation’s horror at the recent videos we’ve all seen. Yesterday we saw another suspected XL bully dog attack, which has tragically led to a fatality.”
The most recent tragic incident occurred in Stonnall, West Midlands, where a man lost his life in a street attack by two dogs believed to be XL bully dogs. Both canines were subsequently euthanized by authorities.
A disturbing video depicting an XL bully dog attacking pedestrians in Birmingham, including an 11-year-old girl who suffered shoulder and arm injuries, ignited public outcry and intensified the calls for action.
Prime Minister Sunak disclosed that the breed ban would be implemented under the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act, and comprehensive legislation would be enacted before the close of this year. He emphasized, “These dogs are dangerous, I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe.”
The XL bully breed, a variant of the American bully breed, reportedly arrived in the UK around 2014 and is believed to have descended from breeds such as the American pitbull terrier, one of the four breeds initially banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Alarming statistics reveal that the XL bully breed was linked to six out of the ten fatal dog attacks in the UK in 2022. Tragically, it has been involved in at least two fatal incidents this year.
Responding to the announcement, Emma Whitfield, a passionate campaigner whose 10-year-old son, Jack Lis, fell victim to an XL bully attack in south Wales in 2021, expressed profound emotion: “I’m sobbing. I’m sat on my own sobbing. I don’t even have words right now.”
While the ban on the American XL bully breed has garnered support, a number of animal welfare organizations, including the RSPCA, have voiced opposition to such a measure.
The Dog Control Coalition, comprised of prominent entities such as the RSPCA, Battersea, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, BVA, Scottish SPCA, the Kennel Club, and Hope Rescue, maintains a stance against banning specific breeds. Their collective perspective underscores the importance of enhancing and enforcing existing breeding and dog control regulations, alongside promoting responsible dog ownership and comprehensive training.
Skepticism also looms regarding the feasibility of a ban on the American XL bully breed, as it is not officially recognized by the Royal Kennel Club. Legal experts have expressed concerns that a ban could inadvertently extend to other crossbred dogs, posing enforcement challenges.
Nonetheless, three advocacy groups – Bully Watch, the Campaign for Evidence-Based Regulation of Dangerous Dogs, and Protect Our Pets – contend that this ban is essential for safeguarding both human and canine well-being. They emphasize that their research underscores the peril posed by these dogs, as they have been linked to the majority of human fatalities and the maiming of numerous cherished pets in recent years. The ban would also empower law enforcement to address dangerous dogs while preserving responsible owners’ rights through the Index of Exempt Dogs.
This pivotal decision comes in the wake of a series of fatalities, including Natasha Johnston, who tragically lost her life in Surrey in January, and Jonathan Hogg, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by an XL bully while caring for a friend’s dog in Greater Manchester in May.
As the urgency of addressing safety concerns related to the American XL bully breed becomes increasingly evident, Prime Minister Sunak’s resolute action seeks to mitigate the risks posed by these dogs and underscore the paramount importance of community safety.
