- Man hospitalized after XL bully dog attack.
- UK considers breed-specific dog ban.
- Calls to address irresponsible breeders.
In a recent incident at Pasley Park, Southwark, southeast London, a man in his 40s was injured by a dog believed to be an XL bully breed. The victim suffered injuries to his arm and was promptly taken to the hospital. Notably, the dog’s owner fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, leading to ongoing police inquiries.
This incident comes amid a series of attacks involving XL bully dogs, which has prompted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to announce plans for banning these animals. Sunak stated that new laws aiming to ban XL bully breeds would be implemented “by the end of the year.”
The urgency to address this issue has been further heightened by recent dog attacks. Tragically, in Staffordshire, Ian Price, aged 52, lost his life in a suspected XL bully attack earlier this September. Additionally, shocking footage emerged from Birmingham depicting an attack that left an 11-year-old girl with severe injuries.
South Yorkshire Police reported four separate dog attacks on children within two days, including an incident where a 15-year-old was seriously injured by an XL bully in Sheffield.
It’s worth noting that the XL bully breed, stemming from the American pit bull terrier, lacks recognition as a specific breed by the Kennel Club. This lack of official breed status raises concerns about the practicality of implementing a breed-specific ban, as it could inadvertently target other types of dogs.
Campaigners have advocated for revising existing legislation to focus on the behavior of dogs rather than their specific breeds. Currently, the UK bans four breeds: pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and fila Brasileiro. Moreover, owning a dangerously out-of-control dog is already considered illegal, irrespective of its breed.
Emma Whitfield, whose 10-year-old son, Jack Lis, tragically lost his life due to an attack by an American XL bully dog in Caerphilly, South Wales, in 2021, has urged the government to take broader measures. In addition to breed-specific bans, she highlights the importance of targeting backstreet breeders and addressing the responsibilities of dog owners to prevent such incidents in the long term.
In conclusion, the debate over XL bully dogs and their potential ban under the Dangerous Dogs Act continues to be a significant issue, fueled by recent attacks and public safety concerns. The government’s response to this issue will likely have far-reaching implications for dog ownership and breed-specific legislation in the UK.
