- Amnesty for American Bully XL Owners
- Prohibition of American Bully XLs Announced
- Debates and Concerns Surrounding Breed-Specific Ban
Following Rishi Sunak’s announcement that American bully XLs will be prohibited, the UK’s chief veterinary officer has stated that the dogs will not be culled.
Instead, Christine Middlemiss proposes a “amnesty” in which dog owners must register and wear muzzles in public.
The prime minister proclaimed the ban on Friday, following the death of a man suspected to have been the result of an attack.
Many have applauded the decision, but others argue that a breed-specific prohibition will not work.
Two suspected American bully XLs attacked 52-year-old Ian Price near Walsall on Thursday, killing him.
Police say a 30-year-old man arrested in connection with his death has been released on parole with conditions.
Prof. Middlemiss stated, “An amnesty will be granted.” People who already own these dogs, some of whom will be well-socialized, well-managed, and well-trained, will be required to register and perform specific actions”.
Your dog must be spayed or neutered. It will need to be muzzled, on a leash, and insured when in public.
“However, if you comply with these actions, which will allow us to know where these dogs are, which will be an enormous benefit, then you will be able to keep your dog.”
Mr. Sunak stated on Friday that the dogs posed “a danger to our communities” and would be prohibited by the end of the year.
However, Environment Minister Mark Spencer, whose department is responsible for adding dogs to the list of prohibited animals, stated that it will “take a while” to restrict the dogs.
“We’re going to have to go through the process of identifying the characteristics of that dog, of that type of dog, and make sure we don’t capture the wrong type of dog in the process,” he said.
Therefore, it will take some time, but we are committed to completing it.
“And we’ll attempt to strike a balance between getting rid of those vicious dogs with horrible traits and protecting people’s pets.”
Mr. Sunak stated that he had ordered police and experts to legally define the breed so that it could be prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, stated, “There has been a long-standing case for their prohibition.” “I tell the government to get on with it; the sooner we can accomplish this, the better.”
The XL is the largest variety of American bully dogs and can weigh up to sixty kilograms (nine stone). However, it is not recognized by the major British dog clubs, including the Royal Kennel Club.
This species has been implicated in several high-profile attacks.
Ana Paun, 11, was attacked in Birmingham on Saturday by an American XL pitbull and Staffordshire bullterrier mix, leading to the arrest of a 60-year-old man.
Two men who rushed to her assistance were injured and required hospital care.
This attack raised the question of whether this type of dog should be prohibited. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she needed urgent advice.
In April, four-year-old Luna-Ann from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, required 40 stitches and plastic surgery after being mauled in the face by a dog that her mother believes was a cross between an American bulldog and a bully XL.
Amy, her 32-year-old mother, said “they should all be muzzled and a licence issued.”
However, some dog owners and animal rights organizations argued that a breed-specific moratorium was not the answer.
Sophie Coulthard, owner of bully XL dog “Billy,” stated that it was incorrect to criticize the dog rather than the circumstances and that the owner should bear more responsibility.
“Many bully breed owners, like me, have perfect dogs.” People are devastated by the loss of a well-trained, well-socialized, well-behaved animal that integrates into their family life,” she said.
The Dog Control Coalition, a coalition comprised of the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs Home, and the Royal Kennel Club, stated, “Protecting the public is everyone’s top priority; however, banning the breed will not prevent future incidents of this nature.”
Dog attacks increased after the Dangerous Dogs Act, and “the recent deaths demonstrate that this approach is ineffective.”
The government must address “unscrupulous breeders who prioritize profit over animal welfare” and “irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control,” according to a coalition spokeswoman. The coalition is “deeply concerned about the lack of data supporting this decision.”
Any prohibition must originate from the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
