Image source, Sophie Russell
Sophie Russell recently adopted American bulldog Autumn and says she is now torn between muzzle her for life or risk having her seized.
The RSPCA has asked for clarification on the US definition of the XL bully, saying owners are unsure whether their dogs will be classed as the banned breed.
The definition states that if a dog reaches a minimum size and has a “significant number” of defined characteristics, it may be considered an XL bully.
But the RSPCA says it is not clear what is meant by “substantial”.
The government said an online illustrated guide would help define which dogs were included in the ban, coming this month.
One owner said the vagueness of definitions meant her dog – who was not raised as an XL bully – “wouldn’t have a life after December”.
In October, the government banned the crossbreeding under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, following an increase in fatal attacks.
The RSPCA said it had recorded an unprecedented 50,000 unique visitors to its online advice site Bully XL since the start of September.
American bullies have been involved in several high-profile attacks
“We believe this speaks to the deep concern and desire for clarity on the part of pet owners regarding the recently announced XL anti-bullying legislation,” the association said.
“While we are doing all we can to reassure landlords, confusion remains over how best to interpret the UK government’s definition of an XL bully.”
The government says that if a male dog is at least 20 inches (51 cm) tall at the highest point between the shoulder blades, or 19 inches (48 cm) for a female, and has a significant number of the defined characteristics, he could be considered like an XL tyrant.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) recommends “taking a precautionary approach” and if owners are unsure about having an XL bully they should “comply with all the new requirements for this type of dog”.
The guidelines also indicate breed breeds, including those recognized by the Kennel Club which may meet some of the characteristics of the bully XL, are not included in the ban.
This left owners, particularly those whose crossbreeds meet many characteristics, unsure whether or not their dogs fell under the ban, the RSPCA said.
He said that although it was now clearer that minimum height was a mandatory element of the definition, there was no guidance to help owners “understand what is meant by a significant number of other characteristics” used to decide if a dog was a bully. XL.
Image source, Robyne Reid
Robyne Reid says she’s taken her dog Vinnie to local dog shows and at the last one he won “best in show.”
Robyne Reid, from Cannock, Staffordshire, said she believed her dog Vinnie met the characteristics of an XL bully, although he was not bred as one.
“His father is a cross between a Neapolitan Mastiff and a Great Dane, and his mother is an American bulldog…He has more (features) than not,” she says.
She said two-year-old Vinnie had shown no signs of aggression and had been trusted around his grandson since he was born.
“I feel like Vinnie was penalized because of his appearance, not because of his race,” she says.
“I’m so angry about this ban. I understand what’s going on, and they need to go to the landlords because they’re the biggest problem.”
Image source, Robyne Reid
Robyne says Vinnie was never aggressive and was always trusted around his grandson
Starting December 31, it will be illegal to sell, abandon, give away, breed or possess an XL bully in public without a leash or muzzle.
Robyne said she was lucky enough to rent 40 acres at a nearby stable where Vinnie could continue to run without a muzzle after being exempt, but “a lot of owners don’t have that.”
“We will do whatever it takes to keep Vinnie and for him to have a life,” she said.
“But he won’t have a life – he won’t have one after December.”
Sophie Russell says her bulldog meets about half of the defined XL specifications, but doesn’t have a “stubby snout” and weighs less than her Labrador.
Sophie Russell, who lives in Kent, adopted Autumn, 18 months, from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in September and said her pet’s paperwork stated she was an American bulldog.
Sophie said it was unclear whether Autumn, who she said only had one eye and had never shown any aggression, fell under the definition of an XL bully. However, she felt she would have to register her dog to receive an exemption.
“It’s over 19 inches and it probably has some of these characteristics, but it’s so vague and so open to interpretation,” she says.
“Why isn’t there someone I can take him to? Why aren’t there already trained people I can take him to who tell him: ‘is ‘she or isn’t she?’.”
Sophie said she felt “torn” about committing to muzzle Autumn for life under the terms of the exemption, or risk her being arrested.
Image source, Sophie Russell
Autumn has always been “very gentle” with other dogs and people who have seen her on her walks, Sophie says.
“I didn’t really think she would be subject to this ban, because back then when they talked about XL bullies, they were talking about these big nine-stone dogs,” she says.
“She weighs four and a half stone. She weighs less than my Labrador weighed.”
A study published in the journal Public Health showed there was a sudden increase in the number of deaths from dog attacks in England and Wales in 2022-2010, compared to an average of three in previous years.
A man has died after an alleged attack by an XL American bully in Walsall on September 14. Just days earlier, an 11-year-old girl and two men were attacked by an XL American bully in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.
Another man died after being attacked by suspected XL bully in October near Houghton-le-Spring, a day after a toddler was taken to London hospital after being bitten by a dog suspected of being of the same race.
“Precautionary approach”
Defra said the government consulted police forces, local and national authorities as well as animal welfare and veterinary experts to define the characteristics of XL bullies.
A spokesperson said the department had published guidelines and a photo bank to help owners determine whether their dogs fell under the ban.
“If owners are unsure whether their dog is an XL bully, they should take a precautionary approach and comply with relevant requirements and restrictions as soon as they come into force,” they said.
“If someone owns a dog that clearly belongs to another established breed, such as a Rottweiler, the XL bullying ban does not apply.”