Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced plans to ban the American XL bully dog breed by the the end of the year. This decision follows a series of attacks attributed to these dogs, raising concerns for public safety, particularly among children.
Sunak’s announcement marks the first breed to be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act since its introduction in 1991. The Prime Minister’s position on this issue is clear: he believes that the Tyrannical dog XL poses a significant threat to communities and cannot continue unchecked.
The American XL Bully, the larger variation of the American Bully breed, first arrived in the UK around 2014. It is believed to have originated from dogs including the American Bully. pitbull terrier, which was banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991, these dogs have caused concern due to their size and potential aggression.
The statistics are sobering, with the XL Bully breed linked to six out of ten fatal dog attacks in the UK in 2022, and at least two deaths this year alone. One particularly shocking incident involved an XL bully attacking people on the streets of Birmingham.
Activists and victims of XL’s bullying attacks have welcomed the proposed ban, seeing it as a long-overdue step to protect the public. Emma Whitfield, who tragically lost her 10-year-old son to an XL bullying attack in 2021, expressed her relief and emotion upon hearing the news.
However, not everyone is in favor of this ban. The Dog Control Coalition, comprised of prominent animal protection organizations, expressed deep concerns about the lack of data behind the decision. They argue that banning one breed may not solve the root problem and could inadvertently lead to other breeds being included in the same category and banned.
Additionally, enforcing a ban on the XL American bully breed may prove to be a challenge due to its unofficial status and similarities to other breeds. Criminal defense lawyer Rhianna Tsiattalou highlights the difficulties encountered in enforcing such a ban at all levels.
Organizations such as Bully Watch, the Campaign for Evidence-Based Regulation of Dangerous Dogs and Protect Our Pets argue that the ban is essential to protect both humans and dogs. They say their research shows that XL bully dogs are significantly more dangerous than other breeds and have caused the majority of human deaths and injuries related to dog attacks in recent years.
Under the proposed ban, police would have the power to take action against dangerous dogs, but it would also include provisions to protect “good dogs owned by good owners” through a dog index exempted. This would allow owners of banned breeds that are not considered dangerous to the public to receive a certificate of exemption, subject to strict conditions such as sterilization, microchipping and muzzles in public.
Sign this petition to prohibit banning dog breeds in Florida.
Related content:
Simple ways to help the planet:
- Eat less meat: Download Food Monsterthe greatest plant product Recipe app on the App Store, to help you reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and be healthy. You can also purchase a paper or electronic copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
- Reduce your fast fashion footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and support sustainable and circular brands like Little rescue that raise awareness of important issues through zero-waste recycled clothing designed to be returned and made again and again.
- Support Independent media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance of continuing to provide you with high-quality content. Please consider support us by making a donation!
- Sign a petition: Your voice counts! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of essential petitions to help people, animals and the planet.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and important stories about animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
- Do what you can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse things, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, ditch fossil fuels, save money water, shop wisely, Make a donation if you can, grow your food, volunteer, save energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads hiding in common household and personal care products!