In the United Kingdom, any dog that poses a serious threat to public safety can be euthanized, and their owners can face imprisonment for up to 14 years, along with a lifelong ban on owning dogs. However, the alarming surge in fatalities and other dog attacks necessitates more decisive action, particularly targeting the American XL bully. Regrettably, the number of fatal and severe dog attacks has witnessed a significant rise this year, with the American XL bully being disproportionately involved in these incidents.
Consequently, the UK government has recognized the urgency to update the existing list of banned dogs to include the American XL bully. These dogs seem to be regarded by some as status symbols, prized for their aggressive temperament. The Defra Press Office firmly asserts that such behavior will no longer be tolerated.
According to the office, this matter has been under consideration for some time. However, implementing this change within the confines of the law is not as straightforward as it may seem, primarily due to the fact that the XL Bully is not officially recognized as a breed in the UK. Officials are diligently collaborating with experts to promptly establish a formal definition of the American XL bully and its distinguishing characteristics.
This will enable its inclusion in the list of four breeds already banned by the Dangerous Dogs Act, which currently comprises the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
Campaigners, including the mother of 10-year-old Jack Lis who tragically lost his life to an XL bully in 2021, have been fervently advocating for a ban on this breed. The urgency of their plea was further amplified when a distressing video surfaced, capturing an XL bully cross-breed breaking free from its collar on a street in Birmingham last weekend, The Guardian reported. This unleashed dog proceeded to attack innocent individuals, including an 11-year-old girl who suffered bites to her arm and shoulder.
The gravity of this incident prompted Suella Braverman, the home secretary, to swiftly announce her intention to seek "urgent advice" regarding a potential ban. The subsequent public outcry reverberated throughout the nation, compelling British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to address the issue. In a resolute statement last Friday, he unequivocally labeled American XL Bully dogs as a "menace to our communities" and unveiled plans to prohibit the breed.
