On Friday 15 September, the Prime Minister announced that American XL Bully type dogs will be added to dog breed types banned in the UK.
From 31 December 2023 breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning, and allowing an XL Bully dog to stray will be illegal.
From this date, these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners of XL Bully dogs are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.
From February 1, 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog. If you want to keep your dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption – this is subject to a £92.40 application fee, to cover administration costs – by the 31 January 2024 and thereafter comply with strict requirements: as well as being muzzled and kept on a lead in public, these dogs must also be microchipped and neutered. Owners must also have third party insurance and be deemed to be fit and proper people to own a dog of that type.
This blog post aims to explore the reasons behind the UK ban on American XL Bully dogs, the arguments on both sides of the spectrum, and the potential impact on dog owners and the breed itself.
Understanding the American XL Bully:
The American XL Bully is a considered to have originated in the US in the 1980s through the interbreeding of several breeds including the American Bulldog, American Pitt Bull Terrier, and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Identifiable by their muscular build and distinctive frame, XL Bullies are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. However, concerns have been raised about incidents involving this breed, leading to a closer examination by authorities.
The Dangerous Dogs Act
The introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 saw the breeding, selling or gifting of banned breeds unless going abroad prohibited, while the dogs had to be muzzled and on a lead when in public.
Four other breeds are also banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brazileiro.
The act gives the government the power to ban any breed appearing “to be bred for fighting or to have the characteristics of a type bred for that purpose”. Police have the power to seize any prohibited dog that is in a public place.
Why are they to be banned?
We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The ban on American XL Bully dogs in the UK stems from concerns related to public safety. Incidents involving dog attacks have fuelled a perception that XL Bullies are inherently dangerous, prompting regulatory action. The UK government, like many others globally, has chosen a precautionary approach to mitigate potential risks associated with these powerful breeds.
Arguments in Favour of the Ban:
- Public Safety: Proponents of the ban argue that it is a necessary measure to protect the public from potential harm. High-profile incidents involving XL Bullies have contributed to the perception that these dogs pose a greater risk compared to other breeds.
- Link with Organised Crime: Anecdotal evidence suggests that XL Bullys are favoured by criminal gangs because of their strength and intimidating features. A BBC Panorama undercover investigation explored the link between organised crime and their breeding earlier this year.
Arguments Against the Ban:
- Existing laws: it is already against the law to have a dog that is dangerously out of control, which can be punished by prison sentences and unlimited fines. Opponents of the ban want to focus on individual actions and dangerous owners arguing that a more effective solution would be to replace current laws with one consolidated law that allows for early intervention with a focus on the prevention of dog bite incidents and includes measures that deter and punish owners of dogs whose behaviour is dangerous.
- Lack of Evidence: Critics question the scientific basis for the ban, arguing that there is insufficient evidence to support the notion that American XL Bullies are inherently more dangerous than other breeds. They advocate for a more nuanced approach, focusing on individual dog behaviour rather than breed-specific regulations.
- Impact on Responsible Owners: Some contend that the ban unfairly penalizes responsible owners of XL Bullies who have invested time and effort into proper training and socialisation. Critics of the ban advocate that the government should focus on dealing with unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible owners.
- The American bully XL is not specifically recognised by the UK Kennel Club and fears had previously been raised suggesting that outlawing it would inadvertently outlaw a range of other dogs.
Conclusion:
The UK ban on American XL Bully dogs reflects a broader global conversation about the balance between public safety and individual liberties for dog owners. While concerns about dog attacks are valid, it is essential to consider the nuances of dog behaviour and the impact of responsible ownership. Striking a balance between protecting the public and ensuring the fair treatment of the dogs in question and their owners remains a complex challenge that requires thoughtful consideration and open dialogue.
