American XL Bully Breed To Be Banned Following Birmingham Attack
Image source: REUTERS
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the American XL Bully breed will be banned in the UK by the end of the year.
The announcement comes following the death of a man in Staffordshire who was attacked by two dogs, and died of his injuries this morning. Although it is suspected that the dogs may have been American XL Bullies, this has yet to be confirmed and an investigation is underway to determine
the breeds of the dogs involved. Both dogs have died following the attack, one from being restrained, and the other following an injection given by a vet.
Sunak announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he has tasked ministers with bringing together the police and experts to legally define the breed behind the attacks so it can then be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The legal definition of the breed is required as the American XL Bully is not a breed recognised by leading British Dog associations. Concerns have been raised over this as with the breed not being recognised by the Royal Kennel Club, it could lead to the unintentional outlawing of other breeds as a result.
The debate over whether to ban the breed started earlier this week when an 11-year-old girl was attacked in Birmingham, putting her and two other men in hospital as a result with Home Secretary Suella Braverman seeking “urgent advice” about whether a ban on the dogs should be put into place.
The Dangerous Dog Act (1991) currently has bans on the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro, including all cross-breeds. The ownership of banned dogs can produce a fine and prison sentence of up to six months.
