LONDON, England – Following a public uproar following recent attacks, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described American XL Bully dogs as a “danger to our communities” and announced measures to outlaw the breed.
Sunak stated that he had requested government ministers to convene a meeting of police and canine experts to officially identify the features of the American XL Bully, which is not recognized as a breed by organizations such as the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom or the American Kennel Club in the United States.
Sunak stated in a video message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “It is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen quickly.” “The breed will then be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and new laws will be in place by the end of the year.”
The government has been pressed to act after an 11-year-old girl was attacked and critically injured by an American XL Bully in Birmingham, England, on Saturday. On Thursday, those fears were heightened after a man was killed in an incident that may have featured this sort of dog.
Following a public uproar following recent attacks, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described American XL Bully dogs as a “danger to our communities”.
Sunak stated, “The American XL Bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children.” “I share the national outrage over the recent videos we’ve all seen.”
The pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro are currently prohibited in the United Kingdom.
Some campaigners have requested that the American XL Bully, created from the American pit bull terrier, be added to the list because they believe the animals have deadly tendencies bred into them.
The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom does not recognize the XL Bully as a breed, arguing that no type of dog is intrinsically dangerous. According to the organization, breed-specific prohibitions do not address the most critical causes contributing to attacks, namely irresponsible dog owners who educate their dogs to be aggressive.
The bully breeds got their names from their use in blood sports, such as bull baiting. The dogs are more muscular than pit bulls and have a thicker bone structure.
SOURCE – (AP)
