American XL Bully dogs are facing a ban in the United Kingdom after a string of recent attacks and growing public concern. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has labeled the breed a “danger to our communities” and is taking action to prohibit their ownership.
Sunak has requested that government ministers work alongside police and canine experts to define the specific characteristics of American XL Bullies. The breed is currently not recognized by esteemed organizations such as the Kennel Club in Britain or the American Kennel Club in the United States.
The forthcoming ban will fall under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and new legislation is expected to be implemented by the end of the year. This decision comes as a response to a series of attacks, including one that left an 11-year-old girl with severe injuries.
The American XL Bully will join other breeds already banned in the United Kingdom such as pitbull terriers, Japanese tosas, dogo Argentinos, and fila Brasileiros. Some campaigners argue that the American XL Bully should be included in the banned list due to the dangerous characteristics that have been selectively bred into these animals.
Contrary to these claims, the U.K. Kennel Club, while not recognizing the breed, maintains that no breed is inherently dangerous. Instead, they emphasize that irresponsible dog owners who encourage aggression through training are the main contributors to dog attacks.
American XL Bully dogs derive their name from their historical involvement in blood sports like bull baiting. The breed possesses a muscular physique and heavier bone structure compared to pit bulls.
As the ban on American XL Bully dogs looms in the United Kingdom, dog owners and animal advocates remain divided on the issue. While some applaud the government’s actions to prevent further attacks and protect the community, others argue that responsible ownership and proper training should be prioritized over outright breed bans.
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