In the UK, the american XL bully is no longer welcome
This is Maisy… Lili’s aunt's dog. She’s an ugly little dog... but everybody loves her. Nevertheless, some of her dog friends are far more dangerous, and are the subject of a vivid polemics in UK.
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Several dog attacks, involving crossbreeding with "bully XL" dogs, have hit the headlines. So much so that Home Secretary Suella Braverman has called for a ban on certain breeds of dogs in the UK. The controversy is fierce: will banning certain breeds reduce the dangers?
An American Bully named Charlie.
In this context of multiple attacks, trouble is brewing in the UK. Some breeds, which might be more dangerous than others, might be banned "for the security of everyone".
Some data perspectives: bully dogs are under-represented
There are about 12 million dogs in the United Kingdom. Dogs are the most popular pets.
Repartition of domestic animals in the UK households, in million, according to TNS and Uk Pet Food
Photo : Emmie_Norfolk via Pixabay
Labradors and golden retriever are the most popular dogs in the UK. The dogs considered dangerous, at the heart of the controversy, are not very popular in the UK. They don't feature in the top 20 most popular breeds, and there are fewer than 2,000 of them in the UK.
The 20 most popular dog breeds in the UK, according to legal records.
Photo : pinmana via Pixabay
While the American bully is clearly under-represented in the UK, it is responsible for the majority of recorded attacks.
Dog attacks depending on the breeds, according to Bully Watch NGO
Will the ban of under-represented breeds of dogs be enough to stop the damage to population? "We can't go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them", said Suella Braverman on social networks.
In her view, and in the view of those who support the exclusion of bully dogs, the law needs to be revised to make it tougher. But which law? The "dangerous dog act" of 1991. A legal text which, faced with similar problems of violence at the time, had already led to the banning of four species of dog.
The government is now planning to add the American XL bully to this list. Which appears to be responsible for the majority of attacks on humans.
A controversial ban
The controversy is there for a good reason: everybody is not in favour of the ban of bully dogs. For example, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is strongly opposed to this legal initiatives against certain specific breeds of dogs. Funded in 1824, the RSPCA is considered as one of the most serious organization advocating for animal protection in the UK.
What are the main points of each side? Let's take a look.
Pros
American Bully XLs are known for their muscular build and imposing appearance, and they have lately been responsible for many attacks
Similar breeds are already banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it makes sense to include the American Bully XL for the sake of consistency and clarity in the law
Breed-specific legislation helps prevent irresponsible ownership, as it may deter individuals who are not prepared to properly care for and train a dog with the potential for aggression.
"During a period of 12 months, two of my constituents lost their lives after being attacked by dangerous dogs. It is clear that the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is woefully inadequate."
Wayne David, Labour MP
Cons
The Dangerous Dogs Act has been focused on banning types of dog and yet has coincided with an increase in dog bites; the recent deaths show that this approach isn’t working
The UK Government should tackle instead the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders
There is a lack of data behind this decision and its potential to prevent dog bites
Identifying breeds accurately, especially the American bully XL, is difficult due to similarities with other breeds, which may unfairly affect well-behaved dogs based on looks
"The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public - but banning the breed will sadly not stop these types of incidents recurring."
Rachel Burn, spokesperson from the Dog Control Coalition
As a result of those debates, people are already handing in XL bully dogs, with some requesting that their pet be put down, after the announcement of an impending ban. People were concerned about how owning a prohibited dog may affect a housing contract or tenancy agreement. On the other side, vets are allowed to refuse to euthanise a healthy animal.
The government has yet to present details of exactly how a ban would be implemented, but has confirmed an amnesty until 2025.
