On Thursday, a ban will go into effect prohibiting individuals from keeping American XL bullies unless they receive an exemption. The dog breed has been classified as dangerous following fatal attacks on humans by XL bullies. The ban has caused a surge in XL bullies being surrendered or abandoned at shelters – more than 30,000 dogs have been granted exemptions. Licensing requirements include neutering, muzzling in public and third-party liability insurance. XL bully owners argue that regulation of pet owners is the answer, rather than a ban given that it is the irresponsible individuals, not the animals, that are to blame for attacks.
An 18-month-old American XL bully named Bailey is kept by his owner Danielle Thomas in South Tyneside. Bailey is a sweet dog that has displayed no history of aggressive behaviour towards humans. Bailey is kept muzzled in public and on a lead when outside of his paddock or home, despite not requiring these safety measures. Danielle obtained an exemption for Bailey prior to the ban. Danielle disagrees with the ban and thinks that XL bullies should be judged based on their behaviour and the actions of their owners. She blames owners who get such large dogs for status symbols.
Elaine Atkinson from Cleator Moor experienced the brutality of XL bullies firsthand when her dog Rox was viciously attacked by five dogs, including two XL bullies, while on a walk. Rox’s neck was clamped in the jaws of an XL bully, and the attack only ended when a man hit the dogs with a stick. Vets initially thought that Rox wouldn’t survive her injuries, which included broken ribs and fractured lungs, but thankfully, she did. Elaine initially signed a petition for the ban on XL bullies after her traumatic experience.
On the other hand, some shelters oppose the ban, describing it as problematic and illogical. The Association of Cat and Dog Shelters reported receiving a large volume of surrendered or abandoned XL bullies since the ban’s announcement. Shelters such as Maxi’s Mates in Guisborough refuse to comply with the order and put dogs down, saying that they were established to rescue and rehome dogs and not to terminate them. The breed is not recognised by the UK Kennel Club, and there is a checklist that dogs must meet to be classified as XL bullies.
Dr Neil Hudson MP supports the ban and believes responsible ownership is crucial. XL bully-type dogs are a new, unique breed that can be fatal to both children and adults due to their powerful jaw structure, according to Tim Jackson, a South Shields–based veterinary nurse and canine behaviourist. However, Jackson believes it’s essential to read the body language of dogs, as failure to recognise signs of danger can lead to dog attacks
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