Law enforcement is concerned about the logistical challenges that may arise now that the ban on XL Bully dogs has gone into effect. Police chiefs fear that the ban could lead to high demand for kennel space since the owners of the dogs must wait for a court decision before they can be released. The shortage of trained officers is a problem that a dangerous dog expert is concerned about, stating that the ban will exacerbate the issue. The British Government has promised to assist the police and provide them with additional training to identify XL Bully breeds.
England and Wales have initiated new laws that prohibit the breeding of XL bullies from yesterday. Owners with unneutered dogs must apply for an exemption certificate by proving their animal was neutered before a specific date. Owners were previously able to apply for these certificates over the past few months. They had to pay an application fee, hold liability insurance for their dog, and ensure it was microchipped. Those who didn’t complete this process could be fined an unlimited amount or have a criminal record.
If police seize XL bully dogs under these new rules, they will take them to kennels until a court decides if they need to be destroyed or deemed secure. According to Mark Hobrough, an assistant chief constable, the police are working to improve the kennel’s capacity for accommodating XL bullies. The government assures that extra training will be offered to dog legislation officers.
Debbie Connolly, a dog behaviorist, fears that the ban will be tough to enforce due to the small number of officers adequately trained on dog regulations and a shortage of kennel space. She warns that officers may be required to leash unmuzzled XL Bullies. There are currently 137 dog legislation officers in the country. At least one such officer is in every force
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More