July 13th 2024.
In England and Wales, there has been a ban on XL bullies since February. Recently, thirteen suspected XL bullies were discovered at a puppy farm in Essex. Among them were eight puppies who were found at a suburban home in Mile End, Colchester, where there were also children living. It has been illegal since February to sell, give away, abandon or breed XL bullies. In fact, owners are required to have their XL bullies neutered unless they have received special exemptions.
The police were alerted to the situation by the RSPCA due to concerns for the well-being of the dogs. They obtained a warrant under the Dangerous Dogs Act and raided the property on Friday morning. The dogs were taken to specialized kennels to determine their breed. A 35-year-old man was arrested for possession and breeding of a banned breed, as well as animal cruelty. He has since been released under investigation.
Sergeant Rob Temme stated that the dogs were not registered and it is estimated that there are around 50,000 XL bullies in the UK, with up to 15,000 not being registered on the Index of Exempted dogs. Temme also mentioned that the RSPCA and the police have been working closely together to ensure the welfare of the animals and to protect those living at the property, including children. This warrant was a last resort after previous attempts to engage with the owner and ensure their safety. The XL bullies have been safely removed from the property and are currently in kennels until their breed can be determined.
XL bullies, also known as American bullies, are the largest type of this breed and can weigh up to 60kg. Recently, there have been reports of XL bullies attacking humans, leading to concerns about their safety. However, some experts are not convinced that a ban is the most effective solution. Bully Watch, an organization that advocates for stricter regulations on the breed, claims that between November 2021 and February, XL bullies were responsible for the deaths of 15 people in the UK.
The ban on XL bullies has been implemented in England, Wales, and Scotland, with Northern Ireland also enforcing stricter restrictions. Ireland plans to ban the dogs by next year. Despite this, experts are still undecided on the effectiveness of these bans. The British Veterinary Association believes that focusing on specific breeds will not prevent dog bites from happening. Instead, they suggest targeting unethical breeders who prioritize profit over the welfare of the dogs. Research also suggests that a dog's environment and upbringing have a greater impact on their behavior rather than their breed.
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