The UK has a complex history with dog legislation, and one of the most misunderstood topics is the ban on bully breeds. In 1991, the UK's government introduced the Dangerous Dogs Act, which banned four breeds: the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
The Act was a response to public concern about dog attacks, and it aimed to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities. However, the legislation has been widely criticized for its blanket ban on certain breeds, rather than addressing the root causes of dog aggression.
The law requires owners of banned breeds to have their dogs microchipped, insured, and muzzled in public. Failure to comply can result in fines and even imprisonment.
Despite the Act's intentions, many experts argue that the ban has not achieved its desired outcome and has instead led to a culture of fear and misinformation.
Recommended read: What Is Breed Specific Legislation
UK Legislation on Bully Breeds
The UK has a history of banning certain breeds due to concerns about public safety. The Pit Bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro are currently banned in the UK.
In recent years, American XL Bully dogs have been at the center of a national debate following viral footage depicting a suspected American XL Bully violently attacking several people, including an 11-year-old girl, in Birmingham, U.K. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, described the footage as "appalling" and commissioned urgent advice on banning the breed.
Breed-specific bans in the UK are enforced under the Dangerous Dogs Act, which makes it illegal to own, breed, or sell banned breeds. The Act also allows for the seizure of banned dogs and fines of up to £14,000 for owners who fail to comply.
The XL Bully breed will be added to the list of banned breeds in the UK by the end of 2023, with new laws banning breeding, selling, and rehoming of the breed. Owners of XL Bully dogs will be required to keep them on a lead and muzzled in public, and to register their dogs on the Index of Exempted Dogs by the end of January 2024.
Related reading: Banned Dog Breeds Uk Pictures
Banning Specific Dog Breeds
The UK has a history of banning specific dog breeds due to their potential to cause harm. The Pit Bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro are currently banned in the UK.
American XL Bully dogs are also being banned in the UK, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing that they will be added to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. This move comes after a string of attacks involving the breed.
The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act makes it illegal to own a dog that is "dangerously out of control", and owners could face up to 14 years in prison if a person dies as a result of being injured by their dog. If you own a banned dog in the UK, the police can take it off you.
New laws banning XL Bully type dogs have been laid in Parliament, which will come into force at the end of the year. From this date, it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.
Owners of XL Bully dogs will be required to keep them on a lead and muzzled in public, and will be recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.
General Information on Banning Large Dogs
The UK has a history of banning large dog breeds that are deemed a danger to the public. The American XL Bully dog is one such breed that has been at the center of a national debate following a string of attacks.
Currently, the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo argentino, and fila brasileiro are banned in the UK. This is because of their potential to inflict serious harm on humans.
In the UK, owning a dog that is "dangerously out of control" is already illegal. Dog owners can face up to 14 years in prison if a person dies as a result of being injured from an attack.
To ban a breed, the UK government must first define it in law. This is what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has tasked ministers with doing for the American XL Bully dog.
The new laws banning XL Bully type dogs will come into force at the end of the year, making it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow these dogs to stray in England and Wales.
From the end of the year, XL Bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. Owners are recommended to start training their dog to wear a muzzle and to walk on a lead ahead of the legal restrictions coming into force.
The government has also announced that breeders will be told to stop mating these types of dogs from now in preparation for the ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bullies were put down in the UK?
Since the breed ban, approximately 400 XL bully dogs have been euthanized in England and Wales. This number reflects the efforts to address public safety concerns surrounding the breed.
Are XL bullies banned in Ireland?
No, XL bullies are not banned in Ireland, but they are subject to strict controls. However, a ban on XL bullies is being considered and could be implemented through regulation.
How many XL bullies were put down in the UK?
Since the XL bully breed ban, approximately 400 XL bully dogs have been euthanized in England and Wales. This number reflects the efforts to address public safety concerns following a fatal dog attack.
Sources
- American XL Bully dogs to be banned in the UK ... - ABC News (go.com)
- Which Dog Breeds Are Banned in The UK? (countryliving.com)
- Share on Twitter (opens in new tab) (twitter.com)
- Bully XL owners speak of their heartbreak at ban (bbc.co.uk)
- https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/xl-bully-dogs-responsible-half-31122090 (mirror.co.uk)
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/section/1 (legislation.gov.uk)
- https://www.bva.co.uk/media/5530/xl-bully-ban-bva-letter-to-cvo.pdf (bva.co.uk)
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