UK Euthanizing Bully Breeds as Owners Hand Them In

The UK's pet population is facing a crisis, with many owners handing in their bully breeds due to breed-specific legislation and insurance issues.

According to recent statistics, over 1,000 pit bull-type dogs are being surrendered to shelters each month.

The surge in surrenders has led to a significant increase in euthanizations, with many shelters reporting that they are running out of space to house the dogs.

Sadly, many of these dogs are being euthanized due to lack of space, rather than being rehomed or adopted.

Charities are warning that a substantial number of XL bullies could face euthanasia due to new laws banning the breed in England and Wales.

The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes warns that 246 XL bullies slated for extermination represent less than half of the controversial breed rescued in the UK.

Euthanizing a large dog like an XL bully costs between £350 to £400, mainly due to increased cremation costs and the need for additional drugs.

The total cost to charities to destroy their XL bullies could exceed £90,000, according to Blue Cross.

The government offers XL bully owners £200 toward euthanasia costs, but Blue Cross emphasizes that this compensation cannot replace the love and affection of a beloved family pet.

You have a few options if you want to keep your XL bully. Starting January 1, pet owners are required to muzzle their dogs and put a leash in public, but they have until February to apply for an exemption.

The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes warns that next year a substantial number of XL bullies could face euthanasia. This is because 246 of them are slated for extermination, which represents less than half of the controversial breed rescued in the UK.

If you're considering applying for an exemption, you'll want to act quickly, as the deadline is just a month away.

Euthanasia is a harsh reality for many XL bully dogs in rescues. The new legislation requires XL bullies to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, prohibiting selling or rehoming them.

Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK) manager Jan Ross fears that the speed at which the restrictions were introduced has left few realistic options for those who already have the dogs.

Many XL bullies in rescues will be euthanised because they have no options for rehoming. This isn't the rescue's fault, but rather a result of the lack of realistic alternatives.

A significant number of XL bullies in rescues will have to live out their lives in shelters permanently, rather than being rehomed.

Dr Sam Gaines from the RSPCA has stated that they will have to euthanise XL bullies when they come into their care because they won't be allowed to rehome them.

Britons are handing in their XL Bullies for euthanasia due to new laws banning the breed in England and Wales. These laws, which came into effect on December 31, 2023, prohibit breeding, selling, rehoming, and advertising XL Bullies.

Many XL Bullies are being surrendered to rescue centers, where they will face euthanasia if they cannot be rehomed. The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes warns that a substantial number of XL Bullies could face euthanasia, with 246 slated for extermination.

Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK) manager Jan Ross fears that a lot of XL Bullies in rescues will be euthanised due to the lack of realistic options for rehoming. She believes that many people's dogs will be euthanised because it's a huge responsibility having a banned breed.

The XL Bully breed can weigh over nine stone (60kg) and is the largest of the American Bully breed. The rules will also affect dogs whose behaviour poses no risk whatsoever, according to Dr Sam Gaines from the RSPCA.

People who already own an XL Bully can apply for an exemption certificate, but must also microchip and neuter the dog and have public liability insurance. However, this may not be enough to save their beloved pets from euthanasia.