British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has labeled American XL Bully dogs a “community threat” and announced intentions to ban the breed after recent public outrage over a series of attacks.
Sunak has instructed government ministers to collaborate with police and canine experts to legally define the American XL Bully’s characteristics. This breed is not officially recognized by organizations like the Kennel Club in the UK or the American Kennel Club in the US.
“It is not presently a legally defined breed, so this crucial initial step must be swift,” Sunak stated in a video message shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). “We will subsequently outlaw the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, with new legislation in place by year-end.”
Pressure has mounted on the government following a severe attack by an American XL Bully on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham, England. Concerns escalated further after a fatal attack, potentially involving this breed, occurred on Thursday.
Sunak expressed, “The American XL Bully dog poses a threat to our communities, particularly our children. I share the nation’s shock at the recent videos we’ve all witnessed.”
Presently, four dog breeds are banned in the UK: the pitbull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and fila Brasileiro.
Some activists advocate adding the American XL Bully, initially bred from the American pit bull terrier, to the banned list, asserting that dangerous traits have been selectively bred into them.
The XL Bully is not recognized as a breed by the UK’s Kennel Club, which maintains that no dog breed is inherently dangerous. The organization argues that breed-specific bans do not address the primary factors behind attacks, mainly irresponsible dog owners who train their dogs to be aggressive.
These “bully” breeds gained their name from their historical use in activities like bull baiting. They typically have a robust build and heavier bone structure compared to pit bulls.