After a spate of attacks involving XL bully dogs, the Primer Minister announced plans for the dogs to be added to the banned breed list.
Rishi Sunak said that once the new breed has been identified, owners will need to register their pet and follow certain rules to be able to keep them. Though the specifics of the ban have not yet been set out, it is expected rules will include neutering the dog, microchipping them, keeping them on a lead and muzzle when in public.
PDSA Vet Lynne James has shared her insight into what this means right now, and in the near future, for dog owners and the general public. Lynne said: "Although plans to introduce a ban have been announced, the ban is not currently in place, meaning owners and their dogs can continue their daily routines, as usual, until we await further announcements from the Government.
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"Although we don’t know full details, we do know they plan to allow responsible dog owners to keep their ‘American XL bully’ dogs through a registration scheme. This means dogs can remain with owners, as long as certain rules are followed and the dog is not decided by the courts to be ‘dangerous’.
"The ‘American XL Bully’ is not currently a ‘recognised breed’ in the UK, and the Government will firstly need to define what the breed looks like. It’s not illegal to own an ‘American XL bully’ at this time and won’t be until the law has been updated.
"Government timelines have not yet been announced, but it is possible this could take several months. It is important for owners of ‘American XL bullies’ to realise there is nothing they need to do at this time whilst we await further information from the Government."
Once the ban is implemented , owners will be given time to meet any Government requirements. However, in the meantime, there are some things that owners can do.
To prepare, owners of the XL bully can:
- Register their dog at a vet
- Ensure their dog is microchipped (which is already a legal requirement)
- Arrange to have their dog neutered
- Look into third party insurance
- Begin to introduce positive muzzle training (if your dog isn’t already comfortable wearing a muzzle)
What should the public do?
Discussing what the public should do it they see a bully, Lynne said: "The simple answer is absolutely nothing. It is still legal to own an ‘American XL Bully’ dog, so if you see one out and about you do not need to report it.
"Until the details of the ban are confirmed these dogs do not legally need to be on a lead (in a park or exercising area) or wear a muzzle in public. If you have concerns about the dangerous or aggressive behaviour of any dog, you should report this to the police or local authority.
"Only report a dog if you are concerned about their behaviour, simply owning ‘American XL bully’ dogs does not need to be reported to the authorities at this time."
How to stay safe around XL bully dogs
She added: "You should always be calm and quiet when interacting with dogs. Never approach an unknown dog without checking with their owner first, and make sure you ask their owner before stroking them.
"Do not approach a dog that is alone outside or running around loose in a garden. If you do see an unaccompanied dog, we recommend you call the council or report the dog online, rather than approaching it, as it may be injured or distressed.
"We also recommend that you never run or shout around an unfamiliar dog. More advice on dealing with a dog attack can be found on PDSA’s website."
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