Gemma Atkinson has called for "mandatory dog licencing" after plans were announced to ban XL bullies.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak previously announced that his government is seeking to define the XL Bully as a breed before it can be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act by the end of this year. The Prime Minister said the breed is a "a danger to our communities" following a wave of recent attacks involving XL bullies.
Once the ban comes into effect, anyone found with an XL bully can have their pet taken away by the police or local council, even if it has not been acting dangerously. And people are being urged to report any dangerous dogs to protect public safety.
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It comes following many horrific attacks in recent months, including here on Merseyside, and families have spoken out about their terrifying experiences. In July, a seven-year-old girl was mauled by an XL bully in Gorsedale Park, Wallasey and just two days later another XL bully escaped from a property on Park Lane, Maghull, and savaged a small dachshund in the street.
A 60-year-old man was also attacked in a Gateacre street after the XL bully he was walking turned on him, biting him on the arm. But the news has divided opinions as some agree with a ban whereas others do not. One woman previously spoke out against the ban as she warned against "small, yappy dogs".
Today, Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson has spoken out and has shared a message to XL bully owners as she calls for all breeds and all sizes to have a licence.
Taking to her Instagram stories she wrote: "Dog licensing should be mandatory for all owners. Regardless of breed. Because like humans, every dog is a product of its environment and every dog has the potential to turn when they feel threatened or are trained to do so by a small percent of irresponsible owners.
"To all the responsible bully owners, I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. I hope the owners of the dogs that attacked those poor people get the correct punishment. Shame on them. Dogs are not money makers or a fashion accessory to make you look 'tough'. Treat them properly."
In another story alongside pictures of her with several different dogs, she added: "Every breed. Every size should be raised correctly and come with a license."
Announcing the ban last week, PM Rishi Sunak previously said: “The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children."
He added: "It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it’s a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on. While owners already have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, I want to reassure people that we are urgently working on ways to stop these attacks and protect the public.
"Today I have tasked ministers to bring together police and experts, to firstly define the breed of dog behind these attacks, with the view to then outlawing it."
The UK's chief veterinary officer professor Christine Middlemiss previously shared five things owners must do if you have an XL bully.
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