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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Takes Decisive Action in Response to American Bully XL Attacks

In a significant and necessary move, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a resolute announcement to ban the American Bully XL breed of dogs, following a disturbing spate of recent attacks that have sent shockwaves through the nation.

Tragic Incidents Spark Urgent Action

The urgency behind this decision stems from a tragic incident in Walsall where a man lost his life after a suspected attack by an American Bully XL on a fateful Thursday. Subsequently, an even more distressing incident unfolded in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, where an 11-year-old girl and two men fell victim to an American Bully XL attack on a harrowing Saturday.

A Legal Prohibition on the Horizon

Prime Minister Sunak has pledged to implement this ban before the year's end through legislation that will apply across England, Wales, and Scotland. However, it is essential to note that defining the breed will require meticulous work.

Differing Perspectives

While owners passionately argue that these dogs make affectionate and endearing household companions, their fearsome appearance and imposing physicality have fueled concerns among the public.

Unpacking the American Bully

Originating in the late 1980s in the United States, American bullies emerged through the crossbreeding of American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. There exist four distinct variations: standard, pocket, classic, and XL. The XL variant, in particular, can weigh upwards of nine stone (60kg) and possesses the strength to overpower an adult.

In the United States, the American Bully is recognized as a distinct breed. However, it lacks acknowledgment from key British dog associations, including the Kennel Club. Bully Watch, a group of policy experts based in London, reports that this breed began appearing in the UK around 2014 or 2015, with a noticeable surge in numbers during the pandemic.

The United Kennel Club in the US describes American bullies as "excellent family dogs" with gentle and friendly demeanors, while also acknowledging a tendency toward dog aggression within the breed.

The Ban Implementation

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss assures that there will be no mass culling of American Bully XLs. Instead, the government plans to adopt an "amnesty" approach, requiring owners to register their dogs and take specific actions. Neutering, muzzling in public, and leash usage are among the prescribed measures. Compliance with these actions will enable owners to retain their pets.

The introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991 marked a pivotal moment in dealing with banned breeds in the UK. Breeding, selling, or gifting prohibited breeds within the country was restricted, and strict measures were enforced when in public. An "amnesty period" allowed for certain conditions to be met by existing owners.

Presently, a breed-specific exemption scheme exists for banned breeds, requiring court assessment and the fulfillment of several stringent conditions for owners seeking to keep their dogs.

The Challenging Task of Banning American Bully XLs

Banning the American Bully XL under existing legislation poses substantial challenges due to the breed's complex definition. Concerns have been raised that such a ban might inadvertently encompass a range of other dogs. The Department for Farming, Environment, and Rural Affairs has been actively engaged in formulating plans to outlaw the American Bully XL, with consultations involving experts to precisely define the breed.

The Lethality of the American Bully

Aside from the recent incidents, American bullies have been associated with several high-profile attacks. These include the tragic death of a 65-year-old grandmother in Liverpool, who was killed while attempting to break up a fight between her two American bullies. In another heart-wrenching incident, a 17-month-old toddler was fatally mauled in St Helens, just a week after her family had acquired one of these dogs.

Noted NHS consultant surgeon Richard Baker emphasizes the severity of injuries inflicted by American bullies due to their powerful jaws. Such injuries typically involve crushing or tearing, as these dogs do not readily release their grip. The consequences often result in broken bones, shredded skin, and damaged nerves.

Public Health journal research from 2022 indicated a sudden surge in dog attack-related deaths in England and Wales, with 10 reported cases compared to an average of three in previous years. According to Bully Watch, they have identified 14 deaths linked to the American Bully since 2021, though independent verification is pending.

Divergent Opinions on Breed Bans

Not all organizations support breed-specific bans, as exemplified by the Dog Control Coalition, which includes notable entities such as Battersea, Blue Cross, the Dogs Trust, and the Kennel Club. They contend that such bans have proven ineffective over the years. Instead, they advocate for addressing the root issue by targeting unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible owners.

Conversely, some owners ardently maintain that the American Bully is no more dangerous than any other breed. However, NHS consultant surgeon Mr. Baker, who has firsthand experience with dog attack cases, vehemently disagrees. He asserts that there is no reason for responsible individuals to own a dog bred for violence, emphasizing the needless risk of harboring a vicious and dangerous animal.

The Criminal Connection

It's evident that the American Bully is gaining popularity, and there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that criminal gangs are drawn to these dogs due to their strength and intimidating features. A BBC Panorama investigation underscored the connection between organized crime and the breeding of American bullies, with potential for financial gains and money laundering.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has also pointed out that oversized dogs continue to serve as "status symbols" among criminals, further accentuating the need for stringent measures.

The UK's decision to ban the American Bully XL breed is a complex and contentious issue, marked by divergent opinions, tragic incidents, and the challenge of precisely defining the breed in question. The ban's efficacy and its impact on public safety remain topics of fervent debate.