UK PM Rishi Sunak announces ban on American bully XL dogs after attack on 30-year-old man
By: Pune Pulse
September 28, 2023
PUNE: The United Kingdom has taken a significant step by prohibiting American bully XL dogs due to concerns over public safety, particularly involving children.
The decision follows a tragic incident in which a man lost his life due to a suspected attack by these dogs.
Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, who has been vocal about the dangers posed by these canines, has announced the ban, which is expected to be enforced by the end of the year.
The Prime Minister has described the recent fatality as “another suspected XL bully attack,” emphasizing that this ban is not a reaction to isolated incidents of poorly trained dogs but rather a response to a pattern of dangerous behavior that poses a risk to the public.
As per the information provided, to implement this ban, Sunak has directed law enforcement and experts to legally define the breed responsible for these attacks. This definition will serve as the basis for enforcing the ban under the existing Dangerous Dogs Act, which applies across England, Wales, and Scotland. While emphasizing the need for dog owners to control their pets, Sunak has also assured the public of urgent measures to prevent such attacks and protect citizens.
According to reports, emergency services were called on Thursday for a man who was grievously injured after being attacked by two dogs. “Unfortunately, after arrival at the hospital, despite the best efforts it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him (and) he was confirmed deceased,” the West Midlands Ambulance Service said.
A 30-year-old man has been apprehended by Staffordshire Police on suspicion of possessing dogs that are dangerously out of control. The authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the breed of the dogs involved in the attack.
However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed suspicion that the dogs in question may be American bully XL, a breed known for its robust and muscular appearance.
This incident marks the second occurrence of its kind in the United Kingdom within a week. On Saturday, an 11-year-old girl sustained injuries in an attack by a Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreed puppy and an American bully XL. “It is evident that this issue extends beyond a few poorly trained dogs.
It represents a recurring pattern of behavior that cannot be tolerated. While dog owners already bear the responsibility of keeping their pets under control, I want to assure the public that we are actively working on measures to prevent these attacks and safeguard our communities,” stated Rishi Sunak.
“I have instructed ministers to collaborate with law enforcement and experts to firstly determine the specific breed of dogs involved in these attacks, with the intention of subsequently outlawing them,” added the Prime Minister.
Currently, certain breeds such as the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro are prohibited in the United Kingdom. The American bully XL, despite its connection to the pit bull terrier and larger size, is not subject to any legal restrictions. Furthermore, it lacks official recognition as a distinct breed by the country’s Kennel Club, which poses challenges in establishing regulatory measures for this breed.
