The UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has pledged to outlaw the breeding and sale of killer XL bully dogs following a recent brutal attack on an 11-year-old girl and two men who tried to intervene in Birmingham. Bully dogs have been responsible for nine deaths, including three children, since 2021. Braverman stated that these dogs pose a significant threat to communities, particularly to children, and called for urgent action to put an end to this danger.
A Clear and Lethal Danger
Braverman branded XL bully dogs as "a clear and lethal danger" and expressed her intention to ban them in the UK. She tweeted, "The American XL bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children. We can't go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them." The Home Secretary, along with Policing Minister Chris Philp, has sought urgent advice to enhance public safety and explore options to ban the breeding and sale of American bullys.
Shocking Statistics
American bullys, including the XL breed, have accounted for 73% of dog-related deaths in the UK since 2022, despite representing only a small percentage of the total canine population. According to Bully Watch UK, the number of attacks makes Britons 270 times more likely to be killed by American bullys than any other breed. This alarming trend emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect the public from these dangerous dogs.
Horror Attack Caught on Video
A disturbing video posted on social media captured the horrifying attack that prompted the Home Secretary's call for a ban. The footage shows an XL bully dog mauling an 11-year-old girl and later attacking a man who tried to intervene. The dog viciously bit the girl's arm and continued its rampage by chasing another man into a petrol station, causing him to fall over. Both victims sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital.
Links to Illegal Breeding
XL Bullys are bred from a combination of dogs, primarily the American pit bull terrier, which has been banned in the UK since 1991. However, underground breeders continue to mix legal pit bulls with other dogs, resulting in the creation of XL bullys. Earlier this year, an investigation revealed unregistered breeders selling these dogs for as much as £2,500 online. This highlights the presence of illegal breeding operations contributing to the proliferation of dangerous dogs.
Support for the Ban
Former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland expressed his support for the ban, expressing deep concern over the rising number of attacks by XL bully dogs on people, pets, and livestock. Dog breeder Stan Rawlinson highlighted the dangers of these dogs, especially their powerful and reactive nature. Animal rights organization Peta also pointed out that bully breeds are responsible for most serious and fatal dog attacks.
The Home Secretary's commitment to banning XL bully dogs signifies a crucial step in ensuring public safety and protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from the severe harm caused by these dangerous animals. Action needs to be taken promptly to prevent further tragedies.
