Controversial Ban on American XL Bully Dogs Implemented in England and Wales

A ban on American XL bully dogs has been put into effect in England and Wales, following a rise in violent attacks involving these breeds. Owners are now required to apply for an exemption if they wish to keep their pets, which demands evidence of neutering and liability insurance. In addition, all XL bullies must be muzzled and kept on a leash while in public.

Prior to 2021, the United Kingdom experienced an average of three fatal dog attacks per year. However, since then, there has been a significant increase in such incidents, with many involving American XL bullies, according to reports from CBS News partner network BBC News. Emma Whitfield, whose 10-year-old son was killed by an American XL bully in 2021, stated last September, “These dogs aren’t cared for by the breeders—they just want money—so from the greed at the start (and) irresponsible ownership in the middle, we’ve got children dying.”

The American bully is not recognized as a specific dog breed by the U.K. Kennel Club. Instead, it is considered a type of bulldog resulting from crossbreeding various breeds, including Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs. The government of the U.K. has published guidelines to assist in the identification of XL bullies, describing them as having a muscular body and a blocky head, indicating considerable strength and power proportionate to their size.

Before the inclusion of American XL bullies, it was already illegal to sell, own, breed, and abandon four other dog breeds in the U.K.: the Pit bull terrier, the Dogo Argentino, the Japanese Tosa, and the Fila Brasileiro. If a dog belongs to any of these breeds, the police have the authority to confiscate it, even in cases where no complaints have been made against the animal. In September 2023, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to ban American Bully XLs after 52-year-old Ian Price was attacked and killed by two of these dogs. Although members of the public tried to assist Price, they were unable to remove the dogs from him.

Mark Hobrough, a police chief from the U.K.’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, has expressed concerns about the logistical challenges the new ban presents to law enforcement officers. The ban is expected to result in a greater demand for kennel space as court proceedings determine whether dogs should be euthanized. Over 35,000 dogs in the U.K. have already been registered for American XL bully exemptions.

This ban has sparked controversy among dog owners, breeders, and the general public in England and Wales. However, the government maintains that it is necessary to protect public safety, particularly in light of recent tragic incidents involving American XL bully dogs.