In recent weeks, social media has been filled with alarming messages about the situation of the American Bully XL in the United Kingdom. Just a few days before the British government’s decision to ban this dog breed comes into effect, many of these dogs are being rehomed in foster homes outside the country. From February 1, this breed will be illegal in the country due to the measure adopted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s executive.
This veto arose in response to a series of deadly attacks carried out by this breed in recent years. In 2021, for example, a man lost his life in Walsall and a minor was seriously injured in Birmingham after being attacked by these canines. Without going any further, this week, one of these dogs savagely attacked two men on a farm in Scotland. The person responsible for the animal was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the attack.
The ban on this breed not only implies a veto on its commercialization and reproduction, but also poses drastic measures for current owners. Those who wish to keep their American Bully XL must meet rigorous requirements. These include the payment of a fee of 105 euros, the contracting of special insurance, the sterilization of the animals and the obligation to always carry them muzzled and tied.
The alternative for those who do not comply with these requirements is to face fines or the confiscation of their dogs. Furthermore, a strong controversy has arisen around the possibility of opting for euthanasia as a solution to this new regulation. In fact, the executive has planned a measure to subsidize these sacrifices.
The situation has generated criticism both inside and outside the country, and several initiatives have already emerged to find foster homes or adoption families for American Bully XLs outside British borders. The resistance of some owners and defenders of the breed has led to questioning the effectiveness and ethics of the measure adopted by the government.
American Bully XLs are illegal in Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. The breed is also restricted in some countries, including the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, it is worth noting that there are other dog breeds that fall under the United Kingdom’s Dangerous Dogs Act, which bans any dog ??that is “dangerously out of control.” These are: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
