Following numerous serious and, in some instances, fatal attacks involving American XL bully dogs, the British government has legislated to ban them. From December 31, 2023 onwards, breeding, selling, advertising, exchanging, gifting, and allowing these dogs to stray will all become illegal activities within England and Wales.
However, animal welfare charities are advocating for the government to focus more on responsible breeding and ownership than on breed-specific bans.
American XL Bully Dogs
The British government recently expanded its list of banned dog breeds with an announcement to ban American XL bully dogs, following several attacks involving them that some claim are similar to pit bulls. While many advocates and experts supported this move, others have voiced opposition, stating that breed-specific bans do not work and instead blaming irresponsible dog ownership itself as the real issue.
The new law, set to take effect on December 31, 2023, will make it illegal to sell, advertise, rehome, give away, or abandon an XL bully dog and prohibit taking one into public without proper leads and muzzles. In order to assist current owners in complying, the government will gradually roll out these rules starting in February 2024. Current owners should obtain a Certificate of Exemption while adhering to stringent requirements such as microchipping their pups before public access, keeping them on leads and muzzles in public and neutering deadlines that vary based on age.
At present, anyone observing an XL bully should contact the authorities immediately. While breed-specific laws will compensate those opting to have their animals euthanized, critics argue they do not effectively address the cause of the problem: backyard breeders who raise dogs in unhygienic conditions and train them for aggression.
Pit Bull Terriers
Following several attacks that resulted in one fatality, the UK government will add the XL bully dog breed to their list of banned canines beginning in 2023. This decision will go into effect immediately.
The XL bully breed has a history of being used for fighting and has been linked with at least eight deaths and 60 disfiguring injuries to humans. They also attacked a girl walking to the shops with her sister, leaving the victim with severe scarring and bruises from an attack caught on security camera footage.
However, this ban does not extend to Northern Ireland or Scotland; these countries already have their own policies restricting pit bulls, Japanese tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros.
A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs confirmed that an updated definition of an XL bully would be included in any ban governing these dogs. As these breeds are commonly crossbred in backyard kennels under harsh conditions and treated cruelly, adding them to a banned list may help stop such abuses, while compensation will also be offered to owners who must put down their pets, encouraging them to accept responsibility for their actions.
Japanese Tosa
The Japanese Tosa was initially developed for dog fighting but is now banned in several countries, including the UK. Despite their history, these gentle canines typically make excellent family pets; however, training and socialisation will likely be needed in order to become well-adjusted adults. Unfortunately, however, this breed can suffer from health problems in middle age, such as bone and joint issues or cancer.
The Tosa is a Japanese fighting dog originating in Kochi prefecture. Bred as fighting animals for centuries before crossing with Kochies, Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards from Europe for maximum fighting power, its genetic makeup produces large, powerful dogs that may be difficult to control.
Though the XL Bully breed of dogs has not yet been banned in the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently stated that it will soon be added to a list of prohibited breeds due to multiple incidents involving serious and fatal attacks from these canines on our communities, particularly children, who often become the targets. He highlighted their danger to local residents, as he stated they present a serious risk to both communities as a whole and to individual children in particular, who often become the targets.
The XL Bully breed of dog has been linked with more than half of UK fatal dog attacks during the past year. Growing to weigh over 130 pounds, its history as a fighter and its aggression towards children have led the government to propose banning this particular strain of breed.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino breed of dogs originated in Argentina for dog fighting and hunting purposes. These powerful and muscular canines are known for their strength and power; however, without proper training, they may also pose risks that are dangerous to human safety. As a result, the government of Argentina banned these large muscular breeds in 2023.
Owners can still obtain proof that their dog does not belong to one of the banned breeds by passing an evaluation conducted by either police or council experts and receiving a certificate proving it does not pose any dangers to public safety; muzzling will be mandatory and special insurance must be obtained. Otherwise, their dog could be confiscated and sent directly back home or kept incarcerated until the court rules on whether it will return home or be put down permanently.
Crossbreds may be considered illegal if they share physical characteristics with any of the four breeds banned in the UK, with assessments done by an experienced dog handler with knowledge of legislation and handling. A dog legislation officer makes these assessments.
Following several serious and fatal attacks by Dogo Argentinos, the UK government will implement a ban by 2023. They will join other breeds such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, and Fila Braziliero on this list of banned breeds in Britain.