On the 15th of September 2023, Rishi Sunak announced his plan to ban XL Bully’s by the end of this year. This is due to a rise of deaths and injuries caused by the breed over the past few years.
XL Bully’s will have to be micro chipped, neutered, kept on a lead, insured, and muzzle trained by the end of 2023.
According to Bully Watch Website there has been:
351 documented attacks caused by Large Bully breeds just this year in the UK.
43% of attacks have been caused by Large Bully breeds this year in the UK.
11 confirmed deaths and 3 suspected deaths caused by Large Bully breeds since 2021.
On their website, they have collected 103 pages of attack stories on Large Bully breeds this year.
Whilst most coverage of the recent attacks has been negative towards the breed of mutt, I spoke with Ryan Pollard (44), someone who currently owns a XL Bully who had a lot to say about the current climate surrounding the breed.
What was the reason you chose an XL Bully?
“A friend of mine had XL Bully’s and I got used to having a bigger dog around which made me want to get one for myself.”
When did you get your XL Bully and what’s his name?
“I got this XL Bully 12 weeks ago, so just before it broke on the news about the bans coming along but I have had XL Bully’s in the past. The one I have now is named Axel. I previously had a girl name Blue.
Do you agree or disagree with the new laws that Rishi Sunak is putting in place and what is your reasoning for that view?
“I do not agree with the new laws Rishi Sunak is trying to put in place because I think that the problem is at the other end of the lead. The owners are the problem. Backstreet breeders give them to young kids who think they can use them as weapons. That is where all the bad press comes from. I have never had any problems with my dogs.”
Did you think that a ban would happen at some point as some people perceive XL Bully’s as violent or is this something you couldn’t of imagined happening?
“I could definitely see it happening because of all of the reports in the news and press. It’s like one big cycle. It used to be Staffies , Rottweilers and now it’s the XL Bully’s unfortunately.”
Do you personally feel safe around this dog and feel it’s safe leaving him around other people?
“100%. I always feel it safe to leave my XL Bully around other people and always feel safe myself. I have never ever felt out of place being around XL Bully’s”
Fellow owners of the breed have been protesting against these new laws (as shown in the video below, alongside some comments from the upload).
