They’ve never ever done anything wrong,” one woman says of her three XL bully dogs. “We’ve owned bull breeds for 10 years and they’ve never put a foot wrong, we’ve never had altercations in public, we have had nothing but a positive experience.”
Heather Halls and her husband Chris have spent the past few weeks in disbelief after Rishi Sunak announced in September that American XL bully dogs would be banned in the UK following a spate of high-profile attacks and fatalities.
Not only do three of their family dogs fall into this category, but Chris is a professional dog trainer specialising in bulldog breeds, meaning that their entire livelihood is now at stake. They also compete in the Protection Sports Association, by which two of their XL bullies have been awarded titles.
“Essentially, our whole world and what we’ve worked towards in the last few years is about to get flipped on its head,” says Heather.
The couple have now joined forces with other XL bully owners to launch an official campaign to challenge the government’s stance, with more than £86,000 raised in a matter of days to support legal action.
Campaigners from Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me are asking the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to rethink their plans and are fundraising for a judicial review.
Poor breeding to blame for XL bullies attacking people, says dog trainer
With the support of their barrister John Cooper KC, they sent a warning of their intention to launch legal action to the environment secretary Therese Coffey last Thursday, as they hope to scrap the planned ban in favour of tightened laws around breeding and ownership.
Under new legislation, it will be illegal to sell, breed or abandon an XL bully-type dog from 31 December, while it will be an offence to own one from 1 February 2024 unless it is registered to the government’s database, the Index of Exempted Dogs.
Once their animal is registered, owners will have to abide by strict regulations, which include keeping their dogs muzzled and on a lead at all times in public, having them neutered and microchipped, and having to carry a certificate of exemption at all times to show police officers or council dog wardens.
Alongside descriptions of head size and physical features, the government has defined an American XL bully as an adult male from 20in in height, or an adult female from 19in. However, given that XL bullies have never been defined as an official breed, this has confused owners of cross-breeds such as mastiffs and mongrels.
The decision to ban the breed came after deaths relating to XL bully attacks, including those of 10-year-old Jack Lis and 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch. Two people were injured in recent days in Mansfield by a suspected XL bully, while one report holds the breed responsible for nearly 50 per cent of all dog attacks in the UK.
Charities with the banned breed in their care will now receive £100 compensation for euthanising an XL bully, while owners will get £200 compensation if a vet euthanises their dog.
Speaking to The Independent, Sophie Coulthard, an organiser of the campaign group, says: “The problem with this knee-jerk reaction is that it won’t stop dog attacks. We need to focus on licensing and educating owners, with compulsory training and tougher punishments to prevent people from impulse-buying dogs.”
Sophie has owned her XL bully, Billy, for the last year, and has developed a following on TikTok by posting educational videos of his training as well as details of the proposed ban.
“One thing we’ve found is that people are really misinformed on the full impact of the ban,” she says. “What the government is asking me to do is look at their guidelines and commit him to a life on the muzzle, not go on holidays with him, have him muzzled in the car.
“There’d be no more playing with a toy in the park, anyone in social housing could lose their housing or their dog, you can no longer hire private fields to take dogs off the lead. It is really reducing the quality of life for these dogs.”
The group is arguing for the UK to take a similar approach to Canada’s Calgary model, an educational, licensing and stronger enforcement programme that has successfully reduced the number of dog bites by 70 per cent.
“I understand there’s been attacks, and I fully sympathise with anyone who has been a victim, because it’s horrific,” Heather says. “Dog ownership is a complete and utter mess, and people got these dogs in lockdown and haven’t socialised them or trained them. My son was bitten by a dachshund that shot out of a front door, so it’s not just XL bullies.
“Licensing is the right way forward. It’s proven to work in other countries and you can’t ignore the evidence that it works.”
Since the announcement, her five-year-old son panics each time he hears a siren, out of fear that police officers will arrive to take his dogs away. “Our dogs are our family pets,” says Heather. “I’ll do anything to keep my dogs safe. I will fight with my last breath.”
Stray Pup Brings Traffic to a Standstill on the Pan-American Highway in Quest for Beloved Owner
In a world often characterized by the hustle and bustle of daily life, moments of unexpected compassion and extraordinary encounters remind us of the deep bond that can exist between humans and animals. This is the heartwarming tale of a stray puppy who, in his unwavering quest for his beloved owner, brought traffic to a standstill on the busy Pan-American Highway.
As travelers journeyed along the Pan-American Highway, a vital thoroughfare connecting nations and people, they encountered an extraordinary sight. Amidst the cacophony of vehicles and the rush of commuters, there, in the midst of it all, was a solitary and drenched puppy. He was a picture of adorable determination, standing vigilant and unyielding despite the perilous situation posed by the fast-moving cars.
Good Samaritans, concerned for the welfare of this brave little soul, approached the scene. While their hearts overflowed with compassion, they knew that their medical expertise was limited. Nevertheless, they wasted no time in providing the shivering pup with nourishment and comfort. Despite his ordeal, he appeared to be in relatively good condition.
However, the puppy’s anxiety became palpable when he heard the distant barks of other canines. Fearing for his safety amidst the chaotic traffic, the caretakers made the heart-wrenching decision to isolate him in an unoccupied enclosure. There, in this temporary refuge, the puppy was given a name – Pingan – and began his journey toward recovery and a brighter future.
Pingan, with his infectious spirit, quickly captured the hearts of those who crossed his path. But he bore a physical reminder of past challenges – a missing limb, which required extra care and attention. With regular treatments and unwavering care, Pingan began to thrive. He radiated energy and zest for life.
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of this tale is the special bond that blossomed between Pingan and another resident of his newfound sanctuary, a furry friend named Doudou. Doudou seemed to embrace the role of a motherly figure for Pingan, offering him companionship and support as he adjusted to his new life.
Observing Pingan as he settled into his safe and nurturing environment served as a poignant reminder of the profound importance of providing proper care to animals, especially those in need. It reaffirms our duty as compassionate beings to extend a helping hand to those who require it most. Knowing that Pingan now has a warm and secure home, surrounded by love and care, brings immeasurable joy to all who played a part in his journey.
In a world often marked by the relentless march of time and technology, it’s stories like Pingan’s that serve as timeless reminders of the enduring bond between humans and animals. It’s a bond that transcends language, borders, and even the bustling traffic of a major highway, reminding us all of the beauty of compassion and the extraordinary journeys that can unfold when hearts are open to the call of those in need.
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