The British government is considering banning American XL bully dogs following a series of attacks in the United Kingdom. Home Secretary Suella Braverman described the breed as a “clear and lethal danger” to people, particularly children. Braverman revealed that she has sought “urgent advice” on the matter after an XL bully attacked three individuals, including an 11-year-old child, over the weekend. Over half of the 10 fatal dog attacks in Britain last year involved an XL bully, according to the Guardian.
The American Bully Kennel Club describes the XL bully as a breed that gives the “impression of great strength for its size.” The British public has increasingly embraced XL bullies in recent years, viewing the dogs’ size and strength as a status symbol. However, experts and social media users were divided over whether recent attacks justified a full ban on the breed. Some advocated for stricter regulation of breeders and dog owners, while others supported a ban due to concerns over the breed’s reactivity and prey drive.
In Britain, if an owner is found to possess a banned breed without special court permission, police or local officials can seize the dog, even if it is not acting dangerously. The dog is then assessed for risk by an expert, and in some cases, euthanized. Owning a dog that is considered dangerously out of control in Britain is an offense that carries an unlimited fine and a prison sentence of up to six months. Dog attacks globally constitute tens of millions of injuries each year, with children at the highest risk.
