17 September 2023 , 16:53
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Ferocious XL Bully dogs will not be culled despite being banned after a series of fatal attacks.
Instead owners will be allowed to keep registered dogs if they have them neutered and muzzle them in public. But some experts fear the measures do not go far enough. Last week Ian Price, 52, was mauled to death by two dogs in Stonnall, Staffs.
The next day, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the XL Bully would be banned before next year. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said there will be an amnesty for owners if they comply with the new rules, including taking out insurance.
However, some believe more drastic action is needed. Commons Environment Committee chairman Sir Robert Goodwill MP said: “These dogs live well over 12 years and we can’t wait a decade to remove this threat. Imagine if you are living next door to someone with one of these dogs and you have young children. Would you want one of these killer dogs next door for the next decade?”
Ian Price died in a dog attack in Staffordshire last week (Staffordshire Police / SWNS)Pippa Apps, founder of Best Behaviour School for Dogs, said: “I wouldn’t have one in my house. They are too dangerous. These new measures don’t go far enough and will encourage people to breed them illegally.” Earlier this month in Birmingham, Ana Paun, 11, was badly bitten by an XL Bully which also attacked two men. The breed has been linked to ten deaths since 2021.
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey will meet with experts to define the breed, which originated in the US in the 1980s when American pitbull terriers were crossed with Staffordshire terriers. Animal charities, including the RSPCA, have said banning Bullys will not stop attacks and have urged the Government to tackle unscrupulous breeders.