XL Bully dog owners plan mass walk - and say 'bring as many kids as possible'
In a bid to challenge stereotypes and defend their beloved breed, XL Bully dog owners in Birmingham are planning a mass walk.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 30, is being organised with the hope of attracting "as many people and kids as possible". The aim is to demonstrate the gentle nature of the breed, which has been under scrutiny following a series of attacks. Owners insist that their dogs are affectionate and pose no threat to others. This sentiment is echoed by hundreds of thousands who have signed an online petition to "save" the breed from potential outlawing.
The call-to-action for the event, circulating online, reads: "Bully meet - all dogs welcome. Wanna see as many people as possible. Bring as many people and kids as possible. Friendly walk! We can't be stopped for walking our dogs." The message continues: "Let's show how gentle the XL Bully really is. Let's get this out there - anyone from Birmingham or surrounding areas turn up, let's prove people wrong!"
The online poster advertising the event (Instagram)
The breed is under scrutiny following a spate fo attacks (Getty Images)Jake Harris, who runs the 0121 Bullys Instagram and TikTok account, spoke to BirminghamLive about the upcoming event. He explained that the meet-up was being organised because they "need to show people that the XL Bullies are not the problem". He added: "It's all about the owners - I've got three XL Bullies and not one of them would hurt a soul."
Despite their intimidating appearance, Harris insists that these dogs are perfect family pets. He said: "Yes they might look big and scary but they are big family dogs! I've got my fingers crossed there will be a lot of families there." In a rallying cry for canine companions, an anonymous advocate declared, "We need to stand up for our dogs. We need to show the government how friendly and loving our big dogs are."
XL Bully attack leaves her needing surgery on arms as she tries to save daughter
The exact location for this dog-lovers' meet-up is yet to be disclosed but will be shared closer to the event day. The initial advert hinted at the B20 area, encompassing parts of Handsworth and Handsworth Wood, as the potential venue.
XL Bully owners in Birmingham are going to great lengths to exercise their pets following the government's controversial decision to ban the breed. Owners are reportedly travelling miles outside the city or even hiring private fields to walk their dogs without fear of confiscation, according to a local kennel owner.
Steve Constantinou, proprietor of Spartan Kennels in Coventry, revealed that Brummie XL Bully owners were resorting to private fields, where dogs can run freely off-leash, due to concerns about the impending breed ban. He shared that some owners were so anxious they were "frightened to take their dogs out", with one woman even hiding "behind a tree" as he walked past with his XL Bully.
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up The Mirror's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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