'Up to 100' XL Bully dogs set to gather and show they're 'fantastic family pets'
An ex-soldier turned dog trainer is planning to hold a rally of up to one hundred XL Bullies to show people that they're "fantastic family pets".
Coming just a day after a similar event was cancelled in the Midlands, Scott Godman is holding the event in an effort to challenge negative perceptions of the breed of dogs. He is planning the event in Hull, on a series of local playing fields where he will provide important advice on the breed and training them.
This comes as the breed is set to be banned by the end of the year after an announcement from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It followed dad-of-two Ian Price, 52, being killed in a brutal attack by two dogs, and another video when viral of an attack in which an 11-year-old girl suffered serious injuries during another rampage.
An Xl Bully being trained (Goodman's Dog Academy)
Scott insists that they aren't bad dogs, but have been tarnished by a small number of bad owners (Getty Images)Speaking to HullLive Scott said: "Because of the ban coming in so many owners are scared of what will happen to their XL bully dogs which are actually fantastic family pets. I'm not sure how many will turn up. We could have just ten XL bully dogs or 100 could turn up.
“I would provide free training for those who are struggling with their dogs. We can also help with advice when the new rules when the ban come in, such as how to muzzle your dog. They need to be comfortable with a muzzle and not get stressed out. I don’t want people losing their dogs just because they don’t know what to do when the new rules come in. I want everyone to become responsible owners.”
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
XL Bully owners won't see their pets culled when new rules come in but instead will likely face restrictions - including a requirement to have the dogs neutered. It is expected the approach will be similar to the way the ban on pit bull terriers was introduced.
Scott said he felt obliged to organise the event after an influx of calls from worried dog owners. He said no money will be made from the event, and any money that is will go to Hull Animal Welfare and he only hopes to ensure no owner loses their dog unnecessarily.
He added: "I have had quite a few calls from owners worried their dogs will be put down. But this will not happen so long as they are not deemed dangerous." He firmly believes that the breed itself is not at fault and attributes the XL bullys' tarnished reputation to a handful of irresponsible owners. Scott also opposes the idea of banning the breed outright.
On September 21, campaigners in Birmingham expressed their desire to demonstrate the breed's gentle nature. This comes in response to plans to outlaw the breed following a series of violent incidents. However, due to public outcry, the event has been modified to a people-only walk. Participants are encouraged to create t-shirts, jumpers, and banners "to show off our loving giants" instead of bringing their pets along.
* 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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