XL Bully sellers trying to flog dogs on Gumtree at knockdown prices as ban looms

15 October 2023 , 18:13

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Bull XL owners are selling their pets in their droves (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

Panicking owners of XL Bully dogs are selling their animals online for low prices ahead of an approaching Government ban.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last month announced American XL Bullies will be banned by the end of the year after a string of attacks across the country. As a result, some breeders have dropped prices and even shipped some of the animals abroad where there is still a market for them. One seller said there had been an initial rush of people buying the dogs when the ban was announced, although some of the interested parties were not prepared for the challenge of the animals.

Several of the animals are being sold for less than usual online (Gumtree)

They told the Daily Star: “There's no point putting them up for stupid amounts of and people buying it and then they're stuck in this situation [of owning a banned dog]. It's not fair. If someone came along and messaged saying, 'We'll give one [of the dogs] a good home, but I haven't got any money,' I'd be absolutely fine with that.

“As long as it is out of the way and the dog is safe. A lot of them are going to be going abroad because I know they're going to be safe.”

The woman, who owns six dogs herself, reckons XL Bully violence has become worse since the pandemic and said low prices are attracting buyers who don't know how to handle the dogs. "All this has come about since the prices of dogs dropped," she said. "It's happened since , everyone wanted to be a dog breeder and I honestly feel that's what's caused this."

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A search on selling sites including Gumtree and Pets4Homes showed dozens of results for XL Bullies – both newborn puppies and once-beloved pets. While the once cost between £5,000 and £20,000, one advert saw pups advertised for just £350.

Another ad reads: "We have a beautiful beasty XL pup. She's such a lovely girl. But will need training." A third said: "My boy due to no faults of his own. Going to make a very strong dog. Fantastic around kids and other dogs."

Last weekend, dog owners gathered in Newcastle city centre to protest against the Government ban. And, in Birmingham, XL Bully owners gathered for a mass dog walk to show their displeasure at Mr Sunak's call.

Antony Thrower