XL Bully owner says 'cuddly' pup left covered in blood after cat attack
An XL Bully owner says her "cuddly" pup was left covered in blood after being attacked by a cat while it went on a walk wearing a muzzle.
Ten-month-old Nova was being walked in Blackburn when the "terrifying" incident took place on her first day out wearing a muzzle, in line with new laws restricting the ownership of XL bully dogs. Casey Wilson and her mum Karen had struggled to get Nova used to wearing the muzzle but eventually managed to persuade her to put it on. And when the cat launched its attack on Nova, the puppy was unable to get free with the feline's claws dug into her face.
The dog, who is usually "cuddly and bouncy", was left covered in blood following the encounter and her owners said if the attack had been the other way round, people would be calling for the animal to be put down. Karen, who lives in Whitebirk, said that Nova has since been withdrawn and reluctant to leave the house.
"She's such a cuddly, bouncy little thing and it's such a shame for her. The cat just came racing over and dug its claws into her face. I was hysterical with the amount of blood. If it had been the other way round you can guarantee everyone would be calling for the dog to be put down," she said.
"The cat just wouldn't let go. My daughter managed to get hold of it but it then dug into her. Eventually she managed to throw it off her." Since December 31, 2023, it has been against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL Bully. They must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
Furious chimp launches bottle at girl filming him leaving her bleeding at zoo
Nova was described as "cuddly and bouncy" (LancsLive/MEN)
Nova was attacked by a cat on a walk (LancsLive/MEN)"Nova loves going out for walks," Karen told Lancs Live. "She really didn't like wearing the muzzle but we know she has no choice. It's so sad that this was her first walk wearing the muzzle and she's had this experience."
An XL bully is the largest type of American bully dog. Others include standard, pocket and classic. The government has published guidance to help identify XL bullies, which are not recognised as a specific breed by the UK Kennel Club and the government describes them as large dogs "with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for its size".
Male XL dogs stand from 20 inches high at the shoulder, with female XLs only slightly smaller. A dog might be considered an XL Bully if it meets the minimum height and a substantial number of other characteristics, the government says.
Nova was left badly cut from the attack (LancsLive/MEN)XL bullies typically live eight to 13 years. There are no official statistics for how many are in the UK and the ownership of American XL Bully is being restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Since 31 December 2023, it has been against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL Bully. They must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public and from 1 February, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate. Police can seize prohibited dogs, and owners face a criminal record and an unlimited fine.
Anyone choosing not to keep their XL Bully must take it to a registered vet to be euthanised by 31 January 2024 and they can claim up to £200 compensation. They need to get insurance, microchip their dog and pay a £92.40 application fee per animal.
Online applications will close at noon on 31 January 2024 while post or email applications must be received by by January 15, 2024. Older dogs must also be neutered by 30 June, or the end of 2024 if the dog is younger than one.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
