Huge UK campsite bans XL Bully dogs as fuming dog owners vow never to return

12 January 2024 , 12:45

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Shell Island is banning XL Bully Dogs (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)

One of the UK's largest campsites has decided to ban American XL Bully dogs. This decision has received mixed reactions, with some praising it and others vowing never to return.

Shell Island in North Wales issued a statement for visitors explaining: "If we believe that your dog is an XL Bully or a banned dog breed, it will be up to you to prove otherwise. If you can not prove this, then you will not be admitted onto the site."

The campsite also stated: "You will now be requested to enter the breed of your dog upon booking online, or on arrival. We know there will be people who are disappointed with this decision, but we have to follow the guidance we have been provided with, especially from our insurance company."

The ban will include the XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.

It's not the first holiday park to put a ban in place (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

It's not the first UK holiday park to make the move. Holiday giant Haven has also banned XL Bullies from its holiday parks after they were listed under the Dangerous Dog Act. Meanwhile, other holiday operators are reportedly considering new policies following advice from insurers.

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From December 31, 2023, selling, breeding or giving away an XL Bully dog is illegal. These dogs must also wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead in public places.

Reactions to Shell Island's policy have been mixed. One visitor said they were "glad" about the decision, while one parent said it would give them "massive peace of mind for my little girls" and praised the campsite for becoming "a safer place".

Shell Island is banning XL Bully dogs (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

Campers who have already booked for 2024 and plan to bring a banned dog may need to cancel their bookings. The campsite is asking these customers to get in touch to cancel their bookings.

Some campers have called the decision "ridiculous" and "absolutely shocking". Others accused the campsite of canine discrimination. One woman said: "No more Shell for us," while a man declared: "I'll never set foot on that island ever again."

The decision sparked a debate on Shell Island's Facebook page about breed-specific bans. Some argued that it would be impossible to keep all XL Bullies muzzled and on a lead at campsites, as required by new laws. One woman asked: "Would it be fair to muzzle a dog 24/7? How could it eat or drink?"

However, some criticised the general approach taken by tourism operators. One woman shared: "I have a campervan with an extremely well-trained American bulldog with public liability insurance. I also have a Chi x who is an ASBO. The ASBO is allowed but my big soft brush isn't!"

As XL Bullies are crossbreeds, there are no breed standards. Instead, the UK Government has created its own specifications, which include their build and the size of their head and muzzle. A minimum height from the ground to the top of the shoulders (withers) has also been specified.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Andrew Forgrave