Self-defence expert's verdict on what to do if American Bully XL dog attacks you
A leading martial arts expert says it is "impossible" to fend off an American Bully XL as he compared the dog breed to having the strength of a "tiger".
Matt Fiddes, founder of the UK's largest martial arts school, is backing calls to ban the dangerous breed following the latest attack, which involved 11-year-old Ana Paun. The schoolgirl was left frightened for her life after the dog latched its teeth into her arm and shoulder before attacking others who tried to help in Birmingham.
The 44-year-old, who was previously Michael Jackson's bodyguard, is now warning members of the public to "stay away" from the animal and to run if they sense an attack.
Matt, from Swindon, Wilts, said: "The trouble with a breed like that is that honestly, even if you're Bruce Lee, you're screwed. If you're fighting them with your bare hands, you lose. They're so tenacious, they'll fight you like a tiger." He explained that objects like tables, chairs, or even handbags could act as a barrier or deterrent.
"Your only option is to run or to call for help," he added. "It's not worth the risk going anywhere near them. If you ever are confronted by one of them and you cannot escape, you can try and fight the animal with items in your surroundings. Sometimes even larger animals like this get scared off if you actually fight back."
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Matt used to be Michael Jackson's bodyguard (SWNS)He urged people to try to recognise danger "well in advance" and ensure they are aware of their surroundings. Matt continued: "That is always the best option for other threats, whether it's a gun, a knife or just someone acting strangely on a train - you should just avoid the situation. If you see these animals, or someone suspicious, you should get out of their way."
Matt highlighted that it can be difficult for children to understand this concept and shared how his four-year-old wanted to pet every animal they see. But he stressed that it takes "just one second for an animal to turn aggressive." The expert believes that breeds deemed dangerous should be treated like wild animals under law and added that owning such pets seems to have become a "status symbol" for young men.
"Since the lockdown, it just seems like the latest status symbol. Men want to own these dangerous dogs, the latest bulldog, as an ego trip," he said. "When I was younger it was all about Pitbulls. This is just the latest in a long line of dangerous breeds that we should ban. Owners have a responsibility to make sure these animals do not attack people. The Government desperately needs to change the rules to protect people from these breeds."
The Mirror is campaigning to overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act as Brits continue to be killed or seriously injured in vicious dog attacks. For more information visit here.
* 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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