UK Pushes Ban On American Pit Bulls After 11-Year-Old Girl Attacked
Matthew Russell
The United Kingdom's Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, is spearheading a controversial initiative to ban American Bully XL dogs. According to CBS, this move comes in response to a harrowing incident where an 11-year-old girl fell victim to a vicious attack by one of these dogs.
Braverman's outcry, echoed across social media platforms, brands the American Bully XL breed as a "clear and lethal danger" to public safety, especially children.
Photo: PexelsAmerican Bully XL dogs are often characterized by their muscular build and striking physical presence.
The Perceived Threat
Braverman's concerns raise a critical question: Are American Bully XL dogs a menace that demands immediate action, or is this breed facing an undeserved reputation?
Braverman's Perspective
In her impassioned plea to address the perceived threat, Braverman took to social media, where she declared the American Bully XL's dangers.
"This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children," Braverman wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We can't go on like this."
This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children.
We can’t go on like this.
I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.
— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) September 10, 2023
Braverman acknowledged the urgency of the situation and signaled her intent to seek expert advice on implementing a ban.
A Dog Breed Under Scrutiny
While Braverman's call for action is compelling, the fate of American Bully XL dogs in the UK is not solely in her hands. The decision to include this breed in the banned list rests with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In this department, concerns have arisen regarding the potential ban's consequences. One significant issue is the American Bully XL's lack of recognition as a specific breed by the Kennel Club, The Independent reports posing difficulties in defining and identifying these dogs accurately. A hasty ban could inadvertently impact other breeds, leading to unintended consequences.
Photo: PexelsContrary to some opinions, American Bully XL dogs can be gentle and loving companions when properly trained and socialized.
The UK's Exclusive List of Banned Breeds
According to Purina, the UK's list of banned dog breeds comprises only four entries:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
Ownership, sale, or breeding of these breeds is illegal, and violators face severe consequences. Any of these prohibited breeds are subject to euthanization if found in the UK.
A Serious Approach to Dog Attacks
The UK authorities adopt a stringent approach to dog attacks. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ensures the enforcement of the law, and penalties for dog attacks can vary from community protection notices, compelling dog owners to address their pets' behavior, to more severe offenses under the Dangerous Dogs Act. In the latter cases, individuals may face imprisonment of up to 14 years, disqualification from ownership, or the euthanization of dangerous dogs.
Photo: PexelsDespite their size and strength, American Bully XL dogs are not typically aggressive toward humans.
Voices of Dissent
While Suella Braverman and some authorities are in favor of banning American Bully XL dogs, there are strong voices of opposition, including the animal charity RSPCA. The RSPCA firmly advocates against breed-specific bans, emphasizing that these measures result in the unnecessary euthanization of countless "innocent" animals based solely on their breed classification. Instead, they call for action to be taken against irresponsible and dangerous dog owners.
Despite the backlash and differences in opinion, Braverman remains resolute in her call for the ban of American Bully XL dogs. She asserts that these dogs are terrorizing communities and pose a specific threat to children.
While the calls for a ban are driven by genuine concerns for public safety, the potential repercussions for responsible pet owners and innocent animals cannot be ignored. As the nation grapples with this divisive issue, one thing is clear: finding a balanced and effective solution is imperative. The safety of both the public and our furry companions depends on it.
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