Britain plans to ban the American XL bully dog breed by the end of the year following a recent fatal attack, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Friday.
“The American XL bully dog is a threat to our communities, especially our children,” Sunak said in a video statement shared on “Share what we have all seen.” “We witnessed another suspected XL bully dog attack, which tragically resulted in the death of a man.”
It is clear that the American XL Bully Dog is a danger to our communities.
I have ordered immediate action to define and ban this breed so we can end these violent attacks and keep people safe. pic.twitter.com/Qlxwme2UPQ
– Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) 15 September 2023
According to BBCThe XL Bully breed has been linked to at least two fatal attacks this year and six out of 10 fatal dog attacks in Britain last year.
Sunak said: “This is a pattern of behavior and it cannot continue. While owners already have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, I want to reassure people that we are working hard to stop these attacks and protect the public. “We are working urgently on security measures.”
While the breed is officially recognized in the US, in the UK it would need to be legally defined as a dog breed for their government to ban it under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The Prime Minister said that he has already given the order to take this first step.
Other breeds already banned in the UK include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
The American XL Bully is an extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier. United Kennel Club Their behavior has been described as gentle and friendly and the breed has been said to be an “excellent family dog”.