Achi news desk-
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The American dog breed “XL Bully” is facing a possible ban following a recent incident in Birmingham, where an uncontrollable pet went on a rampage.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has stated her intention to seek “urgent guidance” on banning this breed following the “shocking” attack on an 11-year-old girl during the incident.
West Midlands Police launched an investigation following an attack in the Bordesley Green area on Saturday, which left the young woman and two men who came to her aid injured.
“This is outrageous. American bully XL is a clear and deadly danger to our communities, especially to children,” Ms. Braverman wrote on social media. “We can’t go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.”
Mrs. Braverman and Policing Minister Chris Philp launched this advisory process last week, prompted by data showing that the XL Bully breed has been linked to the majority of fatal dog attacks in the UK since 2021.
In that year, two out of four such attacks involved the XL Bulldog, a figure which increased to six out of ten in 2022.
Animal welfare experts are expressing concerns that without swift measures to stop the introduction of genetically engineered American cross-breeds into Britain, there could be a significant increase in deaths.
While Mrs. Braverman has asked for this advice, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for adding the breed to the prohibited list.
The recent incident happened in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon while the dog’s owner was walking him. A video captured from the top deck of a bus, which was circulating online, captured the chaotic scene as the dog went on a rampage.
During the attack, the little girl suffered injuries to her arms from the dog. A brave man managed to intervene and take the dog away from her. Seeking safety, the girl sought refuge in a nearby shop, but Bully XL managed to break free.
The dog then went after another man, who was wearing a white T-shirt and shorts. This chase led to the forecourt of a petrol station where the man was then attacked by the dog. Thankfully, the dog was eventually stopped after being hit.
West Midlands Police have reported that the dog involved in the incident has been placed in secure kennels while the investigation continues, and the owner has been interviewed by law enforcement officers.
Social media footage gives disturbing glimpses of these dogs chasing victims, with one video from London capturing the harrowing moment one of these dogs tackled a screaming woman, causing serious injuries.
Recently, it emerged that two Bully XL dogs were responsible for a brutal attack on 22 pregnant sheep and injured 48 others in Wales. This attack prompted a farmer to take the drastic measure of shooting the two dogs.
Despite being banned in the UK for almost 200 years, authorities have expressed concerns about a resurgence of dog fighting in Britain, with these breeds being the preferred choice. The muscular American Bully XL can display extreme aggression due to a history of violent training and extensive inbreeding.
Unregulated breeders are clandestinely producing massive “mutant crossbreeds” by mating banned pit bulls with legally permitted mastiffs and bulldogs, taking advantage of loopholes in dangerous dog laws to avoid detection.
Saturday’s attack represents the latest in a string of similar incidents that appear to surge during hot weather. As the temperature rises, so do the number of reports of dogs attacking individuals. Tragically, a woman lost her life as a result of being petted by Rottweilers, and several children have suffered permanent scars from such encounters.
Emma Chandley, a practicing veterinarian associated with Perfect Pet Insurance, has pointed out that high summer temperatures can potentially lower the thresholds for aggression in people and animals.
He said: “Dogs are more likely to attack and bite during the warmer summer months. As with humans, tensions tend to rise as the temperature does.
“From my experience, dogs are more likely to bite on hotter days and when the air pollution is higher,” he added.
