XL Bully ban: Rescue centres could 'grind to a halt'
Freshfields Animal Rescue staff think they'll struggle to cope
Last updated 21st Sep 2023
It's feared that rescue centres in Merseyside and across the country will 'grind to a halt' if the government's plan to ban XL bullies is followed through.
The Prime Minister wants to make the breed illegal in the UK after a host of attacks - including one in St Helens last year that led to the death of 17-month-old girl.
Staff at Freshfields Rescue Centre near Formby are worried the ban will lead to them having a centre full of XLs, which will block spaces and make it 'impossible' to rescue and rehome other dogs in need.
Mel Kermode, Operations Manager at Freshfields Animal Rescue, said:
"We are in an area where they (bully breeds) are a popular type of dog. They've always been a high percentage of what we see and I can only see that escalating now.
Rescue centres all over the country are full to bursting
"Rescue centres all over the country are full to bursting and already struggling to cope with the surrenders and strays that we already have. To add so many bull breeds in that are potentially going to be abandoned or the owners quite simply can't cope with the process that's coming in, or they need placing as they're being hopefully exempted, it's a huge weight in terms of space and resources that the rescues will, quite frankly, really struggle to cope with and don't get any resources to do so.
"No matter how big a centre you are, you can always fill the spaces. There's always waiting lists and we're aware for every dog we take, there's others that are waiting and may not get a space wherever they are and sadly that could have an outcome that's not good for anyone.
There's concern that many owners will panic and abandon their pets - Freshfields has described the government's blanket ban plan as 'an almighty, and sadly very predictable, mess.'
Their policy is never to put a healthy animal to sleep, so it's feared that dogs who are more easily rehomed will end up being put to sleep elsewhere.
Ms Kermode adds:
"Rehoming is slow generally at the moment because people are being sensible with the cost of living.
"Add to that another set of dogs needing rehoming, it's an absolute nightmare and it's going to put such a pressure on everyone and there will be dogs, of all types, but catastrophically the XL bully types, that will be euthanized."
This decision by the Prime Minister follows the ban of pitbulls in the UK, which was made in the 1990s.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act - the Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro are also banned in the UK.
Freshfields says while this ban may discourage breeders of XL bully types, it presents the opportunity for them to breed something else instead.
Ms Kermode adds:
"We are 30 plus years on from the pitbull ban. We still have pitbulls on the streets but we now have a new type.
"We do that again - it's probably only going to follow the same cycle and I know a lot of others in the welfare and veterinary profession believe that as well.
"Stop that breeding"
"What we need to do is stop that breeding, police ownership and implement the other parts of the Dangerous Dogs Act thoroughly and well, which is responsible ownership, which applies to any dog.
"Don't focus on a particular type or breed, it's all dogs. Put the onus on the person on the other end of the lead. You are responsible for your dog - be it a chihuahua, a German Shepherd, a pitbull - behaving in a way that doesn't upset, frighten, threaten or injure another person or pet.
"The responsibility is on that person. Bring your dog up right, treat your dog right and if it doesn't happen, the act is there to impose a deterrent of a sentence. It needs implementing fully and that vicious cycle leads to a need for resources that we can't provide - that has got to come the other way from the government, from the police, whoever is going to do that and it's a huge burden, but that's the route to go to avoid going through the same cycle again."
The centre has published advice on how XL bully owners can prepare for the ban.
That includes:
- Muzzle training your dog, picking the right muzzle and making sure it's worn in all public spaces, including your car.
- Neutering/spaying your dog.
- Using a lead that is no longer than 1.5m and making sure the lead is on in all public places.
- Getting third party liability insurance cover.
- Start working with your dog now to ensure they have basic training and that any behavioral issues are addressed.
- Make sure your house is secured so your dog can't escape.
- Understanding your responsibilities under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
- Cooperating with the police, understanding your rights, and don't sign paperwork without advice.
- Contact Dog Law if your dog is seized.