RSPCA renews calls for Government to stop mass euthanasia of XL Bullies

The RSPCA has renewed calls for Government action to prevent XL bullies in animal shelters from being euthanised, before a full ban comes into force next month.

From the 1st February, it will be illegal for people to own XL bullies without an exemption certificate.

In December, the RSPCA wrote to the Prime Minister asking for extra time for re-homing organisations and the general public to comply with the legislation.

'Unfortunately that wasn't granted...', said the RSPCA's dog welfare specialist Dr Sam Gaines.

'...so we are now in a situation where we are still preparing for what will be a full ban on XL bullies from February 1st.'

'For the RSPCA and other rescue organisations this means XL bully dogs still in our care after February 1st will be euthanised, because it will be illegal to own them.'

The Government has offered a rescue exemption which allows re-homing centres to apply to legally keep XL bullies that've been in care for a particular amount of time, but Dr Gaines said it's not an option for the RSPCA:

'We are not a sanctuary and we don't have the facilities to provide long-term care for XL bullies. We also do not believe that it is in the best interest for a dog like an XL bully to be in care, which means being in kennels for a substantial number of years.'

She added: 'No one wants to put to sleep a happy, healthy individual and, unfortunately, that's what this legislation means.'

'We are preparing ourselves for what's going to be an incredibly difficult and emotionally traumatic time for staff working in our centres.'

'The Government has put in place compensation to cover the cost of putting the dogs down, but it really doesn't match the actual impact of euthanasia on staff and owners.'

A Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said:

“This legislation applies to rehoming organisations, including the RSPCA, and means they can choose to keep their existing XL Bully dogs as long as they register them, have them neutered and keep them muzzled and on a lead when in public.

“This applies to dogs taken into their care on or before 30 December 2023.”

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