XL bully mural unveiled in Peterborough by local artist
The breed has been banned since the end of 2023
Last updated 17th Jan 2024
A mural has been painted in a “graffti tunnel”, in Peterborough to show support of XL bully dogs.
The breed was added to the list of banned dangerous dogs at the end of 2023.
Owners now have to muzzle them in public, as well as keep them on a lead.
It’s also illegal to breed, sell or rehome the breed, and in February it will be illegal to own one without an exemption certificate.
Many dog owners and lovers don’t agree with the ban, including Peterborough street artist Nathan Murdoch, founder of Street Arts Hire Ltd.
“Of course, I don't agree with anything that's happened, but at the same time in my personal experience . I've not had a negative experience with this type of dog or I've not really had a negative experience with any dog”
Murdoch was asked to paint the mural by a close childhood friend, an owner of several dogs, including XL Bully’s.
“Someone said to me you’re painting it cause it's on trend.
“No, I’m painting it because someone, the person who got me into this art form 20 odd years ago, 25 years ago, he's really passionate about dogs, and he asked me to do it for him”
XL Bully’s have been labelled as a dangerous and violent breed, but many owners disagree and feel the bad reputation the dogs have gotten is from those with poor owners.
“You're a product of your environment, and if you if you teach your dog to be aggressive, if you're aggressive to it, it's gonna put that out into the world
“If I if I brought my children up like that, what are they gonna become like?
“A lot of things in life can look scary doesn't mean that everyone is gonna be.”
It’s a controversial piece, but one Murdoch hopes will mean something to dog owners suffering from the ban.
“I always knew this was gonna be a post that's gonna divide 2 sides here, but I’d say it’s 90-95% positive.
“I think it gives people a bit of hope, you know, and I hope it helps.”