North East XL bully owner challenging ban on the breed
Campaigners get green light to bring high court challenge against XL bully ban
North East XL bully owners are delighted that campaigners have the green light to challenge the Government’s decision at the High Court to ban the breed.
Since February, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate, meaning unregistered pets will be taken and owners possibly fined and prosecuted.
The Government move to ban XL bullies followed a series of attacks on people.
But campaigners argue that the ban is unlawful and irrational, claiming it was based on "unreliable" material, lacked a "proper" analysis over its impact and includes "vague" standards that risked people unknowingly committing a criminal offence.
North Shields XL bully owner, Sarah Towers, said: "If the ban is reversed, this will have a huge impact on all of our lives with Kyza.
"Not having to muzzle him, not having to keep him on the lead and walk him around making out he's a dangerous dog, which he never was.
"As much as I'm overwhelmed and happy about the possible turnover of the ban. I can't help but think that from day one this has all been wrong.
"The amount of American XL bullies that have suffered, along with families, children and mental health. It's devastating."
Government lawyers say the legal challenge should be dismissed and that campaigners' arguments are "meritless".
At a hearing in London on Wednesday, judge Mrs Justice Dias said campaigners had an "arguable" case in certain areas, granting permission for the challenge to proceed to a trial at a later date.