Here's what could happen to your XL Bully as a UK-wide ban comes into force.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced today (Friday, September 15) the breed will be banned by the end of the year following a spate of attacks.
"I share the nation’s horror at the recent videos we’ve all seen," he said in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter).
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak says XL Bully dog will be banned by end of year after horror attacks
"It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it’s a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on.
The PM said he had asked ministers to consult police and experts about the breed "with the view to then outlawing it".
Dog attacks have been on the rise recently, increasing by more than a third in the past five years – and more than half of them involving an American XL Bully.
But what happens if you already own an XL Bully?
-
Fears XL bully ban could lead to massive beasts 'literally roaming UK streets'
When a breed is added to the banned dogs list it makes it illegal for anyone in the UK to own, breed or sell it.
The list currently has four breeds on it – the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
Anyone with a banned dog can have their pooch confiscated by police or the local council dog warden – even if it hasn't acted in a dangerous way and no complaints have been made about it, reports The Mirror.
Police don't need a warrant to seize your dog if it is in a public place.
If your dog is in a private place cops will need a warrant before taking it, but if they enter your property with a warrant for something else and find the dog they do not need a separate one to take your pet.
Once your pet has been taken away it will be examined by an expert to determine whether your dog is dangerous.
It is your responsibility to prove your dog is not a banned breed. If you do, the court will order your pooch be given back to you.
However, if you can't prove it, you will be convicted of a crime which could land you with an unlimited fine, a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.
Your dog will also be destroyed.
If your dog is on the banned breed list but the court rules it isn't a danger to the public, it may be put on the Index of Exempt Dogs.
This will allow you to keep the dog and you will be given a Certificate of Exemption valid for the rest of your pet's life.
However, it's not all plain sailing from here – you will need to adhere to a series of strict rules.
These include getting your canine microchipped and neutered, meaning it cannot breed.
Your pooch will need to be kept in a secure place to stop it from escaping, and when out for walks you'll need to keep it on a lead and muzzled at all times.
You will also need to take out insurance against your dog injuring other people and must show your Certificate of Exemption when asked to either by a police officer or council dog warden. This can be done at the time or within five days.
The banned dogs list refers to what the dog "looks like" rather than its technical breed.
"For example, if your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type," the government stated.
Confusingly, UK doesn't currently recognise the American XL Bully as a specific breed, but the US – where the dog is believed to come from – does.
They are created by crossing American pit bull terriers and American Staffordshire terriers with other breeds.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
Source: Read Full Article
