In the wake of recent attacks, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the UK’s intention to ban American XL Bullies by the end of this year. But which “dangerous dog” breeds are facing bans and restrictions across Europe?
The American XL Bully is the latest breed to face a ban in the UK, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declaring them a threat to communities and human safety. This decision follows a tragic incident in the Midlands where a man was fatally attacked by two dogs, and several other UK citizens, including a two-year-old child, have also been victims of Bully XL attacks. The ban will be effective by the end of 2023, and while there won’t be a mass cull of these dogs, existing owners will need to register them and take safety measures, such as using muzzles in public.
In the UK, the Bully XL joins four other banned breeds, including the Pit Bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro, all considered “dangerously out of control” under the current law.
Despite criticism that the government’s action took too long, Downing Street has defended the decision, emphasizing the need for careful consideration to address the issue effectively.
Enforcing the ban may prove challenging, given that the American Bully XL is not officially recognized as a distinct breed by the Kennel Club. This could inadvertently lead to other breeds being affected.
Calls for a reevaluation of the Dangerous Dogs Act have been growing in Parliament. Some suggest shifting the focus from banning specific breeds to addressing individual dog behavior traits. The Act, enacted in 1991, has been criticized for failing to curb dog attacks and for its focus on breed or appearance rather than behavior.
Former Conservative MP Baroness Fookes and former police chief Lord Hogan-Howe have both advocated for reforming the act and implementing new measures to control dangerous dogs.
While the American XL Bully has gained notoriety, it is worth noting that the breed is relatively new, originating in the 1980s in the United States. It is a muscular breed known for its power and instability, weighing over 60kg.
In the UK, the group Bully Watch reports that American Bully XLs or American Bully Mixes have been responsible for 38% of all dog attacks in the country this year.
This ban aligns the UK with other countries that have already prohibited the breed, such as France, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, while some nations like Ireland have imposed strict regulations requiring muzzles and short leads in public places.
Europe’s Most Prohibited Dog Breeds:
While the American Bully XL’s ban in the UK may influence other European nations, it is not the most banned breed on the continent. The dubious honor of being the most prohibited breed goes to the Pit Bull, a term used broadly to encompass various breeds.
Pit Bulls are banned or restricted in many European countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey. These dogs are known for their strength and have been responsible for attacks on humans, particularly children.
The Japanese Tosa is another banned breed in the UK, requiring a specific exemption from a British court for legal ownership and import. This breed has historically been used for dog fighting in Japan and is still used for this purpose legally.
The Dogo Argentino, originally bred from the extinct Cordoba fighting dog, is illegal to own in the UK without government authorization. While it is used for hunting and search and rescue in some countries, its unstable temperament has led to restrictions in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Turkey, among others.
The Fila Brasileiro, a Brazilian breed known for its aggression, has been banned in the UK since 1991. Norway, Malta, and Cyprus have also followed suit in Europe, making it illegal to own this breed without court exemption, with Turkey imposing stricter rules.
While many European countries have banned or restricted specific dog breeds, Finland and Ireland are exceptions, with no explicit bans on any dog breeds. However, both nations have regulations in place to ensure responsible dog ownership.
The rising number of dog attacks globally highlights the importance of responsible ownership and effective legislation. While breed bans may offer a sense of security, experts emphasize that addressing individual dog behavior and socio-economic factors are crucial in preventing dog attacks.
As debates continue on how best to approach this issue, the focus remains on ensuring public safety while safeguarding the welfare of dogs and responsible owners.