They’ve never ever done anything wrong,” one woman says of her three XL bully dogs. “We’ve owned bull breeds for 10 years and they’ve never put a foot wrong, we’ve never had altercations in public, we have had nothing but a positive experience.”
Heather Halls and her husband Chris have spent the past few weeks in disbelief after Rishi Sunak announced in September that American XL bully dogs would be banned in the UK following a spate of high-profile attacks and fatalities.
Not only do three of their family dogs fall into this category, but Chris is a professional dog trainer specialising in bulldog breeds, meaning that their entire livelihood is now at stake. They also compete in the Protection Sports Association, by which two of their XL bullies have been awarded titles.
“Essentially, our whole world and what we’ve worked towards in the last few years is about to get flipped on its head,” says Heather.
The couple have now joined forces with other XL bully owners to launch an official campaign to challenge the government’s stance, with more than £86,000 raised in a matter of days to support legal action.
Campaigners from Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me are asking the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to rethink their plans and are fundraising for a judicial review.
Poor breeding to blame for XL bullies attacking people, says dog trainer
With the support of their barrister John Cooper KC, they sent a warning of their intention to launch legal action to the environment secretary Therese Coffey last Thursday, as they hope to scrap the planned ban in favour of tightened laws around breeding and ownership.
Under new legislation, it will be illegal to sell, breed or abandon an XL bully-type dog from 31 December, while it will be an offence to own one from 1 February 2024 unless it is registered to the government’s database, the Index of Exempted Dogs.
Once their animal is registered, owners will have to abide by strict regulations, which include keeping their dogs muzzled and on a lead at all times in public, having them neutered and microchipped, and having to carry a certificate of exemption at all times to show police officers or council dog wardens.
Alongside descriptions of head size and physical features, the government has defined an American XL bully as an adult male from 20in in height, or an adult female from 19in. However, given that XL bullies have never been defined as an official breed, this has confused owners of cross-breeds such as mastiffs and mongrels.
The decision to ban the breed came after deaths relating to XL bully attacks, including those of 10-year-old Jack Lis and 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch. Two people were injured in recent days in Mansfield by a suspected XL bully, while one report holds the breed responsible for nearly 50 per cent of all dog attacks in the UK.
Charities with the banned breed in their care will now receive £100 compensation for euthanising an XL bully, while owners will get £200 compensation if a vet euthanises their dog.
Speaking to The Independent, Sophie Coulthard, an organiser of the campaign group, says: “The problem with this knee-jerk reaction is that it won’t stop dog attacks. We need to focus on licensing and educating owners, with compulsory training and tougher punishments to prevent people from impulse-buying dogs.”
Sophie has owned her XL bully, Billy, for the last year, and has developed a following on TikTok by posting educational videos of his training as well as details of the proposed ban.
“One thing we’ve found is that people are really misinformed on the full impact of the ban,” she says. “What the government is asking me to do is look at their guidelines and commit him to a life on the muzzle, not go on holidays with him, have him muzzled in the car.
“There’d be no more playing with a toy in the park, anyone in social housing could lose their housing or their dog, you can no longer hire private fields to take dogs off the lead. It is really reducing the quality of life for these dogs.”
The group is arguing for the UK to take a similar approach to Canada’s Calgary model, an educational, licensing and stronger enforcement programme that has successfully reduced the number of dog bites by 70 per cent.
“I understand there’s been attacks, and I fully sympathise with anyone who has been a victim, because it’s horrific,” Heather says. “Dog ownership is a complete and utter mess, and people got these dogs in lockdown and haven’t socialised them or trained them. My son was bitten by a dachshund that shot out of a front door, so it’s not just XL bullies.
“Licensing is the right way forward. It’s proven to work in other countries and you can’t ignore the evidence that it works.”
Since the announcement, her five-year-old son panics each time he hears a siren, out of fear that police officers will arrive to take his dogs away. “Our dogs are our family pets,” says Heather. “I’ll do anything to keep my dogs safe. I will fight with my last breath.”
An Emotional Anniversary: The First Birthday of an Aging Dog After Nearly a Decade
Life’s most poignant moments typically revolve across the love and companionship we share with our furry associates. On this heartfelt story, we rejoice the primary birthday of an ageing dog who has been a trustworthy companion for almost a decade. As we delve into this story, be ready for tears, laughter, and an entire lot of affection.
For almost ten years, this ageing dog has been a relentless presence of their proprietor’s life. By thick and skinny, the dog has provided unwavering loyalty and unconditional love.
Because the dog reaches their first birthday of the brand new decade, it’s a momentous event. Their proprietor decides to commemorate the day with a particular celebration, absolutely conscious that point is valuable.
The bond between the ageing dog and their proprietor is in contrast to another. It’s a connection solid via shared experiences, numerous walks, infinite video games of fetch, and moments of silent understanding.
The dog’s birthday celebration is a day stuffed with love and pampering. There are home made treats, a brand new toy, and loads of snuggles. The ageing pup could also be slowing down, however their spirit and enthusiasm for all times shine brightly.
Because the day unfolds, there are tears of pleasure and moments of reflection. The proprietor is deeply moved by the dog’s resilience, loyalty, and the reminder that even within the face of ageing, love stays unchanged.
The primary birthday of the brand new decade serves as a poignant reminder of the reward of time. It prompts the proprietor to cherish each second with their ageing companion and to proceed creating lovely reminiscences collectively.
The story of this ageing dog’s first birthday is a touching reminder of the profound classes our four-legged associates educate us. They present us the facility of affection, loyalty, and the great thing about rising previous collectively.
The primary birthday of an ageing dog after almost a decade is a celebration that tugs on the heartstrings and highlights the enduring bond between people and their furry companions. It’s a second to replicate on the worth of time, the teachings our pets educate us, and the profound impression they’ve on our lives. As we honor this big day, could all of us be impressed to cherish the love and loyalty of our pets, whether or not they’re younger or ageing gracefully.
Send birthday wishes to the dog.
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