UK PM Rishi Sunak announces ban on American Bully dogs, says breed ‘dangerous’

• Image Credit: Google

• Sep 16, 2023 | Dhupali Das

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has declared a ban on American XL Bully dogs in the UK by the...

Digital Desk: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has declared a ban on American XL Bully dogs in the UK by the end of this year, citing concerns over public safety following a tragic fatal dog attack in Staffordshire on Thursday.

The announcement was made via a video statement on X, where the Prime Minister expressed his deep concern over the escalating threat posed by American XL Bully dogs to communities, especially children. He emphasized that the recent spate of attacks was indicative of a troubling pattern of behavior and that immediate action was necessary.

"The American XL Bully Dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children. I share the nation's horror at the recent videos we've all seen. Yesterday we saw another suspected XL Bully Dog attack, which has tragically led to a fatality. It's clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs. It's a pattern of behavior and it cannot go on," Sunak said.

While acknowledging the existing responsibility of dog owners to control their pets, the Prime Minister reassured the public that the government was actively working on comprehensive measures to halt these attacks and ensure public safety.

 Sunak disclosed that he had instructed his ministers to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and experts to identify and define the breed of dogs responsible for the recent attacks. Once the breed is determined, it will be swiftly outlawed under the "dangerous dogs" category, with new legislation in place by the end of 2023.

"Today I have tasked ministers to bring together police and experts to firstly define the breed of dog behind these attacks with a view to then outlawing it. It is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen fast. We will then ban the breed under dangerous dogs, and new laws will be in place by the end of the year. These dogs are dangerous. I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe," Rishi Sunak emphasized.

The tragic incident that prompted this announcement occurred when a man was attacked by two dogs near a school in Staffordshire. The victim sustained severe injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

This announcement follows a similar incident just last week in Birmingham, where an 11-year-old girl and two men were injured in an attack by an American XL Bully crossbreed dog. In response to this attack, a 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a dangerously out-of-control dog, as reported by Sky News.

As the UK government takes steps to address the menace posed by these dogs, the public eagerly awaits further details on the breed definition and the impending ban, hoping it will lead to increased safety in communities across the nation.