As of 1 February 2024, possessing one of these large bulldog-type breeds in England and Wales without an exemption certificate has constituted a criminal offence, following their inclusion on a banned list under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
But now, a judge has ruled that the campaign group ‘Don’t Ban Me, Licence Me’ and XL Bully owner Sophie Coulthard can proceed with their legal challenge against the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs.
Kirsten Clarke, 20, from Sheffield, owns a rescued XL Bully named Luna.
Kirsten said: “Because of Luna’s past abuse from her previous home, she’s a very timid dog. When we had to muzzle-train her, it broke my heart to see her think she was being punished again. My dog did not choose her breed; she was genetically selected and bred that way by humans.”
Kirsten said: “People assume that due to the name, the XL is the strongest dog breed; yet, that’s just not true. The bite force of an XL is recorded around 305 pounds per square inch (PSI), yet the bite force of a Rottweiler is 328, and no one attacks their owners the same way I’ve seen XL bully owners be attacked.”
“Honestly, my best memories with Luna are when she sits on my chest; nothing makes me happier as an autistic person. People don’t consider the positive impact that these dogs can have on people.”
“As someone who owns an XL bully, she is constantly demonised. Therefore, I am too.”
Animal welfare organisations have expressed that hundreds of XL Bully dogs may face euthanasia if they are not successfully rehomed by the year’s end. At least 246 XL Bully dogs have been slated for euthanasia since the ban took effect. The RSPCA said there were ‘already anecdotal reports of dogs being surrendered or abandoned across the rescue sector’.
Dog bite solicitor James McNally said, in written evidence to Parliament: “Breed specific legislation is clearly contentious. I am aware, for example, of the RSPCA’s stance that there is no clear evidence that the named breeds are any more dangerous than other breeds. Personally I am very much of the opinion that having legislation which focuses primarily on specific breeds causes a perception that only such named dogs are capable of being ‘dangerous’.”