Fatal
Attack Prompts Action
In response to a recent fatal dog attack, U.K. Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak has announced his intention to ban a type of dog known as
the American bully XL. He has characterized them as "a danger to our
communities."
Fatal
Attack and Subsequent Arrest
The decision to propose a ban comes just one day after a man
tragically died from injuries sustained in an attack, which is believed to have
involved an American bully XL. Initially, a 30-year-old man was arrested on
suspicion of having dogs dangerously out of control, but following the death,
he was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Child
Injured in Another Attack
This incident follows another recent attack in England in
which an 11-year-old girl was seriously injured by an American bully XL.
Breed
Classification
Notably, neither the U.K. nor the U.S. Kennel Clubs
officially recognize the bully XL as a unique breed. However, some other
organizations do acknowledge it. The American bully XL was originally bred from
the American pitbull terrier and bears a strong resemblance to that breed, but
it is larger in size.
Government
Action Plan
Prime Minister Sunak has taken immediate action, stating,
"Today I have tasked [government] ministers to bring together police and
experts to firstly define the breed of dogs behind these attacks, with a view
to then outlawing it." Since the breed is not currently defined in law,
this initial step is crucial. The government aims to eventually ban the breed
under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Potential
Fourth Breed to Be Banned
If the American bully XL is added to the banned list, it
will become the fourth breed to be prohibited under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act
in the U.K. The other banned breeds include the pitbull terrier (from which the
bully XL was bred), the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino, and the fila
Brasileiro.
Support
from Home Secretary
British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has expressed
support for this action. She tweeted that the American XL Bully is "a
clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children." She
shared a news report featuring security camera footage of the dog involved in
the attack, further emphasizing the need for action.
Kennel
Club's Stance
On the other hand, the U.K. Kennel Club takes a different
stance. They argue that no breed of dog is inherently dangerous and have
suggested that singling out certain breeds may make them more appealing to
individuals who intend to use dogs for violent or illegal purposes. They assert
that breed-specific bans overlook the primary factors contributing to biting
incidents, which are irresponsible dog owners who train their dogs to be
aggressive.
Expert
Opinion
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe weighed in on this
matter in 2019. They stated that there is no scientific or statistical evidence
to suggest that breed-specific bans effectively reduce the frequency or
severity of injuries to people caused by dog attacks.
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