England: Ban on XL Bullies - many dogs face death

Pets - England: Ban on XL Bullies - many dogs face death

He tried to pull the animal away from his brother - but in vain. The 54-year-old watched in horror as his dog bit the three-year-old man to death. Because he couldn't control his dog, he is now even facing a prison sentence. Incidents like this have recently caused quite a stir in the UK.

September 14: Two dogs jump out of a window into a neighbor's garden in the city of Stoke and attack a man - he dies. October 4: A dog attacks a man near Sunderland in north-east England - the 54-year-old dies from his serious injuries. Many people particularly remember the death of ten-year-old Jack in Wales. He was visiting a school friend when a large dog called "Beast" attacked him. The boy died.

The dogs involved are often so-called XL Bullies, a mixed breed that goes back to a pit bull terrier species. Public outrage was so great that the British government recognized the previously unclassified dogs as a separate breed - only to ban them immediately. From December 31, the animals may no longer be sold, and from February 1, 2024, their possession will also be punishable by law. Unless the owners can prove that their dog is not dangerous and present an exemption permit. The animals must then wear a muzzle, be kept on a lead and be neutered.

At least 246 shelter dogs will have to be put down

The consequences are not yet foreseeable. The Sky News channel recently reported that at least 246 dogs in animal shelters will have to be put down if they do not find a new owner before the end of the year. No one knows exactly how many animals are affected by the ban. The government estimates that there are around 10,000 dogs in England and Wales, while animal welfare campaigners put the figure at 15,000. The BBC speculated about at least 30,000 XL Bullies based on figures from the veterinary company IVC Evidensia.

However, critics doubt that the ban will actually protect the population, as the government claims. In fact, dog attacks could increase if the animals are only allowed to be kept in houses and apartments, warned expert Dave Martin on the BBC. There they would lack stimulation and exercise. Several MPs also called for the ban to be discussed on Thursday, as reported by the PA news agency.

Animal welfare organizations fear that breeders will switch to other dog breeds - such as the Caucasian Ovcharka. These animals are "bigger, stronger and potentially more dangerous in the wrong hands" than XL Bullies, one breeder, who wished to remain anonymous, recently told the BBC. There are already increasing reports of XL Bullies being abandoned in the wild or outside animal shelters. Videos are circulating on social networks of "rescue operations" in which dogs are brought to Scotland and sold there. The British government can only impose the ban for England and Wales.

XL Bully not classified as a breed in this country

In Germany, the American XL Bully is not yet classified as a breed and therefore does not appear in the lists of dangerous dogs - unlike breeds such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier. They are also subject to an import ban. However, there is no nationwide regulation on the keeping of fighting dogs. The individual federal states list which breeds are considered dangerous. Special rules apply to these animals, such as a permit requirement, compulsory leash and muzzle or compulsory insurance.

There is a lively debate about the so-called breed lists: Supporters see increased protection of people from attacks. Opponents criticize the discrimination of entire breeds. Dogs only become aggressive if they are kept incorrectly - regardless of breed.

What is the situation in Germany?

According to the German Pet Trade and Industry Association, more than ten million dogs live in Germany. According to the online database for health reporting, a single-digit number of people die every year from dog bites or after being hit by dogs. Most recently, there were six such deaths in Germany in 2020, five in 2021 and four in 2022.

However, according to dog bite statistics, there were almost 490 minor injuries and 87 serious injuries in Berlin alone in 2022. Although not recognized as a breed, the administrative court in the capital ruled a year ago to classify the Bully as a dangerous dog, referring to the dog law in the capital. According to this law, essential characteristics of an animal are sufficient if they correspond to a breed in the law. For the court, in the case of the Bully, this is the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is considered a dangerous dog breed.