American bullies have been involved in a series of attacks
New rules for owning American XL bully dogs have come into effect in England and Wales.
It is illegal to own one without an exemption certificate – and registered dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
What is an American XL bully?
An XL bully is the largest kind of American bully dog. Other types include standard, pocket and classic.
It describes them as large dogs “with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for [their] size”.
Male XL dogs stand from 20in (51cm) high at the shoulder, with female XLs only slightly smaller.
Dogs will be considered XLs if they meet the minimum height and a substantial number of other characteristics, the government says.
XL bullies typically live eight to 13 years.
There are no official statistics for how many are in the UK.
The RSPCA told the BBC that estimates vary between about 50,000 and 100,000.
How does the American XL bully ban work?
Ownership of American bully XL dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
From 1 February, it is a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate. Registered dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.
The government says it received more than 35,000 applications for exemption.
XL bullies are the fifth breed restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act
Anyone choosing not to keep their XL bully had to take it to a registered vet to be euthanised by 31 January 2024 and could claim up to £200 compensation.
The government says more than 150 compensation claims have been received.
Police can seize unregistered prohibited dogs, and owners face a criminal record and an unlimited fine.
Are American XL bullies banned in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
How could owners register to exempt their American XL bully?
They had to acquire insurance, microchip their dog and pay a £92.40 application fee per animal.
Older dogs must also be neutered by 30 June, or the end of 2024 if the dog is younger than one.
Exempt dogs must be kept in a secure place.
How dangerous is the American XL bully and how many attacks have there been?
There are no official statistics on attacks by individual dog breeds in the UK.
In 2022, there were nearly 22,000 cases, up from just over 16,000 in 2018.
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The government says 23 deaths have been caused by dog attacks since the start of 2021, “with the XL bully being disproportionately involved”.
NHS consultant Richard Baker told BBC News that the dogs’ powerful jaws inflict more damaging wounds than other breeds, resulting in broken bones, shredded skin and damaged nerves.
“It’s a crushing or a tearing injury,” he said. “Once they grip, they don’t let go.”
Why do some charities oppose the American XL bully ban?
Breed-specific bans do not work and are unfair on responsible owners and their animals, according to the Dog Control Coalition.
The group includes the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club, the RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association.
Which other breeds are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act?
Lola, classified as pit-bull-type, was seized by police in 2019 before her owner was granted an exemption
- the American pit bull terrier
- the Japanese tosa
- the Dogo Argentinos
- the Fila Brazileiro
Have you encountered or do you own an American bully XL? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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