American XL bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year following a series of attacks, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.
Here is a look at what the move might mean.
– What has happened?
The Prime Minister made the promise after it emerged a man has died after being attacked by two dogs – suspected to be bully XLs – in Birmingham and following a video of another attack that went viral when an 11-year-old girl suffered serious injuries.
– What has the Prime Minister said?
Rishi Sunak said American XL bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year.
The Prime Minister said he has ordered ministers to bring together police and experts to define the breed of dog behind these attacks so they can then be outlawed.
– What are American XL bully dogs?
American kennel clubs have different definitions of what an American XL bully is, but it is not recognised as a specific breed by the UK’s The Kennel Club, dog expert witness Colin Tennant told the PA news agency.
The American Bully Kennel Club defines the American XL bully as a crossbreed of the American pit bull terrier, olde English bulldogge, English bulldog and the American bulldog, while the American Dog Breeders Association defines it as a crossbreed of the American Staffordshire terrier and the American pit bull terrier.
– Why are they not defined as a breed in the UK?
The dog is not recognised as a specific breed by The Kennel Club.
It could be hard to define and some fear a ban could inadvertently outlaw a range of other dogs.
– How does identifying a dog as a banned breed work?
Police or dog experts can judge the type of dog.
Mr Tennant said this is done with lists of characteristics, so it can be classed as a banned breed if it ticks the boxes, even if the dog is crossbred with a breed which is not banned.
– Which dogs are already banned in the UK?
In the UK, it is against the law to own certain types of dog.
According to the Government website, these are the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro.
It is also against the law to sell a banned dog, abandon a banned dog, give away a banned dog, and breed from a banned dog.
– What happens if you own a banned dog?
The police or local council dog warden can take it away, even if it is not acting dangerously and there has not been a complaint made, the Government website says.
A police or council dog expert will judge what type of dog it is and whether it is (or could be) a danger to the public. The dog will then either be released or kept in kennels while the police (or council) apply to a court.
It is the owner’s responsibility to prove the dog is not a banned type. If it is proved, the court will order the dog to be returned. If the owner cannot prove it (or they plead guilty), they will be convicted of a crime.
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The owner can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months (or both) for having a banned dog against the law. The dog will also be destroyed.
If the dog is banned but the court thinks it is not a danger to the public, it may put it on the Index of Exempted Dogs and let the owner keep it.
The owner will be given a certificate of exemption, which is valid for the life of the dog, and comes with a number of conditions.
The dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public, and kept in a secure place so it cannot escape.
The owner must take out insurance against the dog injuring other people, be aged over 16, show the certificate of exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden, either at the time or within five days, and let the Index of Exempted Dogs know if the owner changes address, or the dog dies.
