American bully XL ban 'controversial and emotive topic'

The law on owning American bully XLs is changing in England and Wales

Owners of American bully XL dogs are being urged to register their pets ahead of an upcoming change in law.

From Sunday, breeding, selling and advertising bully XLs will become illegal in England and Wales.

Shepton and Wells Veterinary Practice in Somerset has had a number of dogs registered ahead of the change.

Greg Elliott-Moustache, associate director of the practice, said: "It's a controversial, emotive topic and no one is going to be happy all of the time."

The ban was announced in September following a number of attacks involving the breed.

People who already own American bully XLs can apply for an exemption certificate, but must also obtain active public liability insurance and ensure the dog is microchipped and neutered.

The dogs must also be muzzled and kept on a lead at all times in public under the new law.

From 1 February, owning an American bully XL will be a criminal offence, unless the dog has a valid exemption certificate.

'Responsible ownership'

Mr Elliott-Moustache said: "It's difficult to strike the balance. Something did need to change and whether this was the right option remains to be seen.

"All we care about most of all is that tragedies don't happen and we're taking steps to educate and have responsible dog ownership across the board."

He added: "We've got to be careful to not focus on just the one breed. When the ban comes into place, the attention might shift to another big-sized dog.

"As long as we keep clear that responsible dog ownership is the main cause of concern, and making sure we don't want any injuries and we want our dogs to be well trained, I think that's the main thing."

The RSPCA opposes the American bully XL ban

Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said the charity did not support the ban.

She said: "The RSPCA is really strongly opposed to this new ban that has been brought in by the government.

"We have lobbied very, very hard for many years and campaigned very hard against this approach to keeping the public safe.

"We absolutely want to avoid these sorts of incidents, they are horrendous and nobody wants dangerous dogs out on our streets and in our communities.

"Targeting certain types of dogs is not going to keep people safe and we have some really great examples of absolutely fantastic dogs of this type that are living in really loving family homes.

"They bear testimony to just how good this type of dog can be in the right hands."