Crawley: Bully XL owners take dogs on protest walk before ban

Owners will soon have to meet a number of conditions in order to keep their pets

Bully XL owners have taken their dogs on a "final freedom" protest walk ahead of an upcoming ban on the breed.

Katie Apling, one of the organisers of the walk in Crawley on Sunday, said it was a "symbolic gesture to celebrate the freedom and innocence" of the dogs.

It will be illegal to own a bully XL in England and Wales from 1 February, unless exemption conditions are met.

Crawley borough councillor Yasmin Khan said of the ban: "We realise that this is a challenge for the owners."

Bully XL dogs were added to the list of those banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, after a number of attacks involving the breed.

There have been 351 attacks by bully breeds in 2023, according to campaign group Bully Watch.

Some 4,000 bully XL owners have applied for an exemption from the ban so far, the UK's chief vet has said.

• What is an American bully XL and why are they being banned?

The "final freedom XL Bully walk" saw owners of the breed and those with other dogs meet at Memorial Gardens in Crawley.

Ms Apling said social media helped them pull off the "amazing" event.

She told BBC Radio Surrey the ban not only affected the animals but also the families who "cherish" them.

"Please let us not forget that behind every wagging tail and soulful gaze, there is an innocent creature caught in the crossfire of legislation," she said.

In a reminder about the ban to local residents, Ms Khan said the council would work with police on how the ban worked in practice.

She said: "We urge owners to take the steps needed in good time before this legislation takes effect."

An exception certificate costs £92.40 per dog.

Dogs must meet exemption conditions, which includes being microchipped, neutered, kept on a lead and muzzle when in public, and kept in a secure place they cannot escape.

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