U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Ban American Bully XL Dogs After Fatal Attack

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared his intention Friday to have a type of dog known as the American Bully XL breed outlawed in his country, calling them “a danger to our communities.”

The announcement comes a day after a man died from injuries sustained during an attack believed to have involved the type of dog. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after originally being arrested on suspicion of keeping dogs dangerously out of control.

The death follows another recent attack in England, in which an 11-year-old girl was seriously injured by XL, an American bully.

Neither the U.K. nor the U.S. Kennel clubs recognize the rogue XL as a unique breed, although few other organizations do. It was originally bred from the American Pit Bull Terrier and closely resembles that breed, but is larger.

“Today I have tasked the [government] ministers to bring together the police and experts to first explain the breed of dogs behind these attacks,” Sink said in a video shared on social media on Friday. , so that it can be declared illegal.” “This is not currently a legislated breed, so this important first step must be taken quickly. We will then ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.”

If included, the American Bully XL, or XL Bully as it is sometimes called, would be the fourth breed banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, joining the Pit Bull Terrier from which it was bred. , Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino. and Fila Brasileiro.

Sink’s statement comes days after British Home Secretary Sylla Braverman tweeted that she was seeking advice on outlawing rogue XLs. He shared a news report that included security camera video showing the dog involved in the attack on the girl chasing and attacking a man after he tried to help him.

“It’s scary. The American XL cat is a clear and deadly threat to our communities, especially children,” Braverman said. “We can’t go on like this.”

This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children.

We can’t go on like this.

I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.

https://t.co/fp07T4FWRZ

— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) September 10, 2023

The U.K. Kennel Club argues that no breed of dog is inherently dangerous and has even suggested that demonizing certain breeds may make them more attractive to people who want to use dogs for violent or illegal purposes.

The organization says breed-specific bans ignore the most important factors that contribute to biting incidents — primarily irresponsible dog owners who train their dogs to be aggressive.

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe wrote in 2019 that there was no scientific or statistical evidence to suggest breed-specific bans reduce either the frequency or severity of injuries to people.