After a 10-year-old girl is being attacked by a bully, the UK government has called to ban all XL bullies in the UK, so, are all bullies banned in the UK now? Here is all you need to know about whether all bullies are banned in the UK or not and what if they get banned. Keep reading.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has urged for the prohibition of XL Bullies following an incident in which an 11-year-old girl was assaulted in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, on Saturday. If this breed is banned in the UK, it would have significant implications.
Braverman expressed her concern on social media, stating, “The situation is deeply concerning. The American XL Bully poses a substantial and life-threatening risk to our communities, especially to our children. We cannot continue in this manner. I have taken immediate steps to seek expert guidance on the feasibility of banning them.”
In essence, the Home Secretary is calling for a potential ban on XL Bullies due to safety concerns, particularly in light of the recent attack on a child. She is taking proactive steps to explore the possibility of implementing such a ban, indicating that it’s a matter of serious public safety and community well-being.
Here we have gathered all the details about this latest notification regarding the ban of XL bullies in the UK.
What Happens If The UK Government Bans XL Bullies?
If XL Bullies get banned, they would be included under The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which is a piece of legislation enacted by the UK Parliament. This Act specifically forbids individuals from owning certain types of dogs.
The 1991 Act explicitly states that it is unlawful for any individual to have a dangerous dog in their possession or under their care. Furthermore, it is also prohibited to sell, exchange, or give away any breed of dog that is listed within the provisions of this Act.
The Act specifies that anyone who violates this section of the law commits an offense and may face legal consequences. If found guilty, they could be subject to a summary conviction, which could result in a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine that does not exceed the level 5 standard scale fine.
In essence, if XL Bullies are banned and added to The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, individuals would be legally prohibited from owning or transferring ownership of these dogs. Violation of this law could lead to serious penalties, including imprisonment or substantial fines, as outlined in the Act.
Nonetheless, prohibiting the XL Bully may present challenges since it is not officially recognized as a distinct breed. Instead, it is a crossbreed that results from combining the American Bully with other breeds to increase its size and strength.
These additional breeds can encompass the Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Moreover, there are four size categories for the XL Bully, which include Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL variations.
Why Are XL Bullies Banned In The UK?
In the event of an XL Bully ban, owners should be aware that law enforcement or local authorities would have the authority to confiscate the dog, even if it is not displaying aggressive behavior.
According to DEFRA’s Dangerous Dogs Law Guidance for Enforcers, officers are permitted to take possession of a dog in a public area without requiring specific cause or justification.
However, when it comes to private property, a warrant is necessary to seize dogs. If the police possess a warrant for another purpose, such as a drug search, they can also confiscate the dog.
Owners may face legal consequences if their dog is found to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public area, with more severe consequences if the dog causes injury to a person.
When a dog is seized, the matter will be brought before a court, where a determination regarding the dog’s future will be made. During this process, the owner typically does not have access to the dog.
The dog breeds that are currently banned in the UK include:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
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The Bottom Line
This was all the available information about whether XL Bullies are getting banned in the UK or not. If this information is helpful, let us know in the comment box below.