They’ve never ever done anything wrong,” one woman says of her three XL bully dogs. “We’ve owned bull breeds for 10 years and they’ve never put a foot wrong, we’ve never had altercations in public, we have had nothing but a positive experience.”
Heather Halls and her husband Chris have spent the past few weeks in disbelief after Rishi Sunak announced in September that American XL bully dogs would be banned in the UK following a spate of high-profile attacks and fatalities.
Not only do three of their family dogs fall into this category, but Chris is a professional dog trainer specialising in bulldog breeds, meaning that their entire livelihood is now at stake. They also compete in the Protection Sports Association, by which two of their XL bullies have been awarded titles.
“Essentially, our whole world and what we’ve worked towards in the last few years is about to get flipped on its head,” says Heather.
The couple have now joined forces with other XL bully owners to launch an official campaign to challenge the government’s stance, with more than £86,000 raised in a matter of days to support legal action.
Campaigners from Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me are asking the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to rethink their plans and are fundraising for a judicial review.
Poor breeding to blame for XL bullies attacking people, says dog trainer
With the support of their barrister John Cooper KC, they sent a warning of their intention to launch legal action to the environment secretary Therese Coffey last Thursday, as they hope to scrap the planned ban in favour of tightened laws around breeding and ownership.
Under new legislation, it will be illegal to sell, breed or abandon an XL bully-type dog from 31 December, while it will be an offence to own one from 1 February 2024 unless it is registered to the government’s database, the Index of Exempted Dogs.
Once their animal is registered, owners will have to abide by strict regulations, which include keeping their dogs muzzled and on a lead at all times in public, having them neutered and microchipped, and having to carry a certificate of exemption at all times to show police officers or council dog wardens.
Alongside descriptions of head size and physical features, the government has defined an American XL bully as an adult male from 20in in height, or an adult female from 19in. However, given that XL bullies have never been defined as an official breed, this has confused owners of cross-breeds such as mastiffs and mongrels.
The decision to ban the breed came after deaths relating to XL bully attacks, including those of 10-year-old Jack Lis and 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch. Two people were injured in recent days in Mansfield by a suspected XL bully, while one report holds the breed responsible for nearly 50 per cent of all dog attacks in the UK.
Charities with the banned breed in their care will now receive £100 compensation for euthanising an XL bully, while owners will get £200 compensation if a vet euthanises their dog.
Speaking to The Independent, Sophie Coulthard, an organiser of the campaign group, says: “The problem with this knee-jerk reaction is that it won’t stop dog attacks. We need to focus on licensing and educating owners, with compulsory training and tougher punishments to prevent people from impulse-buying dogs.”
Sophie has owned her XL bully, Billy, for the last year, and has developed a following on TikTok by posting educational videos of his training as well as details of the proposed ban.
“One thing we’ve found is that people are really misinformed on the full impact of the ban,” she says. “What the government is asking me to do is look at their guidelines and commit him to a life on the muzzle, not go on holidays with him, have him muzzled in the car.
“There’d be no more playing with a toy in the park, anyone in social housing could lose their housing or their dog, you can no longer hire private fields to take dogs off the lead. It is really reducing the quality of life for these dogs.”
The group is arguing for the UK to take a similar approach to Canada’s Calgary model, an educational, licensing and stronger enforcement programme that has successfully reduced the number of dog bites by 70 per cent.
“I understand there’s been attacks, and I fully sympathise with anyone who has been a victim, because it’s horrific,” Heather says. “Dog ownership is a complete and utter mess, and people got these dogs in lockdown and haven’t socialised them or trained them. My son was bitten by a dachshund that shot out of a front door, so it’s not just XL bullies.
“Licensing is the right way forward. It’s proven to work in other countries and you can’t ignore the evidence that it works.”
Since the announcement, her five-year-old son panics each time he hears a siren, out of fear that police officers will arrive to take his dogs away. “Our dogs are our family pets,” says Heather. “I’ll do anything to keep my dogs safe. I will fight with my last breath.”
Touching the loyal dog who became a friend to guard the sleep of the little girl in the hospital bed, making millions of hearts melt, a Tale of Unconditional Love and Comfort.
In the world of unexpected and heartwarming connections, there are stories that touch our souls and reaffirm the incredible bonds between humans and their furry companions. This is the touching tale of a loyal dog who, in a hospital room, became not only a friend but a guardian, watching over a little girl as she slept, a narrative that has melted the hearts of countless individuals.
The story unfolds within the sterile walls of a hospital room, where a young girl was facing a challenging and often frightening medical journey. Her hospital stay was marked by uncertainty and discomfort, as she grappled with a condition that required extensive treatment. It was a time when the presence of a comforting friend became all the more important.
It was during this period that a furry companion entered the picture, bringing a ray of warmth and comfort to the young girl’s life. A loyal dog, known for its unwavering devotion to the family, found a way to be by her side. This remarkable canine not only sensed the little girl’s distress but also recognized her need for companionship and comfort.
As day turned into night, the little girl’s loyal friend took on a new role—a guardian of dreams. With gentle eyes and a caring heart, the dog curled up by her hospital bed, its presence serving as a comforting reassurance. Through the night, the dog remained vigilant, watching over the young patient, ensuring she felt safe and protected.
The story of the loyal dog’s nightly vigil captured the hearts of millions when it was shared online. It resonated deeply with people from all walks of life, evoking a sense of empathy and appreciation for the incredible capacity of animals to bring comfort and solace, especially during challenging times.
The narrative of the loyal dog’s bond with the little girl in the hospital is a testament to the remarkable connections that can exist between humans and their four-legged companions. It underscores the empathy and understanding that animals can offer, often intuitively knowing when their human friends need their presence the most.
The story serves as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the therapeutic and uplifting qualities of the human-animal bond. It highlights the unique ability of dogs, in particular, to provide solace and companionship, transcending the boundaries of language and understanding.
In closing, the tale of the loyal dog who became a guardian to a little girl in the hospital is a powerful message of love and comfort. It reminds us that, even in the most challenging of circumstances, there is a source of solace and strength to be found in the presence of a loyal friend. The bond between this little girl and her furry guardian serves as an enduring reminder of the profound impact that animals can have on our lives, melting hearts and leaving an indelible mark of love and comfort.
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