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.”
R.I.P. Frodo, The Last Surviving Dog Rescued From Michael Vick’s Dogfighting Ring
In 2007, a dark chapter in the world of animal cruelty came to light when authorities rescued 51 Pit Bulls from the Virginia home of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. These innocent animals had endured unimaginable abuse, subjected to beatings, electrocutions, hangings, drownings, and forced dogfights.
Out of this horrific ordeal, 48 resilient Pit Bulls emerged as survivors, thanks to the dedication of several rescue organizations and their forever families. One of these survivors, Frodo, recently passed away at the age of 15 on December 18th, 2021. Frodo’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, second chances, and the unwavering commitment of those who fight for justice and rehabilitation.
Frodo’s life was a stark contrast to the year he spent in hell at Michael Vick’s compound. Once rescued, he was embraced by a loving family and pampered like a prince for the next 14 years. His passing left a void in the hearts of those who knew and cared for him, particularly BAD RAP, an Oakland-based nonprofit animal protection group that played a pivotal role in advocating for and rehabilitating the Vick dogs.
In a touching Facebook post, BAD RAP bid farewell to Frodo: “To Frodo – We all adored him. He was one of the most valiant survivors we’d ever met.” His passing was peaceful, surrounded by the love of his family, who ensured his final moments were filled with comfort and care.
Frodo’s journey wasn’t just a personal triumph; it became a symbol of hope and resilience for Pit Bulls and dogs with difficult pasts everywhere. BAD RAP, with its extensive experience in working with dogs rescued from dogfighting rings, always believed in the potential for these dogs to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into loving homes.
Frodo’s story dispelled the negative stereotypes associated with Pit Bulls and underscored the transformative power of patience and kindness in a dog’s life. He exemplified the importance of early socialization for dogs rescued from cruelty incidents, showing that with the right environment and loving care, even the most timid and scarred animals can thrive.
Kim Ramirez, Frodo’s adoptive mother, shared insights into his journey, explaining how mechanical sounds and sudden movements used to terrify him. She described the challenges of helping Frodo overcome his past trauma, such as his fear of ceiling fans and microwave popcorn, which likely reminded him of the traumatic events he had witnessed.
Throughout his life, Frodo enjoyed the devoted care of the Ramirez family, who accommodated his needs, including transporting him in a stroller when his legs began to fail. His story was a testament to the healing power of love and the resilience of animals.
Frodo’s passing is a reminder of the enduring legacy of the 48 survivors of Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring. These brave dogs were given the opportunities they deserved, and despite their challenging backgrounds, they lived happy lives, proving that remarkable transformations are possible with compassion and commitment.
While Michael Vick’s actions were reprehensible, the high-profile case did raise awareness about dogfighting and its devastating consequences. It also shifted public perception of Pit Bulls, showcasing their potential for rehabilitation and adoption. Frodo and his fellow survivors are living proof that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is hope for a brighter future.
As we bid farewell to Frodo, we honor his memory and the countless animals who have found their second chance at life through the dedication of animal rights activists and the kindness of loving families. Frodo’s story will continue to inspire us to fight for justice, compassion, and a world where every animal can thrive.
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