‘Save our beautiful bullies’: The dog lovers fighting to save American XLs as government ban approaches

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.

<p>Professional dog trainer Chris Halls with his XL bully Odin, who has won awards in PSA competitions </p>
Professional dog trainer Chris Halls with his XL bully Odin, who has won awards in PSA competitions(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

“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.

<p>Owners will be required to muzzle their XL bullies from New Year’s Eve onwards </p>
Owners will be required to muzzle their XL bullies from New Year’s Eve onwards(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

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.

<p>Sophie Coulthard with her XL bully Billy, whom she trains in TikTok videos </p>
Sophie Coulthard with her XL bully Billy, whom she trains in TikTok videos(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

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.

<p>Coulthard has described the ban as a ‘knee-jerk reaction’ and called for licensing laws to replace it </p>
Coulthard has described the ban as a ‘knee-jerk reaction’ and called for licensing laws to replace it(Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me)

“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.”

Heartwarming Story: Baby Girl’s Peaceful Slumber Requires the Presence of Her Beloved Dogs

In the heartwarming tapestry of life, there are few things as touching as the bond between a child and their loyal canine companions. This extraordinary connection goes beyond mere friendship; it is a source of solace, joy, and an unbreakable bond. Today, we delve into the heartwarming story of a sweet baby girl whose serene slumber requires nothing more than the comforting presence of her beloved dogs. This tale showcases the profound emotional and physical benefits that animals can bring to a child’s life.

From the very moment the baby girl entered her home, her dogs sensed something special about her. Perhaps they recognized her fragility or simply felt an innate connection. Regardless of the reason, they assumed a protective role, steadfastly standing by her side. What began as curiosity soon transformed into an inseparable bond, and the baby girl found solace and happiness in the presence of her loyal companions.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this unique relationship is its impact on the baby girl’s sleep. Her parents soon noticed a pattern: their daughter would only drift into peaceful slumber with her dogs lying nearby. The gentle rhythm of their breathing and the reassuring closeness seemed to create a calming atmosphere that lulled her into a tranquil sleep each night.

But the dogs’ role as guardians extends far beyond bedtime. Throughout the day, they become her constant companions, following her like devoted protectors. Whether it’s sharing giggles during playtime or embracing tender moments of affection, the bond between this trio radiates warmth and contentment.

This heartwarming tale underscores the therapeutic power of animals, particularly dogs, in children’s lives. Numerous studies have demonstrated that interactions with pets can alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and even promote healthier sleep patterns. For this sweet baby girl, her dogs are not just playmates; they are invaluable sources of emotional support and comfort.

Growing up with pets can also impart vital life lessons. As the baby girl learns to interact with her dogs, she develops empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards all living beings. These early experiences may shape her character and influence how she treats others as she grows older.

The parents of this baby girl cherish the profound gift that their dogs have bestowed upon their daughter’s life. They treasure every moment of laughter, love, and companionship shared between their little one and her furry friends. The family eagerly anticipates the strengthening of their bond over the years, creating lasting memories of a friendship that is truly one-of-a-kind.

The heartwarming tale of a sweet baby girl who finds serenity in the presence of her dogs reminds us of the deep connections that can form between children and their animal companions. Beyond the surface of play and cuddles, the emotional support, comfort, and joy that pets bring to young lives are immeasurable. As we celebrate this touching story, let it serve as a beautiful reminder of the bond between humans and animals and the incredible positive impact they have on each other’s lives.

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