Rishi Sunak, in a recent social media announcement, has disclosed plans to prohibit American XL bully dogs in response to a series of recent attacks.
The prime minister emphasised the threat these dogs pose to communities, especially children, and declared an immediate initiative to define and outlaw this particular breed, aimed at curbing the surge in violent incidents to ensure public safety.
In a brief video statement lasting one minute, Sunak expressed his shared concern with the nation over the disturbing videos showcasing recent dog attacks, including an incident just yesterday that tragically resulted in a fatality.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed the tragic death of a man in Staffordshire after a brutal assault by two suspected American bullies outside a property.
Sunak underscored that this issue transcends isolated instances of poorly trained dogs, characterising it as a recurring behavioral pattern that must be addressed urgently.
While existing dog owners bear the responsibility of controlling their pets, Sunak assured the public that immediate action is underway to prevent further attacks and safeguard the community.
Collaborating with law enforcement and dog experts, the government intends to formally classify the breed, paving the way for its prohibition under the Dangerous Dogs Act by year-end.
A string of recent attacks has garnered media attention, including a severe injury inflicted on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham just last week, alongside injuries sustained by two other men.
Tragically, yesterday’s incident in Main Street, Stonnall, resulted in the fatal mauling of a man by two suspected XL bullies, prompting a lockdown of a nearby primary school. The victim suffered multiple life-threatening injuries and succumbed to them shortly after reaching the hospital. Staffordshire Police subsequently confirmed the death of both dogs, one while being restrained after the incident and the other through lethal injection.
It’s worth noting that the United Kingdom presently does not officially recognize the American bully XL as a distinct breed, though such recognition exists in the United States.
Campaign group Bully Watch reports that this breed began appearing in the UK in 2014 or 2015 and witnessed a rapid surge in popularity during the pandemic.
Over the past five years, there has been a disturbing 34 percent increase in dog attacks, escalating from 16,394 incidents in 2018 to 21,918 last year.
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