‘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.”

Amazing Rescue: Mother Dog and Puppies Discover Paradise on Lush Green Meadows, Escaping the Scorching Desert Sun!

When it comes to motherhood, animals can be just as nurturing and protective as humans. This was proven by a mama dog found in the middle of a 122-degree desert with her puppies. Fortunately, their heartwarming story has a happy ending.

The mama dog and her puppies were discovered by a group of hikers who were trekking through the desert. The puppies were huddled close to their mother, trying to find some shade and relief from the scorching heat.

Upon seeing the desperate situation of the family, the hikers called the local animal rescue team. The rescue team immediately responded and arrived at the scene to rescue the mama dog and her puppies.

The rescue team found the family in poor health, severely dehydrated, and malnourished. They immediately provided them with water and food to revive their strength. After assessing their condition, the rescue team transported them to a veterinary clinic for further examination and treatment.

It was at the veterinary clinic that the mama dog and her puppies experienced a simple yet life-changing moment – they saw grass for the first time! It was an emotional and heartwarming sight as the puppies started to frolic in the green grass, while the mama dog watched over them with a happy and contented look on her face.

The mama dog’s maternal instincts shone through, as she watched her puppies enjoy their newfound freedom and joy. The moment was a reminder that even the simplest things can bring joy and happiness to those in need.

After several days of treatment and rehabilitation, the mama dog and her puppies were given a clean bill of health. They were then transferred to a local animal shelter, where they would be available for adoption

.

This incredible story of a mama dog and her puppies rescued from scorching desert heat is a reminder of the power of kindness and compassion. The hikers who discovered them and the rescue team who saved their lives demonstrated the true spirit of humanity. The mama dog’s love for her puppies and their joy in experiencing the simple pleasures of life are an inspiration to us all.

In conclusion, the story of the mama dog and her puppies found in the middle of a 122-degree desert is a testament to the resilience of animals and the compassion of humans. It’s a story of survival, hope, and the importance of kindness. The joyful reaction of the puppies to green grass for the first time is a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, happiness can be found in the simplest things.

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