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.”
E𝚏𝚏𝚎ctiv𝚎l𝚢 s𝚊v𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢 kitt𝚎n 𝚏𝚛𝚘m t𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛il𝚘𝚞s 𝚑𝚎i 𝚐𝚑t 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚏.
In a heart-pounding moment of courage and compassion, a baby kitten’s life hangs in the balance as a daring rescue mission unfolds to bring it safely down from the precarious height of a roof. This incredible tale showcases the unwavering determination and resourcefulness of a compassionate individual, whose actions prove that every life, no matter how small, is worth saving.
As the world looked on with bated breath, a tiny, helpless kitten found itself stranded on a roof, its innocent mews echoing through the air. Fear gripped the hearts of those who witnessed the perilous situation, knowing that time was of the essence to save this vulnerable creature from harm.
A compassionate soul, driven by a deep empathy for the kitten’s plight, stepped forward to take on the daunting task of rescue. Armed with determination and a keen problem-solving mindset, they assessed the situation, carefully considering the best course of action.
With ropes, ladders, and a heart filled with unwavering resolve, the rescuer embarked on their mission. Scaling the heights of the building, they navigated the treacherous terrain with utmost caution, their focus fixed on the tiny life they were determined to save.
As they reached the roof, they were met with the sight of the frightened and fragile kitten, teetering on the edge of danger. The rescuer’s heart swelled with both trepidation and determination, understanding the urgency of the situation.
With gentle coaxing and soothing words, they approached the kitten, their presence offering a glimmer of hope amidst the fear that had engulfed the tiny creature. Slowly and patiently, they gained its trust, knowing that every movement had to be precise to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the rescued.
With steady hands and unwavering determination, the rescuer cradled the fragile kitten, their grip gentle yet firm, protecting the delicate life that rested within their embrace. Step by careful step, they descended, their focus unwavering as they navigated the treacherous path back to solid ground.
As they finally reached safety, a collective sigh of relief resonated through the air. The baby kitten, once perched precariously on the roof, was now cradled in the arms of its savior, surrounded by a circle of grateful and awe-struck onlookers.
This act of bravery and compassion serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the life of another, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It exemplifies the power of empathy and the lengths we can go to protect and preserve life’s precious creatures.
With the baby kitten safely in their care, the rescuer’s heart filled with a sense of fulfillment and joy. Their selfless actions had given this tiny being a chance to experience love, care, and a future filled with possibilities.
This extraordinary rescue story reminds us all to be vigilant and compassionate, to keep an eye out for those in need, and to extend a helping hand whenever we can. It is a testament to the incredible bonds we can forge with animals and the immeasurable impact we can have on their lives.
Leave a Reply