XL Bullie Dogs.

The issue of XL Bullie dogs has been controversial. The dog as a breed has lovers and haters. To some, the dog is Frankenstein's mindless monster intent on only destruction. To others, the dog's bark is worse than its bite. It is one of those issues which will forever divide supporters and haters.

No one is denying that this breed of dog can indeed be vicious. The dog is bred for aggression. Hence it being the dog of choice for weak-minded people to hide behind to make them look tough. These people are not helping the cause of this breed.

A year has passed since the issue of dealing with XL Bullie dogs was put into law. This law was brought into being by the last Conservative government under Rishi Sunak. At the time so many dog attacks by this breed were occurring. Many of them ending in death for those attacked. So it was important that the government had to act. This policy allows local authorities or the police to capture this breed. And without a second thought destroy them. While this might have alleviated the problem to a certain degree the problem remains. XL Bullie dogs are still allowed to be kept as pets as long as the dogs are controlled. For example, the dog must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead when out in public.

Out of 25 police forces interviewed in England and Wales 22 still reported a high number of XL Bullie attacks. 100 dogs are destroyed a month. The cost of kennelling this breed has risen 6 fold. The cost is £25 million all told. The facilities to hold these dogs are at full capacity.

What else can be done to alleviate this breed? Is it time for an outright ban on these animals? Is it time for stiffer sentences for people who cannot control such a dog? People who keep such dogs as a trophy and cannot look after them properly should be banned for life from keeping any pets. Is it possible to stereotype the owners as CHAV-like people? While that may be the case in many cases I am not going to label all XL Bullie owners as that stereotype. Many buy large and dangerous dogs without thinking through the consequences. Hence when things happen and get out of control that is the harvest they have reaped upon themselves. They say there are no bad dogs only bad owners. To some extent, that is true.

Remember humans took the wolf from the wild. The dog has been described as man's best friend and in many cases, that has proved true. Man has taken the wolf, as we have with many species, to breed it and shape it to our needs. So, if a dog has been bred for aggression down the centuries is it not surprising that creation turns on us? The classic Frankenstein monster scenario comes into play here. As the Bible says, "We reap what we sow".

I am sure if there were more responsible owners who truly had the time and money to look after such dogs properly there would be fewer attacks. Of course, no one can guarantee how a dog will behave. Dogs are not mindless creatures with teeth. Far from it, dogs are thinking, sentient beings. Dogs react to the circumstances surrounding them good or bad just as we do. No one wants to see anyone attacked or killed by any dog. Especially, dogs like the XL which have been bred for aggression.

However, the law should be tightened so that only owners who can afford to house and treat these dogs well should have them. And there should be a more mindful approach to these creatures. And in that, while it might not be perfect, it could be a way forward.

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