16/09/2023
This is my good friend Mike and Dangerous Dogs Act Specialist, we've worked together as well and I trust him. If you have any worries, concerns or need advice about owning an XL Bully at this time, please read this post and follow his page for updates.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=775626264365469&id=100057543073903&sfnsn=scwspmo
I think most of you who follow me know by now that I don’t make rash statements or jump into things with both feet. I have been carefully watching all that has been going on and have been trying to give some assurances to all the owners who have contacted me because they are worried about what may happen to their dogs.
Firstly, let me say I know no more than anybody else about what may happen in the future but hopefully the following information and suggestions can help.
Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is the piece of legislation that deals with what are commonly referred to as ‘the banned breeds’
The Pit Bull Terrier type,
The Japanese Tosa
The Dogo Argentino
The Fila Brasiliero
The above four are the only ones currently on the list. IF the government decide to add another to the list then there is a consultation process for them to go through before they do so. At the present time the fact that the above four are ‘banned’ does not mean that you cannot own one but to do so you have to go through an exemption process which is a hearing at a Magistrate’s Court. The exemption means that you have to comply with a number of conditions that are laid down in law, lead and muzzle in public, and third party insurance are just three of these. There are a number of others.
Many people are asking what can I do to keep my dog safe, here are a few simple suggestions;
* Make sure you have some training in place with your dog, and keep it up.
* Short sessions daily, only for a few minutes at a time and make it so that your dog enjoys it.
* Ensure your dog has a good recall - if it doesn’t keep it on the lead.
* Only let your dog off when you have assessed it is safe to do so.
* Utilise private dog fields both for fun with your dog and for some training sessions.
* If you haven’t got third party insurance - GET IT - look at Dogs Trust membership.
* Do muzzle training with your dog - see the videos from the major welfare charities about how to do it the positive way - make it a rewarding experience - DO NOT force the muzzle onto your dog.
* I have said this before - take a Go Pro (other brands are available) with you when you exercise your dog. Switch on at the start of the walk, switch off when you get home.
Enjoy your dog and be safe.
Mike.
