PM Rishi Sunak Calls for Ban on UK's Controversial XL Bully Breed - All You Need to Know

A recent incident involving an American Bully XL dog attacking an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham has sparked renewed discussions on whether this breed should be prohibited in the UK.

Following the attack, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to X (formerly Twitter) and urged for immediate action to "define and ban this breed." Sunak asserted, "It is evident that the American XL Bully dog poses a threat to our communities. I have initiated urgent measures to specify and outlaw this breed to put an end to these violent incidents and ensure public safety."

About The American Bully

The American Bully breed traces its origins to the United States in the 1980s, resulting from a crossbreeding of American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. Over time, they were selectively bred with other breeds to enhance their muscular physique, making them a formidable and distinct breed within the canine world.

The American Bully: Breed Characteristics and Growth

As per a report from the BBC, the United Kennel Club in the United States has noted that "An American bully makes an excellent family dog. Despite its powerful appearance, their demeanour is gentle and friendly. However, dog aggression is characteristic of this breed." The American Bully is categorised into four variations: standard, pocket, classic, and XL.

According to BBC's coverage, Bully Watch, a consortium of policy experts based in London, stated that the American Bully made its entry into the UK "around 2014 or 2015" and saw a rapid increase in numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The spokesperson for Bully Watch explained, "Many individuals began acquiring these dogs with the intention of breeding. There are models of co-ownership where you receive the dog for free, but the dealer retains the right to breed from it," as reported by the BBC.

Assessing the American Bully's Potential Risks

Reports indicate that a significant number of XL Bully dogs in the UK share a lineage traceable to a notorious inbred American dog known as "Killer Kimbo." Research has pinpointed Kimbo, a product of generations of inbred fighting dogs hailing from Los Angeles, as the common ancestor of these XL Bully dogs. Kimbo's legacy is renowned for its imposing size and formidable strength.

Incidents Involving American Bully Attacks: A Quantitative Analysis

As reported by the BBC, American bullies have been implicated in a series of highly publicized attacks. Last year, a study published in the Public Health journal revealed a disturbing increase in fatalities resulting from dog attacks, with ten reported cases, in stark contrast to the previous annual average of three.

According to a spokesperson from Bully Watch, "We've documented some pretty brutal attacks, and it's become evident that the majority of individuals should not be owners of this breed."

A comprehensive study conducted by the BBC in March, based on police reports, has unveiled a concerning 34% rise in dog-related incidents since 2018. This alarming trend occurred despite a 15% increase in the estimated dog population in the UK during the same period.