Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he will ban American bully XL dogs as they are a “danger to our communities.”
He says they first need to be defined as a breed but will then be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act by the end of the year.
This comes after a 52-year-old suffered multiple injuries in Stonnall, near Walsall, as police say their investigation into the “horrendous” attack continues.
Ian Price has been named as the man killed in an attack by two dogs, thought to be American bully XLs, in Staffordshire.
A man, 30, from Lichfield has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and having dogs dangerously out of control.
But a coalition of animal groups, including the RSPCA and Kennel club, say a ban will not stop attacks.
The UK has the authority, granted by Section 2 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, to potentially expand the list of banned dog breeds, a decision that falls under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state.
In this process, it is mandatory to consult with individuals and organizations possessing pertinent expertise. Moreover, there exists a provision for granting exemptions.
As for the existing exemption framework for the four currently banned dog breeds, it permits exemptions on the condition that a court is convinced that these dogs do not pose a threat to public safety, and their owners are considered suitable to own such a breed. Prior to receiving an exemption, dogs must undergo neutering, microchipping, and be covered by third-party insurance.
Furthermore, stringent conditions include always keeping the dog on a lead and muzzle when in public, and these conditions apply for the dog’s entire life.