The fate of American XL bully dogs if they're banned in UK
Warning: Graphic Content
Following the shocking video of a little girl being viciously mauled, the future of the American XL bully hangs in the balance.
Over the weekend, footage emerged of the out-of-control canine attacking three people, including an 11-year-old girl.
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All of the victims were rushed to hospital, with two men having been 'bitten and left with injuries to their shoulders and arms', West Midlands Police said.
Schoolgirl Ana Paun also suffered injuries to her arm and said she was 'petrified' by the incident.
The powerful dog is a larger version of the pitbull terrier, weighing between 20-60kg and standing around 33-50cm in height.
Following the horrific scenes in Birmingham, the UK Government called for the XL bully to be banned.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: "This is appalling. The American XL bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children.
"We can’t go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them."
Owners of these animals have since hit back at the outrage, laying the blame at the feet of irresponsible owners rather than the animals.
If the government is successful, though, the American XL bully will be the fifth breed to be banned in the UK, joining the pitbull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and fila Brasileiro.
But what will happen to the dogs that are currently out there?
Well, once the banning order is brought it, police and the local council dog warden will have the power to take them away from owners.
Yep, even if your particular pet is not acting dangerously and has never had any complaints made against it, it could be confiscated.
Now, if your dog is in your home at the time, officers would need to get a warrant to take it.
However, if they find it in a public place, say a park, or if they already have a warrant to search your property for something else, such as drugs, and they find an XL bully, they can seize it immediately.
Once the animal has been confiscated, an expert will decide whether it is one of the banned breeds, and if it could be a danger to the public.
If it is determined to pose a threat, the dog will be kept in a kennels while the police or council apply to the court for it to be put down.
Owners who are found guilty of owning a banned dog can also be hit with an unlimited fine and even sentenced to up to six months in prison.
However, if the court rules that he dog isn't an immediate danger, it can be saved from being put down.
In order to qualify for a certificate of exemption, the dog must be neutered, microchipped, 'kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public', and 'kept in a secure place so it cannot escape'.
Dominic Smithers