Government calls for American XL bullies to be banned after girl, 11, is mauled on street during rampage
*Content warning - article and video contain graphic images*
American 'XL bully' dogs could face a ban after the Government Home Secretary says 'we can’t go on like this' after a recent attack on a 11-year-old girl in Birmingham.
XL bullies are larger versions of pitbull terriers and are not recognised by the main dog associations in the UK.
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They can weigh anywhere between 20-60kg and are around 33-50cm in height.
On Saturday (9 September), three people, including a young girl, 11, were bitten by an out-of-control XL bully in Bordesley Green.
They were all taken to hospital after two men were 'bitten and left with injuries to their shoulders and arms', West Midlands Police said.
West Midlands Police said in a statement: "We’re investigating after three people were bitten by a dog in Birmingham yesterday (9 September).
"An 11-year-old girl ran past the dog as it was being walked by its owner in Bordesley Green, when she was bitten.
"Two men intervened but were bitten and left with injuries to their shoulders and arms.
"They were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries.
"The dog was initially taken to a local vet to be checked over before being taken into secure kennels while the investigation continues.
"The owner of the dog has been spoken to by officers.
"Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat quoting log 3245 of 9/9."
And Home Secretary Suella Braverman has since issued a stark warning on social media.
"This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children," she wrote on Twitter.
"We can’t go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them."
A Dogs Trust spokesman has also said: “Dogs Trust wants to see the current dog control laws replaced with one consolidated law that allows for early intervention with a focus on the prevention of dog bite incidents and includes measures that deter and punish owners of dogs whose behaviour is dangerous.
“We will continue to look for reform in existing dog control laws until we are satisfied that any new measures are preventative, breed-neutral and effective, and ultimately protect both dogs and people alike.”
However, banning dogs is looked at by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
A Defra spokesperson told the BBC: "We take dog attacks and anti-social behaviour very seriously and are making sure the full force of the law is being applied.
"This can range from lower-level Community Protection Notices - which require dog owners to take appropriate action to address behaviour - to more serious offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act, where people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or result in dangerous dogs being euthanised."
Anish Vij