XL bully owners face ban on leaving children under 12 alone with their dogs
Summary
New rules in England and Wales will make it illegal to leave children under 12 years old alone with dangerous dogs like XL bullies. These rules come after several serious attacks on children, and they include fines and the possibility of dogs being taken away from owners who do not follow the law.Key Facts
- It is now illegal in England and Wales to leave children under 12 alone with dangerous dogs, including XL bullies.
- XL bullies are a strong dog breed related to American pitbulls and can weigh up to 60 kg (around 9 stone 6 pounds).
- Attacks by XL bullies on children have led to deaths, including a 10-year-old girl and a nine-month-old baby last year.
- Since February 2024, owning an XL bully without a special exemption certificate is a criminal offense.
- The new rules will start on November 1, 2024, and expand on existing restrictions for banned dog breeds.
- The RSPCA advises never to leave children and dogs alone without supervision, regardless of the dog’s breed.
- Dog attacks rose by 2% in 2024 compared to 2023, with nearly 32,000 attacks recorded in England and Wales.
- Additional 2024 laws ban selling, abandoning, giving away, breeding, or letting XL bullies be in public without a lead and muzzle.
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