A dog walker from Burnley is trying to give XL Bully dogs the freedom to run and play without a muzzle and lead, after the first stage of the breed ban came into force on December 31.
Becky Blackett, owner of dog walking and pet care service My Walkiees, is offering XL Bully owners the chance to use the business’ private and secure land to train their dogs without the need for a lead or muzzle.
This is because it is now a criminal offence for XL Bully dogs to be off the lead and without a muzzle in a public place, after a number of incidents involving the breed attacking people and causing serious injuries and death.
Becky, 30, said she the offer is free and only asks owners of the maligned breed to get in touch to book a slot in advance.
She said: “I am offering XL bully owners the chance to take their dog to my field and exercise them without the worry of having their dog seized because of the way it looks.
“I want to give the dogs the opportunity to really have fun and burn off some energy just as they should without a muzzle or a lead, as this is no way for a dog to live.
“If it was my dog, it would break my heart not being able to take them to the beach and see them running living their best life.
"This is what dogs deserve so if I can at least offer a slight bit of that freedom then that is what I will do.”
Becky said the space she is offering is in accordance with the law and insurance policies.
Several XL Bully owners have already used the space this month.
She said “The reaction from the public has been amazing, so many shares and likes on my post and messages thanking me for my kindness.
“I have had around seven XL Bully dogs use the land so far with a lot more booked in following weeks, I am getting more messages daily from people wanting to use my field.”
Becky, who has owned My Walkiees for six years, said she was “disheartened and disappointed” about the Government’s decision to ban XL Bully dogs.
She also says the definition of an XL Bully is “too broad”.
The Government website has listed the specific measurements for a dog to be classes as an XL Bully.
It also states that there are other established breeds that may meet some of the characteristics of the XL Bully breed type. These are not within scope of the ban.
A suspected XL Bully breed type does not need to fit the physical description perfectly. If a dog meets the minimum height measurements and a substantial number of these characteristics, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type.
Becky said: “I think the breed specific legislation ban is outdated and needs to be readdressed.
"The definition of XL Bully dogs by the government is too broad, putting way too many dogs under the ban.
“So many, lovely, friendly healthy dogs are going to be swept under this ban due to the measurements made up by the UK government.”
Becky believes dog aggression cannot be judged on appearances and breed alone.
She said: “Dog aggression is complex. I have six years of experience working with dogs and it is so flawed for dog aggression to be judged and based on the way a dog looks, rather than the actions of each individual dog.
“I strongly believe that a dog’s behaviour is a result of its upbringing and environment.”
The full XL Bully ban come into place on February 1, meaning owners have just a couple of weeks left to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dogs, or face potential criminal proceedings and an unlimited fine.
To qualify for an exemption certificate, owners must prove their XL bully has been neutered by June 30.
If the dog is less than a year old by January 31, they must neutered by the end of 2024, and evidence must be provided.
As well as neutering their animals, XL bully owners seeking an exemption must also pay an application fee, hold active public liability insurance for their pets and ensure the dogs are microchipped.
The measures were introduced after a rise in dog attacks over recent years.
Until 2021 there were about three deaths a year, but there have since been 23, many linked to XL Bully type dogs.
People with dangerously out of control dogs can be jailed for 14 years and banned from owning animals, and their pets can be put down.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel