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One of our area’s main animal welfare charities has mentioned it has seen a “surge” in enquiries from involved pet homeowners involved concerning the upcoming ban on XL Bully dogs
The Godmanchester-based charity has been compelled to cope with lots of of individuals fearful about the truth that, from tomorrow (February 1), it will likely be unlawful to personal an XL Bully that hasn’t been licensed as exempt.
Linda Cantle is the Director of Operations at Woodgreen:
“Since the government announced its plans to ban XL Bully dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act last year, we’ve skilled a surge in enquiries from homeowners,” she mentioned.
Ms Cantle mentioned her workers have been coping with a rise in enquiries associated to XL Bully breeds over the previous six months.
“Since September of 2023, Woodgreen has received a total of 161 enquiries from concerned pet owners,” she famous.
“These have included requests for handing XL Bullies into our care, advice and guidance on the exemption process, and support with meeting the exemption criteria.”
Woodgreen is a part of the Dog Control Coalition, an affiliation of organisations which doesn’t agree with the ban on XL Bullies.
This coalition contains the RSPCA, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, The Kennel Club, British Veterinary Association, USPCA, PDSA, Scottish SPCA and Woodgreen.
Ms Cantle shares the Dog Control Coalition’s vital view of the upcoming ban:.
“The legislation has come about extremely quickly – giving owners, vets and charities like Woodgreen very little time to prepare.”
Dr Samantha Gaines, a canine welfare professional with the RSPCA mentioned that view, including that her organisation was “heartbroken that we’ve reached this point.”
“As members of the Dog Control Coalition, we’ve been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to try to work with the UK Government to find an alternative to this ban,” Dr Gaines mentioned.“But, sadly, from 1 February it will be illegal to own any XL Bullies without an exemption certificate and it is also illegal to rehome, sell, gift, breed or abandon one.”
