Image: XL Bully (credit: Pexels)
Ten percent of dogs and puppies being sold online in Rotherham are soon to be banned XL American Bully dogs, according to research by Rotherham Reveal.
‘Freeads’, the popular pet rehoming site, were found to be running 114 puppy and dog adverts, within 5 miles of Rotherham. Fourteen of these were XL/American Bullys.
Other sites seemed to boast a large number of adverts for XL/American Bullys as well. ‘Pets4homes’ saw 9% of the 104 ads being the particular breed.
Government data released on 27 October 2023 showed there were 3,499 of the banned dogs across England, Scotland and Wales, with 3,316 of them living in England.
Across the UK, XL Bully ads make up 4% of total dog sales according to the research performed on the site. It appears that particularly in Rotherham, sales are far more predominant.
These statistics come in the wake of statements released by South Yorkshire Police on 23 October, urging the public to avoid buying dogs online.
Dog Legislation Officer PC Paul Jameson said: “If you’re looking to get a new dog, please consider rehoming from a reputable centre or a genuine seller.
“You are more likely to be bitten or injured by a dog you know, either in your own home, or that of a family member or friend.”
Dangerous dog incidents continue to rise nationally and within South Yorkshire. Since 2019 over 700 dog attacks have been recorded.
On 19 October 2023, a woman was attacked by a Bull-type dog in her home in Mexborough, in front of her children, after collecting a dog for free off of the internet.
PC Jameson said: “Sellers online are not always honest about a dog’s history and behaviour and do not have yours or your family’s best interests at heart, which can have devastating, even fatal consequences.”
The dog was subsequently removed from the property.
The RSPCA have been working to inform the Bully owners on the changing of breed-based laws.
A statement was released on Friday 15 September after the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced that American bully XL types would be listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act by the end of 2023.
The RSPCA said: “If you currently own an American Bully XL type, crossbreed or a dog that looks similar, please try not to worry. We will support as many dogs and XL Bully owners as possible and try to influence the government so that well behaved dogs are not penalised.”
However, the RSPCA are urging current owners not to worry if XL Bully dogs do receive a ban: “The situation is still unclear, but the chief veterinary officer has indicated that there will be an exemption scheme.
“The existing exemption scheme allows owned dogs who prove to the court that they are not a danger to the public to be added to the Index of Exempted Dogs.”
Under this scheme, owners will need to ensure that their dog is microchipped and neutered as well as being leashed and muzzled in a public place. Owners will also have to pay for a certificate of exemption and third party insurance may be required.
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