麻豆社

American bully XLs are being added to the list of banned dogs in England and Wales, making it illegal to own one without an exemption from 1 February next year.

From January the dogs will also have to be muzzled and on a lead in public. There will be a longer deadline for owners to ensure the dogs are neutered.

It follows a number of attacks involving the breed, although owners insist the dogs, despite their appearance, make lovable pets.

From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to sell, abandon, breed from or give away an American bully XL, or have one in public without a lead or muzzle.

If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December next year. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June.

Lynne Marshall, who runs Love Your Dog Training in Belvoir in Leicestershire, explains to Ady Dayman why she thinks the government's decision is wrong.