Confidence or Concern: How Safe Is It to Have an American Bully XL Around Your Baby Daughter?

“I trust my American bully XL around my baby daughter”

Introduction

In response to a proposed ban on the American bully XL breed in the UK, owners of these dogs argue that such a ban would not address concerns around aggression. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced the ban after a series of high-profile attacks involving the breed. However, individuals like Samantha Wood, from Aberdeen, share their positive experiences with their bully XL dogs and emphasize the importance of responsible ownership and proper training in preventing aggressive behavior. This article explores the perspectives of Ms. Wood and other owners, as well as the arguments surrounding breed-specific legislation.

The Loving and Protective Nature of American Bully XL

Ms. Wood, who owns a three-year-old bully XL named Kano, attests to the gentle and good-natured nature of her dog. She shares anecdotes of Kano lying on her bump during her pregnancy, seemingly protecting her, and being loving towards her nine-month-old daughter. Ms. Wood’s positive experiences with Kano contradict the assumption that all American bully XL dogs are inherently dangerous. She points out that responsible ownership and proper training are key factors in shaping a dog’s behavior, emphasizing that it is the owner, and not the breed, that determines a dog’s temperament.

Challenging the Notion of a Breed Ban

Ms. Wood expresses her disagreement with a potential ban on the American bully XL breed, calling it “ridiculous.” She questions the right of authorities to label an entire breed as dangerous based on the actions of a few individuals. Drawing a comparison to the justice system, she highlights that individuals should not be judged based on the actions of others. Ms. Wood argues that it is the responsibility of owners to provide the proper training, care, and environment for their dogs, rather than placing the blame solely on the breed.

Action Against Irresponsible Owners

Jayne Dendle, from Save Our Seized Dogs, supports Ms. Wood’s views and asserts that banning the American bully XL breed will not solve the problem of aggression and dog attacks. Instead, she calls for action against irresponsible owners and backyard breeders who prioritize appearance and size over temperament. Ms. Dendle blames the upbringing and treatment of dogs, rather than their breed, for their behavior.

Looking Beyond Breed Bans

Ms. Dendle advocates for more effective measures to address concerns around aggressive dogs. She suggests adopting approaches proven to work in other countries such as the Calgary model in Canada and the Blue Dog project in the Netherlands. These models focus on responsible ownership and rehabilitation rather than punitive breed-specific legislation. Ms. Dendle emphasizes the importance of police intervention in cases where dogs pose a genuine threat to the community, rather than targeting well-behaved dogs based on their appearance.

Editorial and Advice

The proposed ban on American bully XL dogs raises important questions about the effectiveness of breed-specific legislation in addressing concerns around aggression. While certain individuals have experienced positive relationships with their dogs, it is essential to acknowledge that dog attacks can occur regardless of breed. To ensure the safety of both humans and animals, a more comprehensive approach is required.

Rather than focusing solely on breed bans, it is crucial to promote responsible ownership, proper training, and stricter regulation of backyard breeders. This requires educational initiatives to raise awareness about responsible dog ownership and the importance of early socialization and training. Additionally, authorities should invest in programs that facilitate rehabilitation for dogs displaying aggressive behavior.

Efforts should also be made to enforce existing laws that hold owners accountable for their dog’s actions, regardless of breed. Penalties should be proportionate to the severity of an incident and should include mandatory training and behavior assessments for owners of dogs involved in aggressive incidents. By targeting irresponsible owners rather than specific breeds, authorities can better mitigate the risk of dog attacks and promote a safer environment for both pets and the general public.

In conclusion, while concerns around dog aggression are valid, a blanket ban on the American bully XL breed is not the most effective solution. Responsible ownership, proper training, and targeted intervention against irresponsible owners are more practical approaches. By implementing these measures, we can strive towards a safer environment for both humans and their furry companions.