BVA and others call Government’s definition ‘hugely subjective’.

A coalition of veterinary and animal welfare organisations, including the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA, and The Kennel Club, has raised concerns about the Government’s newly published definition of the American XL bully breed.

The official definition is a crucial part of the forthcoming ban on the breed, but the Dog Control Coalition is concerned that it is too subjective and open to interpretation for both owners and those enforcing the legislation.

In a statement published after Defra announced its timetable for the ban coming into force, the coalition stated that the Government ‘urgently needs to provide more clarity for owners on how to interpret this definition, so they can understand if it will affect them and their dog.’

The coalition is urging the Government to make sure that police and local authorities have the resources and training they need ‘to avoid any more dogs than absolutely necessary from being caught up’ in the ban.

Defra is recommending that owners who are not sure if their dog is an XL bully, including owners of puppies, start to prepare for the ban. Restrictions on the breed come into force from 31 December 2023, with the full ban under the Dangerous Dogs Act beginning on 1 February 2024.

The process of defining the breed has been controversial. During a recent parliamentary evidence session, the RSPCA revealed that it had left the Government’s breed confirmation working group over concerns that a larger number of dogs might be affected than was originally intended.

The statement from the Dog Control Coalition also raised concerns about the speed with which the news laws are being introduced. It ends by saying that the coalition will take the time to review the information published by Defra and continue to support those caring for American XL bullys, including ‘the vets who may find themselves asked to euthanise healthy dogs for no other reason than how they look.’

The Dog Control Coalition is made up of the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, Scottish SPCA and The Kennel Club.

Announcing the details of the ban yesterday, environment secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.”

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