Seventeen XL bully dogs in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, have been saved from destruction orders by magistrates after being found unregistered with Defra. The owners were required to prove they were fit and proper people, pass police inspections, and secure their registered addresses. The RSPCA expressed relief that the dogs were spared, allowing owners to keep them lawfully.
One owner, Emily Moore, was emotional when her dog Havana was granted an exemption. She thought she had registered her dog on time but missed a small detail on the online receipt. The dog was taken away, causing distress for Emily and her husband. They considered having Havana destroyed but were ultimately grateful for the court’s decision.
Another owner, Theresa Connolly, rescued a stray dog named Hugo and lived in fear of him being discovered and put down. She was overjoyed when the court granted Hugo an exemption, allowing her to provide him with a loving home.
Several other XL bully dogs were also granted exemptions, with owners expressing relief and gratitude. Each dog and owner must adhere to the rules set out in the Dangerous Dogs Act to ensure compliance.
The RSPCA’s dog welfare expert, Dr. Samantha Gaines, criticized the ban on XL bully types, stating that the legislation unfairly targets dogs based on their appearance rather than addressing the root causes of aggressive behavior. She emphasized the need for reform in dangerous dog legislation to focus on responsible breeding and proper care rather than breed-specific bans.
