A legal academic has claimed that the American XL bully breed of dog has been responsible for nearly 50% of all attacks on both humans and dogs, and 70% of all deaths to dogs since 2021.
These reports come after accusations that dog attacks are on the rise, particularly those involving the XL bully breeds.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also spoken out about the breed, claiming he hopes to ban them once the breed has been "defined".
READ MORE: Man, 52, killed by two 'XL Bully' dogs in savage attack named and pictured
However, a coalition of animal charities, including the RSPCA and the Kennel Club, said banning American XL bully dogs would not stop attacks.
Academic Dr Lawrence Newport said: “Well, there’s a couple of responses to this. The first is that this dog breed is responsible for over 70% of all deaths to dogs since 2021, it’s responsible for nearly 50% of all attacks on both humans and other dogs.
“In July of this year, in one week, one dog a day was killed by an American bully. They are a uniquely dangerous breed of dog.”
Dr Newport claims that the power and aggression of the breed cannot be denied.
Just last week CCTV footage emerged of an XL Bully attacking three people in Birmingham, with the owner being accused of owning a dangerous dog.
Dr Newport added: “We actually know that bans work, because we’ve had one in place on Pit Bulls since 1991. That ban has been very successful. And we know that because for example, in the UK, we have half the per capita deaths to dogs that the US does, and that difference is entirely explained by Pit Bulls.
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Inbred 'Killer Kimbo' dog that half of UK's deadly XL Bully dogs are descended from
“Pit Bulls in the US are around about 60% of all deaths to dogs. We don’t have that here, in large part because of the ban.”
Other attacks include Mohammed Sami Raza, who was left covered in blood with horrendous injuries to his arms and legs after the dog pounced on him while he was playing football in the street last week.
There are claims that the banning of these dogs would be peaceful and not a witch-hunt.
Chief Veterinary Officer Professor Christine Middlemiss spoke to BBC Radio’s Today programme suggesting there would be an “amnesty” approach.
She said: “People that already have these dogs – and some of them will be well socialised, well managed, well trained – you will need to register and take certain actions.
“Your dog will need to be neutered. It will need to be muzzled when out in public and on a lead and insured.
“But if you comply with these actions, and that means we’ll know where these dogs are, which will be a massive benefit, then yes, absolutely you will be able to keep your dog.”
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