Emerging concerns over larger dog breeds potentially replacing the banned XL bully breed have sparked warnings from experts about the persistence of the “status dog” issue, which continues to be a significant problem in animal welfare.
This new alarm follows calls for legislative action targeting the bully kutta, also known as the Pakistani mastiff, which has not been subjected to any current restrictions. Despite growing attention on the breed, leading veterinary groups have reported no specific concerns from their members so far. However, Dave Martin, animal welfare advisor at IVC Evidensia, expressed concern about the rising interest in the breed since the XL bully ban took effect.
Martin emphasized that the focus on certain breeds like the bully kutta, along with others such as the cane corso and shepherd breeds, highlights that the underlying issues of irresponsible ownership and the appeal of “status” dogs remain unresolved. He noted that this trend is concerning, as these large dogs, some weighing over 90kg—more than double the weight of an XL bully—pose significant challenges for many households.
The issue was brought into sharp focus following a report by the Sunday Mirror, which detailed a recent attack by a bully kutta in Lancashire. The attack, which led to the dog being euthanized and its owner prosecuted, has spurred calls for stricter regulations on such breeds.
Veterinary groups, including the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), have confirmed that they have not received reports of issues with the bully kutta. However, Dr. Martin noted that the rising interest in these breeds was anticipated when the XL bully legislation was introduced, suggesting that the problem of dangerous dogs is far from resolved. He also warned that breeds such as the Anatolian and Caucasian shepherds, known for their guarding instincts, can become aggressive due to their size and protective nature.
While the XL bully ban has received significant support from public safety advocates, many in the veterinary and welfare sectors argue that breed-specific legislation is ineffective. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has continued to defend the ban, emphasizing its role in ensuring public safety. Additionally, Defra is working on initiatives aimed at promoting responsible ownership across all breeds, following research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) suggesting that more comprehensive measures may be needed.
In the face of these growing concerns, Dr. Martin called for a broader perspective on dog legislation, urging a more nuanced approach to ensure the safety and well-being of both dogs and the public.
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