London, UK – The recent declaration by Home Secretary Suella Braverman regarding the potential banning of American bully XL dogs has reignited a contentious debate surrounding breed-specific dog bans in the United Kingdom. Braverman’s concerns stem from a recent attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham, resulting in injuries to two men. Police have confirmed that the offending animal was a bully XL crossed with a Staffordshire bull terrier. In response, Braverman has initiated inquiries into the possibility of outlawing these dogs. However, experts are divided on the effectiveness of such bans and the ethical implications they raise.
Bully XLs, a relatively new breed, have yet to be scientifically studied for their biting propensity. Standing at heights of up to 50cm and weighing as much as 60kg, they certainly draw attention. Nevertheless, the UK Kennel Club does not recognize them as a specific breed, and their precise lineage remains unclear, though they likely include pit bull terriers, American bulldogs, and American Staffordshire bull terriers in their ancestry.
Campaign group Bully Watch reports that such breeds have been responsible for 351 attacks in the UK this year alone. However, they are not the only breeds implicated in fatal attacks, as rottweilers, huskies, and Cane Corsos have also been involved in fatal incidents over the past three years. Attempting to attribute aggression solely to specific breeds poses significant challenges, according to scientists.
Research suggests that a dog‘s behavior is more influenced by its upbringing than its genetic makeup. Recent studies comparing behavioral traits, such as impulsivity and sensitivity to stimuli triggering aggression, in eight legislated-against breeds (including pit bull types) and 17 non-legislated breeds have indicated that breed alone is an unreliable predictor of individual behavior, including aggression.
Daniel Mills, a professor of veterinary behavioral medicine at the University of Lincoln, who led the research, emphasizes that while there may be average differences between breeds, the significant variation within a breed often results in overlap. Stating that certain breeds are inherently problematic is an oversimplification that can be sensationalized and unhelpful.
Nonetheless, genetics do play a role. About two decades ago, there was a specific line of golden retrievers known for their aggression as puppies. However, breed-wide bans were not considered.
Carri Westgarth, a professor in human-animal interaction at the University of Liverpool, agrees that certain breeding lines within breeds may produce more aggressive puppies. However, this phenomenon is not solely genetic. Stress experienced by a mother during pregnancy can predispose puppies to be more fearful and reactive.
The initial socialization of puppies also significantly impacts their behavior, often controlled by breeders rather than owners.
Complicating matters further is the fact that XL bully dogs and other powerful breeds may be desirable to specific types of individuals. Some owners may even seek out dogs with aggressive tendencies, as it boosts their ego. However, this does not apply to all bully XL owners.
Despite these considerations, it is undeniable that most fatal dog attacks involve large and powerful breeds. Different breeds also exhibit distinct biting styles, with some more inclined to inflict severe damage.
The question then arises: should more large and powerful breeds be banned? Westgarth raises concerns that banning breeds would create a void, much like the emergence of bully XLs following the UK’s ban on pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, dogo Argentinos, and fila Brasileiros.
Additionally, banning specific breeds may erroneously imply that others are inherently safe, whereas any dog has the potential to cause harm. “Although unprovoked attacks do occur, the vast majority of dog attacks result from irresponsible ownership, owner behavior, or irresponsible interactions with dogs,” warns Mills.
As discussions on breed-specific bans continue, it is evident that addressing the complex issue of dog attacks requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses responsible ownership, proper breeding practices, and effective socialization.
