Dr Neil Hudson, Veterinary Surgeon and member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, has joined the Prime Minister in calling for an evidence-based ban on the American Bully XL breed.
At Dr Hudson's instigation an urgent EFRA Committee session on dangerous dogs has been actioned in the coming weeks for expert policy makers to provide evidence-driven analysis looking at a proposed ban on the American XL Bully dog. This comes as the Prime Minister tasked ministers to bring together police and experts to ban American XL Bully by the end of the year following another tragic fatal attack.
The Veterinary MP has stood up in Parliament to acknowledge the sad reality that some dogs are indeed very dangerous and that nuanced evidence-based policy must reflect this when prioritising the safety of people. You can view that here.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Sadly, we have seen a number of horrifying attacks in recent weeks, highlighting the acute danger posed by these powerful and potentially aggressive animals. It is therefore only right that, in the interest of public safety, and the safety of other dogs, we look further at adding the American XL Bully to the Dangerous Dogs Act and banning the breed.
"I have triggered an urgent EFRA Committee session on the issue, in the coming weeks, dovetailing with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, to provide the expert analysis needed to enact legislative change.
"There are of course significant considerations to a ban of this kind, including what we do with current populations so decisions need to be well thought through, but in the long-term I am keen to enact a holistic model in which both breed and/or deed are considered. As a Veterinary Surgeon this is extremely close to my heart so I will continue to monitor the issue closely alongside ministerial colleagues to ensure this country remains a beacon for animal welfare and keeping people safe"
