Dr Neil Hudson MP has instigated an emergency evidence session to look at American XL Bully dogs as part of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' Inquiry into Pet Welfare and Abuse.
The importance of the Inquiry has been highlighted by the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that American XL Bully dogs will be banned in the coming months. In response to the ban announcement and the recent reports of attacks by these dogs, the Committee has scheduled an additional evidence session on 18th October.
The Committee will consider the merits of a ban, the means of its implementation and enforcement and any animal welfare issues that may arise from it.
In recent weeks attacks by XL bully dogs on children, adults, farm animals and domesticated pets have made headlines with footage of attacks circulating widely online. Four breeds of dogs are currently prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Dr Hudson has previously expressed his support for the ban to protect people from these powerful and potentially aggressive animals. Beyond the immediate ban, he is also pushing for a long-term holistic model of dog ownership in which irresponsible breeding and dangerous animals are reviewed and addressed. You can read his full response here.
This one-off evidence session on XL bullies will feed into the EFRA committee’s wider current inquiry on pet welfare and abuse, which has seen the Committee’s MPs hear from specialists in the animal rescue, retail, breeding and local government sectors. You can read more about the Inquiry, here.
Veterinary MP Dr Neil Hudson said:
"The horrifying attacks we've witnessed in recent weeks have shocked the nation. It is only right therefore that in the interest of public safety and the safety of other dogs, we look at banning the American XL Bully.
"That is why I have triggered this urgent EFRA Committee Session - so any Government decisions are backed up by the most pertinent evidence and expert analysis.
"Such a swift legislative change I believe is right, but our role is to make sure in the longer-term we can address a host of associated issues such as irresponsible breeding, ownership of dangerous dogs and to what extent the breed of the animal and/or the deed of the animal can be most efficiently legislated for to keep people safe. I'm really proud of the work we have already undertaken as part of our Pet Welfare and Abuse Inquiry, and I look forward to pushing ahead with a range of evidence-based recommendations for Government."
The session on 18th October can be watched at parliamentlive.tv.
