Defiant XL Bully owner puts muzzle on himself in 'protest walk' against ban

02 January 2024 , 15:45

1272     0

Aidan wore a black muzzle to match his dog's (Image: tiktok.com/@daniellercollins)

An XL Bully dog owner has gone out wearing a muzzle on the first walk of the New Year with his now muzzled pet, in protest at the breed's ban.

Owner Danielle posted a video to TikTok showing her partner Aidan taking their dog Rolo out with the pair wearing matching black muzzles. The pup, which appears well behaved in the short clip, is seen practising commands such as sit and wait, while wearing his new enforced face wear.

Posting the video on social media Danielle said: "Our first walk with Rolo with the new restrictions and laws against XL bullies. Aidan supporting Rolo today wearing a muzzle and making conversations with passers by, to show our animals should not be demonised by a muzzle or the law."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in September that the XL Bully breed would become the fifth banned dog breed in the UK following the fatal attack on Ian Price in Stonnall, Staffordshire. It is now illegal to sell, give away, breed or abandon the dogs. Current owners must register their XL Bullies and ensure they're fully muzzled and leashed in public by the end of January. Many XL Bully owners have hit back at the Bill, claiming that banning the breed wasn't the answer and blaming attacks on irresponsible owners.

Danielle later added to her post: "It is a sad, sad day across the dog communities today. I totally understand some people don't understand and I have accepted and come to terms with that. I don't expect you to. However, this is my dog. A breed which has recently been banned as of [Sunday]. Having individuals screenshot a training video of me trying to express Rolo's full capabilities as [a] Bully and using it for their own social gain just hasn't sat right. I have always videoed Rolo and I will continue to do so."

Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams

Many XL Bully owners have hit back at the Bill, claiming that banning the breed wasn't the answer and blaming attacks on irresponsible owners. Dannii Howe, who organised a gathering of XL Bullies in Margate at the end of the year, claiming it was designed as a last chance saloon for the dogs to meet and play with one another, said: "Lots of dogs don't know what a muzzle is and don't often come into contact with dogs that have muzzles on. This can cause a little confusion and some dogs can be a little scared or intimidated by such a strange new thing."

Rolo and owner Aidan (tiktok.com/@daniellercollins)

XL Bully pup Rolo in a muzzle (tiktok.com/@daniellercollins)

The RSPCA has also said the ban will place huge burdens on dog shelters, many of which are already under increasing pressure with rising numbers of abandoned pets and dwindling rates of people willing to re-home them. Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the charity, said: "What is really concerning is because the ban has come in at such a pace that there may be owners who are not ready for this, being able to ensure their dog is happy wearing a muzzle.

"There is some fear that people for whatever reason may have left it a bit late and about what that means." She added: "Breed is not a good or reliable predictor of aggressive behaviour. Whether or not a dog goes on to use aggressive behaviour depends on how they've been bred, how they've been raised, their life experiences."

The ban follows months of campaigning from The Mirror calling for action on danger dogs and the rising rate of attacks on members of the public. The Time For Action campaign has been backed by the likes of Emma Whitfield, whose 10-year-old son Jack Lis was killed by an XL Bully.

Kelly-Ann Mills