Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the American XL bully dog will be banned in the UK by the end of the year following a series of attacks.

In a statement issued today, Mr Sunak said: ‘The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children.

‘I share the nation’s horror at the recent videos we’ve all seen.

‘Yesterday we saw another suspected XL bully dog attack, which has tragically led to a fatality.’

’It’s clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs,’ Mr Sunak continued. ‘It’s a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on.

The Prime Minister’s statement came after a man was mauled to death by two dogs near a primary school in Staffordshire, just days after the horrific dog attack by an American XL Bully dog on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham.

The girl was running past the XL Bully dog when it attacked, and two other people who tried to intervene were also bitten.

The dog chased people through the street after the girl was ushered into a nearby shop. It bit and grabbed onto the arm of a man who had run away to a petrol station forecourt.

All three people were taken to hospital for treatment.

Braverman said: ‘This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children. We can’t go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.’

This led to calls from Home Secretary Suella Braverman to ban the breed – although it’s been argued that as XL Bully dogs are not recognised as a specific breed by the Kennel Club, they could be hard to ban.

Others have suggested a ban could inadvertently affect other dogs.

The XL bully dog is a type of bulldog.

It was developed by breeding several dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog and English Bulldog.

The US Kennel Club – which recognises the breed – says that ‘aggression is characteristic of this breed.’

It is thought the breed – of which there are four sizes; standard, pocket, classic, and XL – first appeared in the UK around 2014 or 2015 and numbers have since grown rapidly.

Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?

There were 15 fatal dog attacks in England and Wales alone between 1981 and 1991 – so in 1991 the government banned four breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Banned breeds are managed by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) – and as yet, the XL Bully is not on the list.

Pit Bull Terrier

The UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 outlawed the possession and breeding of pit bulls.

They were originally illegally bred as fighting dogs.

Japanese Tosa

Although it is forbidden in the UK and many other nations, the Japanese Tosa is nevertheless bred in Japan to participate in dog fighting.

In accordance with Japanese dog-fighting regulations, this breed is expected to be able to battle in total silence.

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino was developed for boldness and protective qualities as well as for big-game hunting.

Due to these behavioural characteristics, the Dogo Argentino was outlawed in the UK.

Fila Brasileiro

A huge mastiff-like breed called the Fila Brasileiro was initially raised to chase down fugitive slaves from plantations.

Despite the fact that they are fiercely devoted and protective, these dogs have a reputation for being hostile to both people and other animals.

What’s illegal – is it just owning them?

It’s illegal to own a Pit Bull Terrier, a Japanese Tosa, a Dogo Argentino or a Fila Brasileiro – but the government advises:

‘Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name.

‘For example, if your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type.’

It’s also illegal to:

• Sell a banned dog
• Abandon a banned dog
• Give away a banned dog
• Breed from a banned dog.

Can the police seize a banned dog?

The police or local council dog warden can take a dog – even if it isn’t acting dangerously and there hasn’t been a complaint.

They don’t need a warrant in a public place.

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What is the penalty for owning a banned dog?

If an owner can’t prove to the court that their dog isn’t a banned type, they can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months (or both).

The dog will also be put down.

Why do I still see Pit Bulls in the street?

It’s possible the dog is registered on the Index of Exempt Dogs.

If a court decides the dog is not a danger to the public, owners can keep it and it can be added to the exempt list – but it has to be neutered, microchipped, kept in a secure places and on a lead with a muzzle in public.

MORE : Schoolgirl, 11, savaged by XL Bully dog breaks silence on ‘ferocious’ attack

MORE : Woman who died after dog attack had Labrador as guest of honour at her wedding

MORE : Susanna Reid recalls ‘encounter’ with ‘distressed’ XL Bully dog and calls for ban

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