Mother of Victim Urges Prompt Action on Banning American Bully XL Dogs
A Call for Action
Emma Whitfield, the mother of a 10-year-old boy, Jack Lis, who tragically lost his life due to an attack by an American Bully XL dog named Beast, has voiced her concerns over the delay in banning this breed. Her call for action comes after Home Secretary Suella Braverman proposed a potential prohibition of these dogs. The urgency for such action was underscored by a recent distressing attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham, captured on video and shared on social media.
The Tragic Past
Emma Whitfield’s son, Jack Lis, was the victim of an American Bully XL dog attack in Caerphilly, South Wales, two years ago. This harrowing incident has left a lasting impact on her family and has spurred her advocacy for stricter regulations regarding such breeds.
A Plea for Immediate Action
In a message shared on social media, Ms. Whitfield expressed her frustration, questioning why action was not taken earlier. She urged politicians not to delay any longer and to put an end to “breed-neutral” policies. Instead, she implored them to focus on tackling backyard breeders and irresponsible dog owners who pose a threat to innocent lives.
Previous Perpetrators and Victims
Ms. Whitfield’s plea resonates with the conviction that more proactive measures could have prevented her son’s tragic fate. The perpetrators responsible for the attack on Jack were subsequently sentenced to jail. Meanwhile, investigations continue into the recent incident in Birmingham, where an 11-year-old girl and two others sustained injuries.
Government’s Role and Concerns
The responsibility of adding the Bully XL breed to the banned list falls under Environment Secretary Therese Coffey’s department. However, concerns about the feasibility of such a move have arisen, as the Bully XL is not officially recognized as a specific breed by the Kennel Club. Defining the breed and implementing a ban may prove challenging, potentially affecting other breeds inadvertently.
Current Legal Framework and Measures
The UK has stringent laws concerning dangerous dogs. Owning, breeding, or selling dogs on the banned list established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is prohibited. Additionally, owning a dog that is dangerously out of control is against the law, carrying penalties such as prison sentences and unlimited fines. Presently, four breeds are banned in the UK: the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
Government’s Commitment to Address the Issue
Downing Street and the UK Government have affirmed their commitment to addressing the American Bully XL dog issue. Urgent advice has been commissioned to explore measures for dealing with dangerous dogs. The recent shocking incident has further underscored the need for swift action. While discussions on banning this specific breed continue, measures already in place under the Dangerous Dogs Act serve to protect the public from dangerous dogs.
Cross-Party Support for Action
Cross-party support for taking action against American Bully XL dogs is evident. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his belief in the need for banning this breed, emphasizing that the footage of the recent attack was deeply disturbing. He hopes for speedy and constructive government action to address the issue.
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