Rishi Sunak promises to ban American XL Bully dogs by end of 2023

Rishi Sunak has vowed to ban American XL Bully dogs saying 'it’s clear' the breed 'is a danger to our communities'.

Video transcript

RISHI SUNAK: 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, it's a pattern of behavior and it cannot go on. While owners already have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, I want to reassure people that we are urgently working on ways to stop these attacks and protect the public.

Today, I have tasked ministers to bring together police and experts to firstly define the breed of dog behind these attacks with a view to then outlawing it. It is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen fast. We will then ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and new laws will be in place by the end of the year.

These dogs are dangerous. I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe.