Dog breeders are finding ways around the ban on XL Bullies by promoting a smaller version that can be just as aggressive, as uncovered by an investigation conducted by Mirror. Pocket Bullies have become increasingly popular after the prohibition of XLs, leading to a surge in advertisements on resale platforms. These dogs are genetically similar to XL Bullies, raising concerns among experts about a potential rise in fatal attacks.
Recently, a tragic incident involving a three-month-old named Maggie-May Ann Moody, who was reportedly fatally attacked by a dog resembling a pocket bully, occurred in Redcar, North Yorkshire. The family of Maggie-May expressed their deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the impact of her absence on their lives.
In another heartbreaking case, Amanda Holmes shared the harrowing experience of her five-year-old son Antonio, who suffered life-altering injuries after being attacked by a pocket bully. She emphasized the need for a ban on these dogs, describing the traumatic aftermath of the attack on her son’s well-being.
Pocket Bullies and XLs both belong to the American Bulldog breed, with the main distinction being their size and weight. While Pocket Bullies are currently legal in the UK, concerns persist due to their compact yet robust physique, standing at around 17 inches tall and possessing substantial strength for their stature.
These dogs, a variation of the American Bully breed, are specifically bred for their short and muscular build by crossing Pit Bulls with smaller English Bulldogs, Patterdale Terriers, or American Staffordshire Terriers. Despite their popularity, Pocket Bullies face various health issues due to their size and selective breeding practices.
Following a campaign by Mirror, the sale of American XL Bully dogs was prohibited starting from 2024. Jeffrey Turner, an expert in dangerous dog assessment, highlighted the potential risks associated with Pocket Bullies, underscoring their powerful nature and the importance of responsible ownership to prevent incidents of aggression.
Although there were fewer reported deaths involving XL Bullies in the previous year, attacks by other bully variants have been on the rise. The alarming trend of promoting Pocket Bullies through online platforms like Gumtree has raised concerns among experts, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly understanding a dog’s background and training before adoption.
While some advocate for breed bans, others argue that responsible ownership is key to preventing dog-related incidents. Dog behaviorist Rob Alleyne emphasized the need for owners to take accountability for their pets’ behavior, proposing stricter enforcement against irresponsible owners rather than breed-specific regulations.
In 2024, police data revealed a 2% increase in dog attacks on people in England and Wales compared to the previous year. These statistics shed light on the ongoing challenges surrounding dog ownership and the importance of promoting responsible pet care to ensure public safety.
