XL bully ban in UK: Hundreds of dogs to face euthanasia from the end of the year

The ban, implemented in two phases, prohibits the legal rehoming or sale of XL bullies in the UK after December 31. This comes after a series of recent attacks and fatalities involving the breed.

Total dogs to be euthanized

A minimum of 246 XL bully dogs will be euthanized as the breed ban takes effect at the year's end. These dogs presently reside in rescue centers operated by various organisations, including RSPCA, Blue Cross, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust, and Mayhew, revealed by Sky News.

Unless rehomed by the end the year, these XL bully in rescue centres in England and Wales will have to be euthanized.

While rescuers can seek exemptions to retain the breed, the dog would be forced to live its life out in a kennel. But this is not a choice that charities would make due to welfare concerns, as reported.

Exemptions to keep a banned breed

Starting January 1, pet owners are required to muzzle their dogs and put a leash in public. However, they have until February to apply for an exemption to keep a banned breed.

The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes warns that next year a substantial number of XL bullies could face euthanasia. The 246 slated for extermination represent less than half of the controversial breed rescued in the UK, according to the reports.

Cost for euthanizing the XL bullies

The organisation said it costs between £350 to £400 to kill a big dog like an XL bully, as their size means cremation costs are increased and more drugs are needed to euthanize them.

The estimated cost for euthanizing a large dog like an XL bully costs between £350 to £400 due to increased cremation costs and the need for additional drugs for euthanasia. The total cost to charities to destroy their XL bullies could exceed £90,000, according to Blue Cross, as per the reports.

The government offers XL bully owners £200 toward euthanasia costs, but Blue Cross emphasizes that this compensation cannot replace the love and affection of a beloved family pet.

Nationwide, XL bullies must be neutered by February, placing a significant burden on rescue charities.