Science Weekly
Should American bully XLs be banned?
Sep 14, 2023
Jessica Murray, a Guardian Midlands correspondent, discusses the rise in popularity of American bully XL dogs and a recent attack on a girl. Bioethicist Jessica Pierce weighs in on the debate about breed banning and reevaluating expectations of dog ownership. They explore concerns about aggression, genetics, and ethical responsibilities of dog ownership.
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Quick takeaways
- The American Bully XL breed has become popular despite concerns that it attracts the wrong type of owners, potentially leading to unfavorable characteristics being passed down through breeding.
- While certain breeds may have been selectively bred for aggression in the past, aggression is not a breed issue but an individual dog issue, emphasizing the importance of responsible dog ownership and understanding a dog's needs and behavior.
Deep dives
The American Bully XL breed and the debate over a potential ban
The American Bully XL breed has been involved in several fatal attacks, leading to a renewed debate on whether or not to ban the breed. The breed is known for its strong and muscular appearance, weighing over nine stone. Some owners believe their XL bullies are well-behaved and tame, but there are concerns that these dogs attract the wrong type of owners, potentially leading to unfavorable or violent characteristics being passed down through breeding. It is a fairly new breed, not recognized by the UK Kennel Club, and there is a lack of data on the number of these dogs in the UK. The increase in dog attacks in recent years, with the Bully XL breed being implicated in many cases, has fueled the discussion on a potential ban.
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