American XL bullies to be banned, says Sunak after series of attacks

The American XL bully dog breed will be banned by the end of the year after a series of attacks, Rishi Sunak said.

- Jessica Murray

The prime minister said yesterday he had asked ministers to work with police and experts to define the breed.

"with a view to outlawing it", making it the first breed to be banned since 1991, the year the Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced.

"The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children," he said.

"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 is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen fast. It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it's a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on," the prime minister said.

It was confirmed yesterday that Ian Price, 52, had died after being attacked by two dogs in Stonnall, Staffordshire. Police said they believed the animals, both of which were killed, were XL bully dogs.

Staffordshire police said a 30-yearold man from the Lichfield area had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and being in charge of dogs dangerously out of control, and remained in custody. Both dogs, thought to be XL bullies, were dead and tests were being carried out to determine their breed, the force said.

Price, who ran a hard surface repair company, had celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary this year and had two teenage children.