Fatal dog attacks in the UK have surged, with American bully XLs involved in more than half of the 10 deaths recorded last year. The breed, known for its muscular build and weight of up to 60kg, has sparked calls for stricter regulation or an outright ban. Critics point to incidents like the death of 65-year-old Keven Jones, who was bitten by a family bully XL in Wrexham and later died from blood loss.
Dog attacks overall have risen by over a third in five years, with 22,000 cases of injury by an out-of-control dog in 2022, up from 16,000 in 2018. In 2021, four fatal attacks occurred, two involving bully XLs. The following year, six of the 10 fatal attacks involved the breed. This year, at least two of five deaths have been linked to bully XLs, including the killing of dog walker Natasha Johnston in Caterham and Jonathan Hogg in Greater Manchester.
Despite the statistics, many owners defend the breed. Daren, a Surrey scaffolder, owns two bully XLs weighing 68kg each. He describes them as “beautiful dogs” but acknowledges their strength requires rigorous training. “If one of these gets hold of you, you’re going to be in trouble,” he said. He walks them separately due to their power and stresses the importance of voice commands.
Sarah, an accountant from Lancashire, owns two smaller pocket bullies weighing about 40kg. She uses crates for her dogs when at work and says they are “brilliant” with her children. Both owners requested anonymity to avoid negative attention, with Sarah noting, “I don’t understand why it’s this breed that’s getting all the bad press.”
The debate continues as the government considers measures to address the rise in attacks. While some advocate for a ban, others argue that responsible ownership and training are key. The breed’s popularity has grown despite the controversy, leaving policymakers to weigh public safety against the rights of owners.
