Emma Whitfield, whose 10-year-old son Jack Lis was killed by an American bully XL dog in 2021, has criticised the UK government for failing to act sooner to ban the breed. Her comments came after Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she had commissioned 'urgent advice' on outlawing the dogs following a recent attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham.
Writing on social media, Whitfield said: 'It’s crazy how this video has gone viral and now politicians are coming out of the woodwork saying how bad it is. Where were you when my son was killed? Where were you when other innocent people were killed? Where were you when I was at parliament asking for change? Nowhere.' She urged politicians to stop 'pussyfooting around the breed neutral bull crap' and take action.
The term 'breed neutral' refers to the idea that public safety is better protected when laws do not outlaw specific breeds and instead hold owners accountable for their dog's behaviour. Whitfield added: 'Maybe you can do this and work on the back yard breeders and the thuggish owners ruining lives too … it seems none of those in charge who could make changes wanted to listen to the victims’ families before now.'
Jack Lis was attacked by a bully XL named Beast in Caerphilly, south Wales, in November 2021. Brandon Hayden and Amy Salter were jailed after admitting being in charge of the out-of-control dog. The recent attack in Birmingham involved a 'crossbreed bully XL/Staffordshire bull terrier puppy', according to West Midlands police. The 11-year-old victim, Ana Paun, required hospital treatment, and two other people were injured.
Mark Drakeford, the Welsh first minister, called for the breed to be banned, questioning why the UK government has not acted sooner. Keir Starmer, the UK Labour leader, said there was a 'strong case' for banning the breed. Downing Street said the government took the issue 'extremely seriously' and noted that the police were investigating the Birmingham incident.
