Status: 15.01.2024, 16:45 PM
By: Sophie Kluß
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From 01 February 2024, American XL Bullys will be banned in England and Wales. Many want to use the grace period for final rescue operations. Can the animals be brought to Germany?
Due to massive protests against the ban on XL Bullys in England and Wales, the British government has granted a grace period until 31 January 2024. After that, the authorities will take action against the dog breed, the keeping of which will then be officially prohibited without an exemption (subject to conditions and proof that the dog is harmless). This applies in particular to the bullies in the shelters, for which no permit can be purchased. For at least 246 dogs, this means certain death by euthanasia, as reported by the German Press Agency. The exact number of affected animals in England and Wales is not known, official figures vary between 10,000 and 30,000 specimens.
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German animal welfare associations also want to help
In order to be able to ban the XL Bullys, the British government first had to recognize the previously unclassified dogs as a separate breed. (Symbolic image) © Wirestock/Imago
In order to save as many XL Bullys as possible, numerous German associations and private individuals are also committed to bringing the animals to Germany. But is that allowed? The animal welfare association Werratal e.V. has inquired and published the result of its research on its Facebook channel. "After many conversations and e-mails with offices such as customs, public order office, veterinary office, other large, reputable special list dog clubs and the animal welfare organizations on site in England, we were able to find out a lot and would like to share this here," writes Alicja Przybyla, member of the association, in the post of January 04th.
Accordingly, the import of pit bulls and American Staffordshire terriers and corresponding mixed breeds into Germany is prohibited. In the case of the XL Bullys, however, Molossers were presumably bred, so that an import was legal. Specifically, the animal welfare association explains: "If the direct parents (mother and/or father animal) were not staffs or pits, the dog may be legally imported into Germany." Even if the dog's grandparents were American Staffordshire Terriers or Pitbulls, the import is still legal due to the only 25 percent inheritance. In principle, however, dogs may only be introduced that have become conspicuous in advance, not only aggressive failures.
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Pay attention to breed lists: Many federal states have their own regulations
However, the Animal Welfare Association Werratal e.V. would like to point out to dog lovers who would like to give the XL Bullys a new home to the regulations within the individual federal states. In many places, so-called breed lists regulate which dog breeds are classified as dangerous. Requirements may include, for example, leash and muzzle obligations, a permit requirement and an insurance obligation for the keeping of listed dogs.
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Although the American XL Bully is not a recognized breed in Germany, according to the Animal Welfare Association Werratal e.V., it can be assigned to such a breed list purely on the basis of its appearance. So make sure you know enough about the legislation and regulations in your region, especially in your municipality, before you bring an XL Bully to Germany. "Otherwise, it can happen that the well-intentioned help may become a dead end for the four-legged friend," summarizes the web portal msn.
Consequences of the ban: What will happen to the XL Bullys?
According to n-tv, some XL Bullys have already been brought to Scotland or abandoned there. In the meantime, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that the Scottish government also feels compelled to act and is considering a corresponding regulation. In addition, the animals are currently increasingly being abandoned in front of animal shelters or in the wild.
As reported by the German Press Agency, animal welfare organizations fear that breeders could switch to other dog breeds, such as the Caucasian Ovcharka. As an anonymous breeder told the BBC, the animals are "bigger, stronger and potentially more dangerous in the wrong hands" than XL Bullys.
The ban on XL Bullys is causing divided opinions in Germany. While many are outraged by the decision, Peta, Germany's largest animal rights organization, for example, has expressed understanding to Petbook: "Banning the breeding of American bullies in England is a logical and responsible step."