Not a week goes by where there isn’t a dog attack in the media. In the last week alone there have been multiple reports of dog attacks in the news .

There has been a huge amount of attention focusing on the breed known as American Bully XL.

An 8-year-old boy was left with life-changing injuries after he was mauled by a dog , believed to be an XL Bully. Police arrested a man and a woman over the attack.

The boy was taken to hospital suffering from serious head injuries. Officers also seized the dog.  

A 49-year-old woman and 30-year-old man, unrelated to the boy, were arrested on suspicion of ‘being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury’.

On 15 September 2023, Prime Minister Sunak announced plans to ban American Bully XLs.

From February 2024, a change in the Dangerous Dogs Act made it illegal to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales unless the dog has a specific valid certificate of exemption.

To be eligible for exemption, the dogs must be:

• neutered
• microchipped
• muzzled and kept on a lead when in public
• safely secured so they cannot escape from home or garden

Owners must keep relevant third-party liability insurance, be over 16 years old and produce their Certificate of Exemption to either a police officer or dog warden when requested to do so.

The deadline to apply for exemption has now passed. Owners who missed the deadline will need to contact their local police station for further advice on how to apply.

  The XL Bully joins a banned breed list which includes:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

Katrina Elsey , specialist personal injury lawyer , said: “It remains my opinion that all dogs have teeth and so have the potential to bite and cause harm.

 “I’ve seen both fatal and severe physical injuries caused by all different breed types. I don’t consider banning more breeds of dog will solve the problem and prevent dog bite attacks. Responsible dog ownership and public education on how to control and look after their dogs is key."

Here at Switalskis we are specialist personal injury solicitors and have successfully handled many dog bite compensation claims on behalf of clients who have been attacked by a dog.

If you have been injured by a dog or been the victim of any other animal attack, contact our friendly team. We are happy to discuss your case in confidence and without obligation. Call 01302 320621 or email help@switalskis.com