XL Bully Dogs: Government Will Not Ban Them.

The government has refused to ban XL Bully dogs. There has been a spate of attacks in recent years. According to the 'Daily Mirror' the public overwhelmingly backed a ban. Chris Philips, Home Office Minister, said He backed a ban on this and other dangerous dogs. The XL Bully is related to the American Pit Bull which is banned in the UK. This breed, though, is not under restrictions and you can legally keep one. Banned but not subject to restrictions doesn't make sense. But there you are, the law is what it is.

It seems the media loves to demonise dogs. Calling them 'dangerous breeds', however, they are only dangerous because we have made them so. Man has tinkered with the dog from time immemorial. Breeding breeds so that humans can use them for various tasks. So it is, with this breed, breeders are deliberately tampering with the breed's DNA. To make it bigger, more aggressive, more muscular. Often these dogs are owned by irresponsible owners who treat the dog as a trophy to make them look more aggressive. It's all about status like the big house you live in or that sports car you own. Humans are creatures of hierarchy and status, so we display, to others what we have and they have not. Sadly, as I said, this is what the XL Bully and other large dogs are used for. In other cases, these dogs are out of control with no discipline much like the kids many people have nowadays.

These dogs are described by the 'World Animal Foundation' as: "Good, natural, protective, faithful affectionate and gentle". So, the question, has to be asked, "Why do these dogs attack and commit such horrific deaths and injuries to people"? A dog is not some brainless creature that attacks for the sake of attacking. Dogs attack to protect themselves or others. Like us, they are reasoning creatures, with a plethora of thoughts and feelings. If dogs attack then there is a reason why. People often invite attacks upon themselves by their actions or tormenting the dog. Or people train them to attack to the point where the dog thinks it is the correct thing to do. I am not condoning or defending the dog attacking. They are powerful animals and can kill and inflict terrible injuries, that's a fact. What I am pointing out is that often dogs react out of fear or threat, the same as we do. Are humans mindless beings when we inflict horrors on others be they our own species or on others? Humans are the most dangerous beings on the planet. If you think not, look at our history, whether that be in the past or now. Dog attacks are a result of how the dog feels but humans are also responsible. Either that's how we have bred and breed them or the dog reacts because of how humans present themselves.

The Conservative government refuses to ban the breed. Would a ban even work? Probably not because these dogs would still be smuggled in. Perhaps there should be stronger measures against such Frankenstein dogs created by feckless breeders. But there should be stiffer penalties on these breeders too. The one thing you cannot stamp out though is how dogs are brought up and taught to react. You can educate owners and dogs can be trained. Some of these dogs are rehabilitated and become the family dogs they were meant to be.

The media is right to point out the danger these dogs pose. The media, however, loves to paint these dogs as cold, heartless, demonic killers. Thus, it makes these dogs public enemy number one and the sight of them creates fear and hatred. Yes, you should be wary of such animals, particularly when you have children or other dogs present. But you should also realize these dogs can be the most loyal, caring, and loving creatures if given the chance.