By Fiorella Castro

In recent times, the world has seen a surge in interest in dog ownership, particularly during the pandemic. The documentary "Britain's Puppy Boom" shed light on the illicit practices within the breeding industry and the alarming disregard for standards and regulations. The uproar that followed prompted veterinary groups and organizations like the BVA and Dog Trust to send warnings to the government. While the government has made commitments to bring about changes, a cloud of uncertainty still looms over the world of puppy acquisition. 

One breed that has recently come under scrutiny is the XL Bully, often seen with cropped ears. It has sparked discussions about due diligence, responsible breeding, and the eventual behavioral problems that may manifest in these dogs. With several videos surfacing on social media depicting XL Bullies attacking people, the government has even voiced intentions to ban them by the end of the year. But, before we dive into the debate, let's look at some facts. 

Dr. Rivers provided some chilling statistics – 10 deaths due to dog bites and a staggering 22,000 cases of dog-inflicted injuries in the last year. In 2018, there were 16,000 such cases. That's a 6,000-case increase, raising questions about the responsibility of dog owners and the role of breed-specific legislation. 

The veterinary community has been grappling with the fallout from these statistics. Behaviors in dogs, largely a product of their environment, have come under scrutiny. The result? A debate that's polarized between those who believe that poorly cared for dogs can indeed become dangerous and those who argue that blaming a specific breed is too simplistic. 

XL Bullies are a case in point. This breed, formed by mixing different breeds to achieve a specific aesthetic, has blurred the lines between breeds like mastiffs, bulldogs, and staffords. Owners claim their dogs may look like XL Bullies but aren't. This complicates breed-specific legislation. 

The law currently allows police to confiscate XL Bullies without a warrant in public spaces, but the process can stretch for over a year, leaving dogs languishing in kennels. From a veterinary perspective, this can exacerbate any existing behavioral issues or instigate new ones. 

Christine Middlemiss, the UK Chief Vet, has proposed an amnesty for XL Bullies to prevent their piling up in kennels across the country. But given the historical flip-flopping on breed-specific legislation and the stubborn demand for certain aesthetics, it's questionable whether such bans will have the intended impact. 

There's no scientific evidence to suggest that XL Bullies or any breed, for that matter, are inherently aggressive. Rather, certain breeds may exhibit specific characteristics that need to be managed responsibly. Large dogs, whether within the current legislation or not, can pose similar risks when mishandled or misunderstood. 

Fabian, a voice in the veterinary community, stresses the need for education. It's time to shift our focus from aesthetics to overall dog welfare. It's about understanding that dogs, regardless of breed, come with diverse needs. We've created a cultural standard for them that might not always align with their best interests. 

The recent webinar delved deep into the complexities of dog ownership, licensing, and breed-specific legislation. It posed a critical question: How can we navigate this canine conundrum while ensuring the welfare of all dogs and responsible ownership? 

Is breed-specific legislation the answer, or should our focus shift towards educating owners about the holistic needs of their dogs? The veterinary community has a significant role to play in bridging the gap between breeders, owners, and the public, offering guidance and support for responsible dog ownership. 

As we grapple with these questions, one thing is clear – the well-being of our canine companions should always be at the forefront of our discussions. Let's continue the conversation and work towards a future where all dogs are cared for, regardless of breed, and where responsible ownership is the norm. How do you envision the future of dog ownership and legislation in our society?