In a bid to aid owners of XL bully dogs facing financial constraints in getting their pets neutered, three prominent welfare organizations—Battersea, Blue Cross, and the RSPCA—have come forward with plans to offer financial assistance. This initiative aims to support owners who have fulfilled the required conditions to retain their dogs after the impending ban takes effect.

However, amidst ongoing investigations into the tragic death of a suspected XL bully discovered in a south London alley over the Christmas period, the welfare groups have also raised concerns about an upsurge in abandonments.

Insufficient Government Compensation

Under the government's scheme, owners are eligible for a mere £200 compensation towards the cost of euthanizing an XL bully—an amount criticized as inadequate by many. Notably, there is no equivalent support for neutering, despite deadlines set in June and December for completion, depending on the dog's age when the ownership ban comes into force at the end of January.

Charitable Intervention

To address this gap, the charities' joint plan allocates up to £250 to assist in covering the costs of neutering eligible dogs. The Blue Cross group's Veterinary Care Fund will manage the scheme, set to launch on 5 February, with interim support provided by RSPCA vouchers for urgent cases. Owners must demonstrate completion of the necessary steps to exempt their dogs from the ownership ban.

Practices as Advocates

It is envisaged that veterinary practices would act as advocates, applying for funding on behalf of their clients online. Payments, varying based on gender and procedure, will be directly disbursed to the practices.

The joint letter, signed by RSPCA Chief Vet Caroline Allen, Blue Cross counterpart Paul Manktelow, and Battersea Operations Director Lucy Hastings, urges practices to assist owners in meeting exemption process requirements, emphasizing the importance of keeping pets and their owners together.

Rising Abandonments

With rescues no longer able to rehome XL bully-type dogs as of 31 December, the letter highlights the increasing trend of abandonments, adding pressure to the teams dealing with the distressing reality for these animals.

Tragic Incidents

The concerns are further underscored by recent tragic incidents, such as the discovery of a deceased dog believed to be an XL bully in Carshalton on 30 December. The RSPCA is appealing for information, describing the dog's disturbing injuries, including bound front legs set on fire, major head trauma, and a partially severed ear.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

While legal challenges to the ban persist, including a rejected injunction attempt by the High Court, the BVA, supported by the EFRA select committee, awaits a formal response from Defra regarding its proposal to extend the neutering deadline to June 2025 for dogs aged seven months or less when the ownership ban takes effect. The ongoing legal battles reflect the complexity and controversy surrounding the XL bully ownership ban.