A mass walk of XL Bully dogs has been organised in Birmingham, as owners hope to show off the fact that the ‘breed is not the problem’.
However, some have criticised one key aspect of the poster advertising the walk.
The XL Bully has been a source of great controversy recently after a number of attacks prompted the government to draw plans to have the breed placed on the banned dogs list.
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In response to those plans, a group of owners have planned a mass XL Bully walk in Birmingham on September 30, with the intention of showing how ‘gentle the breed really is’.
The advertisement online reads: "Bully meet - all dogs welcome. Wanna see as many people as possible.
"Bring as many people and kids as possible. Friendly walk!
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“We can't be stopped for walking our dogs.
"Let's show how gentle the XL Bully really is.
“Let's get this out there - anyone from Birmingham or surrounding areas turn up, let's prove people wrong!"
Speaking to Birmingham Live, Jake Harris - the operator of the 0121 Bullys Instagram and TikTok accounts – said that the meet-up was created because of the ‘need to show people that the XL Bullies are not the problem’.
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Harris said: "It’s all about the owners - I've got three XL Bullies and not one of them would hurt a soul.
"Yes, they might look big and scary but they are big family dogs!
“I’ve got my fingers crossed there will be a lot of families there.
"We need to stand up for our dogs. We need to show the government how friendly and loving our big dogs are."
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However, the meeting has been subject to criticism online, particularly the call for children to attend.
One person tweeted: “A mass XL Bully walk is being planned in Birmingham, with the organiser asking people to "bring as many people and kids as possible."
“Heaps of huge dogs in one place, with possibly the most sensory stimulus they've ever had - no way it could go wrong...”
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The exact meeting location is to be announced closer to the time, but the flyer suggests it will be within Birmingham’s B20 postcode.
LADbible has contacted West Midlands Police, who said: “We're aware of the planned event and are making efforts to contact the organisers to discuss their plans.”
Several animal charities have spoken out against the proposed addition of XL Bully dogs to the banned list, believing that banning entire breeds is not the best way to prevent attacks.
A spokesperson for the Dog Control Coalition – which is made up of the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Hope Rescue, Scottish SPCA, The Kennel Club and BVA – said: “The recent incidents are deeply distressing and our thoughts are with all those involved and affected.
“The biggest priority for everyone involved is to protect the public - but banning the breed will sadly not stop these types of incidents recurring.
“For 32 years, the Dangerous Dogs Act has focused on banning types of dog and yet has coincided with an increase in dog bites and the recent deaths show that this approach isn’t working.
“The UK Government must tackle the root issue by dealing with the unscrupulous breeders, who are putting profit before welfare, and the irresponsible owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control.
“The coalition urges the Prime Minister to work with them to fully understand the wide-reaching consequences of his decision to ban American bully XLs, which will have significant impacts on owners, the animal welfare sector, vets, law enforcement and the public.
“It is also critical that any policy designed to protect public safety is based on robust evidence and we are deeply concerned about the lack of data behind this decision and its potential to prevent dog bites.”
LADbible has contacted DEFRA - the government department responsible for banned dogs - for a comment.
Tom Wood